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Tales of the Cape

Intriguing stories of how it all began.

Be inspired by the rich and intruiging history of the Cape Otway Lightstation, those who lived and worked there and the surrounding area.

 

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The First Motor Car at Cape Otway Lighthouse

The First Motor Car at Cape Otway Lighthouse

A daring feat! The first ever 'road trip' to Cape Otway Lighthouse! The first motor car to reach Cape Otway Lighthouse was a Model-T Ford driven by Bill Gratton Wilson in February 1932. Getting a motor car to the Lightstation in those days was no easy feat, but Bill,...

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Cape Otway School

Cape Otway School

Since 1848 children have always played a part of life at Cape Otway Lightstation – even today as curious visitors and school groups. Initially the children of the people working here were home-schooled, until 1881 when the official State school No. 2352 was opened in...

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Horses

Horses

The first motor vehicle was not seen at Cape Otway until 1932. For well into the 20th century, horses were the main means of transport for those working at the Lightstation, their families and visitors. In the 19th century, the horses used by the Keepers were...

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Supplies

Supplies

In the 19th Century the community at Cape Otway Lightstation; were supplied every 6-12 months. These supplies included food staples such as rice, flour, sugar, vinegar, preserved meat, tea & alcohol, all of which had to be rationed. Until the start of the 20th...

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Washed up on shore

Washed up on shore

Due to the frequent storms and strong currents around Cape Otway we often see unusual objects washed up on the shoreline. The Lighthouse Keepers, Telegraph Operators and their families living here often discovered items as they walked the coastline, sometimes they had...

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