Cape Otway ghost tour illuminates a dark past

Paranormal converts and sceptics alike are bound to feel a chill at the International Lighthouse Weekend celebrations when they hear the stories of Kathrine Evans and Mrs Riches.

The two pioneering women faced unforgiving living conditions, grief and loss during their time as lightkeepers' wives at Australia's most significant lighthouse in the 1800s. Lightstation manager Paul Thompson said the ghost tour would include theatrical performances combined with real stories of extraordinary lives and unexplained happenings at the heritage precinct.

"There are many theories on ghosts, whether they really exist and whether they are in fact spirits who have passed out of their physical body and are trapped in this world as a result of a tragedy or trauma," Mr Thompson said.

"We hold these ghost tours just once a year and there are always people who feel a sensitivity towards some of the characters who have lived and maybe haunted the Cape over the centuries.

"The tour provides a great once a year opportunity to explore the Lightstation grounds after dark, see the new light in action and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner in the cafe."

The weekend's activities will also include the chance to win a Telstra phone by text messaging a friend faster than the Morse Code Operators can despatch the same message in dots and dashes.

The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village will be commemorating the weekend with a range of activities.

Kicking off on Saturday from 5pm, the historic Steam Packet Inn will be open, with maritime folk music being performed.

At 7pm a bonfire will be lit overlooking Lady Bay to recreate the first form of lighthouses. There will also be a range of special tours as well as an afternoon tea and talk on the Sunday.