FOR more than a century, grand lighthouses dotted along Victoria's rugged coastline were the first sign of land for many immigrants to our shores.
Though many hundreds of lives were lost in shipwrecks, the lighthouses protected countless others.
With round-the-clock surveillance needed, three families would live in cottages built at the foot of the lighthouse, ensuring three shifts each day were covered.
But as technology developed, lighthouses became more mechanised and most were unstaffed by the 1990s.
Now, visitors can stay in many of the homes once occupied by lighthouse-keeping families. Many are hosting special events to celebrate International Lighthouse Weekend tomorrow and Sunday.
MORE > www.lighthouse.net.au
Cape Nelson, Portland
About 11km south of Portland, the white-painted bluestone lighthouse was built in 1884.
Visitors can get a sense of the era by staying in its two lightstation cottages, which opened this year after a two-year restoration.
Parks Victoria lessees Rob and Margaret Hunt fell in love with the lighthouse during their regular wanders along the Great South West Walk. Margaret says the original feel of the cottages was re-created with advice from a local historian.
Accommodation costs $180 a night for one bedroom and $250 a night for two bedrooms, and includes a full breakfast.
MORE > 5523 5100 or email lighthouseluxury@activ8.net.au
Cape Otway,
Apollo Bay
The Cape Otway Lightstation lays claim to being the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia, operating since 1848.
At the heart of the Great Ocean Walk in the Great Otway National Park, the lightstation precinct features a World War II radar bunker and telegraph station. It's a great vantage point for whale watching until October.
It is open daily and tours cost $16.50 for adults, $7.50 kids and family $41.50. Up to 16 people can stay at the Head Keeper's Cottage and the manager's house fits up to 14 people.
The B&B style option costs $195 a night. Multi-nights with large groups can start from $30 a person.
``The longer you stay and the more people the cheaper it gets,'' manager Paul Thompson says.
MORE > www.lightstation.com
Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula
Set in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and its museum, which is in a former lightkeeper's cottage, are open to the public.
Built in 1859, it still has the original lighting mechanisms in place. The area is popular with families, golfers, walkers and lighthouse history enthusiasts. Tours and packages include helicopter rides to nearby wineries.
Beds are available in the two assistant keepers' cottages, which sleep up to nine people. There is also an inspector's cottage suitable for a couple. Rates are $150 a double at weekends, and $100 a double during the week.
MORE > www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
www.austpacinns.com.au
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Wilsons Promontory
Located at Tidal River, three lightkeepers' cottages provide dormitory-style accommodation for up to 27 people.
But a visit is not for the faint hearted. All bed linen (sleeping bags recommended) and food must be carried in on the 18km walk from Tidal River. And you have take your rubbish out with you.
Still, people book up to 12 months in advance for the experience.
It will set you back between $47 and $87 each a night, depending on the day of the week and which cottage you stay in.
MORE > www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Point Hicks
Set in Croajingolong National Park, the lighthouse owes its name to Lieutenant Zachariah Hicks, who was sailing with Captain James Cook when they saw the area in 1770.
By 1890 the remote lighthouse settlement, complete with three houses for the keepers, was complete.
Tours are available free when you stay but visitors can join a tour Friday to Monday at 1pm. Adults $7 and family $20. Visitors can stay in the two assistant lightkeepers' cottages which each sleep up to eight. A bungalow is suited to a couple.
Take your own food -- the nearest shop is an hour by car at Cann River -- but you can rent linen.
Rates depend on the season, day of the week and accommodation choice. The cottages are around $330 a night and the bungalow $100.
MORE > www.pointhicks.com.au or www.gippslandlakesescapes.com.au
Gabo Island, Mallacoota
The distinctive pink granite Gabo Island Lighthouse stands on the border where Victoria meets NSW.
The island, which can only be reached by air or sea, is home to bird colonies such as little penguins.
Accommodation is available in one of the assistant keeper's cottages for two to seven nights. The cottage can sleep up to eight in three bedrooms. Rates vary by day of the week and season from $178.50-$227 a night.
MORE > www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Lady Bay Upper and Lower lighthouses, Warrnambool
Still active, the lighthouses have been protecting the Warrnambool Harbour from roaring southern oceans for more than 150 years. Part of the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, there is an admission fee for the Lady Bay Upper lighthouse but the Lower Lighthouse is off limits.
Flagstaff Village manager Peter Abbott says the Lighthouse Lodge, built in 1911, opened to guests in March. Guests can book out the whole lodge, accommodating six people, from $355 a night.
The lighthouses are an easy stroll to the city centre. Admission to the village is $15.95 adults, $12.50 children and $39 family.
MORE > www.flagstaffhill.com
Split Point,
Airey's Inlet
At 34m high, the lighthouse was built after as many as 10 shipwrecks on the Surf Coast before 1890. It was originally called Eagles Nest Point but changed to Split Point in 1913.
Because it is a functioning lighthouse access is only via a tour, which operates daily. Adults are $12 children $7 and family $35.
The lighthouse was the setting for the kids' TV show Round the Twist and provides 360-degree views. It also offers school-holiday programs.
MORE > www.splitpointlighthouse.com.au
Point Lonsdale
The lighthouse celebrated its centenary in 2002 and is thought to be among the last manned lighthouses in Australia. You can visit the lighthouse on a pre-booked tour. Tours operate from mid morning to early afternoon and run for half an hour. But you have to be reasonably fit to tackle the steep stairs and must wear solid footwear. There are eight people a tour and children under five years and people with pacemakers are not allowed. Adults $6, kids $4.
MORE > www.maritimequeenscliffe.org.au
