Standing firm since 1902, the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse casts its commanding gaze over the entrance to Port Phillip Bay—an essential beacon for mariners and an iconic destination for adventurers. Each year, the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Festival draws visitors eager to explore this working light tower, enjoy community events, and experience the rugged coastline that shapes the character of Point Lonsdale, Victoria.

The festival offers more than just history; it’s an invitation to engage with the outdoors where sea and land meet with bold clarity. Hiking around the lighthouse involves walking along exposed cliffs and forested paths that challenge you without overwhelming. The main walking loop is approximately 3 kilometers, with modest elevation gains around 50 meters. Terrain varies from paved walkways by the foreshore to gravel trails cutting through native bush, where winds off the Bass Strait dare you to keep pace.

Visitors can climb the lighthouse itself during guided sessions, a vertical ascent of roughly 40 meters that rewards with panoramic ocean views and a tangible sense of the lighthouse’s purposeful strength. The fresh salt air, the ever-shifting surf, and the sturdy limestone cliffs are elements that seem alive, pushing and pulling on your senses.

The festival atmosphere breaks up the ruggedness with live music, local food stalls, and artisan markets showcasing coastal crafts. For those planning the trip, mornings offer cooler temperatures and calmer winds, ideal for photography and walking. Hydration is key—bring enough water, and sturdy footwear is recommended to navigate the uneven surfaces safely.

Whether you’re here to soak in maritime history or chase the thrill of the coast’s natural forces, this festival spot blends adventure with accessible cultural engagement. The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Festival invites you to meet a fiercely alive landscape on its own terms, to respect the ways it shapes and challenges all who come near.