Cape Nelson an electric lighthouse

Cape Nelson Lighthouse Portland, Victoria, Australia

Located only ten minutes from Portland upon the rugged cliffs of Cape Nelson, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse precinct comprises the 35 meter tall lighthouse, the cosy Isabella's cafe, and two exquisitely renovated assistant lighthouse keeper's cottages available as accommodation.
These historic buildings have been elegantly restored and now comprise two separate two-bedroom cottages.The cottages are ideal for a secluded couple's get away, families, or groups! The precinct is located within Cape Nelson State Park and is surrounded by spectacular views, excellent walking tracks, and tours of the historic lighthouse run daily.

Cape Nelson Lighthouse Portland, Victoria, Australia

About the area: Cape Nelson is a well known whale spotting area - observe from the cliffs or climb to the top of the lighthouse to spot southern wright whales in the middle of the year and blue whales in summer months! Dolphins and seals are sometimes spotted in the water as well! As we are located on the Great South West Walk, we are surrounded by kilometers of walking tracks through bush, beaches and cliffs. The area is rich in native wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies, echidnas, koalas, and is close to Australia's only mainland Gannet breeding colony.

The beaches around Portland are also well known for having great surf for all levels at any time of year, so make sure to bring boards and wetsuits!

Cape Nelson Lighthouse Portland, Victoria, Australia

The Cape Nelson Lighthouse stands within Cape Nelson National Park a little south of Portland in Victoria, Australia. It is one of the attractions in the park, which also offers cliff and nature walks with several BBQ and picnic areas.

This is an electric lighthouse with flashing lights and a range of 21 nautical miles, operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. It was only connected to mains power in 1987. In 1985, at the peak of the 'Russian Scare', a 2.1 metres long telescope with a 10 centimetres lens was installed within Cape Nelson Lighthouse to scan the horizon for 'passing ships of hostile intent'. The telescope is still at the lighthouse.

Cape Nelson lighthouse used to have some accommodation for visitors, but is currently closed. The next nearest lighthouses are Whalers Bluff Lighthouse to the north at Portland and Cape Northumberland to the west in South Australia.