The region’s treacherous section of coast has claimed more than 180 ships in its colourful maritime heritage and you can take a tour of one of the many historic lighthouses open to the public including the Cape Otway Lighthouse, Lady Bay Warrnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet and Cape Nelson Lightstation near Portland.

Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving and most important lighthouse in mainland Australia. Built in 1848, the lighthouse perches on towering sea cliffs where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide. Hundreds of lives were lost in shipwrecks off Cape Otway – a sad but fascinating history which led to the building of the Lightstation on the coast at the foot of the impenetrable forests of the Otways.

Split Point Lighthouse between Lorne and Anglesea at Aireys Inlet has 45-minute guided tours, including a climb up its spiral staircase beneath the lantern room. The lighthouse featured in the TV program Round the Twist. It was originally constructed in 1891.

Cape Nelson Lighthouse protects the other end of the Shipwreck Coast. Although not as majestic as Cape Otway or Split Point light houses, it is definitely worth a visit if you are heading between Portland Bay and the Discovery Bay Coastal Park. You can climb the tower for grand views and visit the historic house here.

The historic Port Fairy Lighthouse has an element of enchantment. Originally built in 1959 out of bluestone materials, it has guided large fishing fleets safely to shore ever since. The lighthouse is set amongst the rocky shores of Griffiths Island, which is located at the mouth of the Moyne River at Port Fairy.

In Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is home to the heritage-listed Ladby Bay lighthouses, built in 1858. Here you can find a maritime museum and outdoor village with Australia’s richest shipwreck collection.