After a stone lighthouse was constructed at Queenscliff in the 1860s, the old wooden structure was dismantled and rebuilt at Point Lonsdale in 1867. In 1902 it was replaced by the current structure which stands 120 m above sea-level, radiating light for 30 km out to sea. It is manned 24 hours a day and is equipped with meteorological equipment, rendering it an important link in local weather forecasting. Tours of the lighthouse explain the history of this and other local lighthouses and the nature of the channel through which ships must pass to enter Port Phillip Bay. They are conducted at half-hourly intervals every Sunday from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and more frequently in school and public holidays.
Prior bookings are essential.
A cliff walk leads west to Point Lonsdale Lookout. Buckley's Cave Another cliff walk from the base of the lighthouse leads to Buckley's Cave. The convicts made their way around to the Bellarine Peninsula but starvation loomed and two of the men vanished while attempting to return. He learned their language and customs, married, had a daughter and lived in the Point Lonsdale area until 1835. One of his dwellings is thought to have been this cave.