Cape Schanck Lightstation - Heritage Icons Project
Project status
The above timeline is a current projection and will be subject to assessments, permits, and on-ground and construction industry conditions.
Current status: A current conditions survey and initial site investigations have now been completed. We're currently reviewing a preliminary cost plan for the project to help determine the scope of works. Once the scope has been confirmed, the project will enter the Design Development phase.
Last updated: May 2024
The project
This project is being delivered on the Traditional Lands of the Bunurong people.
Perched atop the rocky cliffs of Mornington Peninsula National Park, the lightstation complex is home to the historic Cape Schanck lighthouse and lightkeeper’s quarters.
The lighthouse was built from locally quarried limestone and is one of the oldest in Victoria – its flashing light helping to guide thousands of ships safely across the choppy seas of the Bass Strait since 1859. In fact, the tower’s original glass lens is one of very few in Australia that remains intact and in use today.
Close to Melbourne, families at Cape Schanck weren’t as isolated as many other lightkeepers across the country. However, provisions were still only delivered to the Dromana pier just twice a year until the late 1930s.
Today, the lightstation welcomes visitors from far and wide who climb the 21-metre lighthouse and take in the spectacular ocean views and even spot whales during their winter migration. One of the lightkeeper’s cottages has even been turned into a museum for visitors to learn about the unique history of the precinct.
The project will deliver important conservation works to rectify structural damage with the goal of reopening areas of the heritage-listed lightkeeper’s quarters that are currently closed to the public.
Project benefits
Community and visitors
By reopening areas of the lightkeepers’ cottage, these conservation works will help ensure this important structure remains protected for many years to come – enabling the community to continue to visit Cape Schanck and learn about its rich history.
Economy
The Heritage Icons projects are expected to create around 80 jobs over four years, many in specialist trades. Works will also support Victoria’s tourism industry by preserving and protecting this historical site for visitors at home and right across the world.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing $1 million to repair the Cape Schanck Lightstation.
Environment and cultural heritage management
Parks Victoria will undertake relevant assessments during this project to identify and protect environmental and cultural values. Necessary permits and approvals will be sought before any works commence.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks.
While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.
Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually.
We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.
When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Access changes
There are currently no access changes to the lightstation. Parks Victoria will provide ample notice of any impacts to the public prior to construction commencing on site.
Related information
News August 2023: Historic lightstations, forts and mansions to get a new lease on life
Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
Mornington Peninsula National Park