A must-see attraction which acts as a stunning sentinel on the Shipwreck Coast
TL;DR
Split Point Lighthouse is a working lighthouse in Aireys Inlet on the Great Ocean Road, open for guided tours on weekends and school holidays. It’s best known as the filming location for Round the Twist, and from the top you get 360-degree views of the coast, including occasional whale sightings.
Before it became a tourist stop, Split Point Lighthouse had one job: keep ships off the rocks. It did that job from 1891 and still does it today, every night, operating on automatic since 1919. Most visitors come for Round the Twist. Some come for the views. A few don’t know either and are pleasantly surprised.
It sits at Aireys Inlet, about 100km west of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road. If you’re doing the coast in a day, it lands early on the route and makes a good first stop before heading further west.
The Background of Split Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1891, originally at a point known as Eagle Nest Point. At 34 metres tall, the tower itself rises from a cliff that sits 66 metres above sea level. Both figures get quoted online, often without explanation. They’re both correct: one is the tower height, the other is the elevation from sea level. You see a long way from the top for both reasons.
It was automated in 1919 and ran without staff for decades. The site opened to the public in 2005 under management by Eco-Logic. The light still operates every night.
What You’ll See
The lighthouse is immediately recognisable: white tower, red cap, cliff edge. From the top, the views cover the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, the Great Ocean Road winding west, and on a clear day, Phillip Island to the east.
Rock pools sit at the base of the cliff. There’s also a replica bark hut on the grounds, the kind Aireys Inlet’s earliest European residents lived in. Worth a look.
Whale and dolphin spotting from the balcony is possible during migration season, typically May to October for humpbacks heading north, and again on the return south from around August. Nothing is guaranteed, but the elevation makes it one of the better vantage points on this stretch of coast.
One note: if it’s very windy, access to the top of the tower may be restricted. Worth checking ahead if you’re visiting specifically for the views.
Tour Option and Pricing
Both self-guided and guided tours are available. The guided tour costs $12.50 for adults and $11.00 for children aged 5 to 16. Children need to be at least 5 years old and able to manage the staircase independently.
Tours run on weekends and school holidays, 9am to 5pm in summer and 11am to 3pm in winter. Weekday visits are possible but require a minimum group of four. Duration is around 30 minutes.
There’s a cafe on site, open every day.
Round the Twist
If you grew up watching Australian kids’ TV, you know this lighthouse. Round the Twist was an ABC series that aired from 1990, following a family living in a lighthouse with a steady stream of supernatural happenings. The show was later adapted as a book and a theatre production. It still has a devoted following, and a meaningful portion of visitors come specifically to stand in front of this lighthouse.
The site has also appeared on Summer Love, Sunrise, Travel Guides, and MasterChef.
The Lighthouse Discovery Trail
There’s a 2.2km walking trail called the Lighthouse Discovery Trail that loops through bushland around the lighthouse. It’s an easy grade, suitable for most fitness levels. If you want to extend the stop beyond the tower visit, it’s worth the extra 45 minutes or so.
The clifftop can be cold even in summer. Pack a jacket regardless of the weather forecast.
Plan It as Part of the Day
Split Point Lighthouse sits early on the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, making it a natural first major stop before heading further west toward Lorne, Apollo Bay, and eventually the 12 Apostles. Great Ocean Road Melbourne Tours includes Aireys Inlet on its full-day itinerary, so you can take in the lighthouse and keep moving without worrying about navigation or timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Split Point Lighthouse tour cost?
$12.50 for adults, $11.00 for children aged 5 to 16.
What are the opening hours for Split Point Lighthouse?
Weekends and school holidays: 9am to 5pm in summer, 11am to 3pm in winter. Weekday visits require a minimum group of four.
What is Split Point Lighthouse famous for?
It’s the filming location for Round the Twist, the ABC kids’ series from the early 1990s. It’s also a working lighthouse with 360-degree coastal views and whale-spotting potential during migration season.
Can you walk to the top of Split Point Lighthouse?
Yes. The guided tour includes climbing the original staircase to the lantern room and out onto the balcony. Children need to be at least 5 and able to manage the stairs. Access may be restricted on very windy days.
Is Split Point Lighthouse the one from Round the Twist?
Yes. Round the Twist was filmed here. Many visitors make the trip specifically to see it in person.
How long does a visit to Split Point Lighthouse take?
The guided tour runs about 30 minutes. Add the Lighthouse Discovery Trail and you’re looking at around 90 minutes to two hours for the full stop.
Can you see whales from Split Point Lighthouse?
Yes, during migration season. Humpback whales pass this stretch of coast typically between May and October. The balcony at the top of the lighthouse is a good vantage point.
