The 32m high lighthouse with a white painted bluestone tower is only 15 minutes south of Portland and has two residences built in the 1880s. The lighthouse was first lit in 1884. In 1934 the light was upgraded to electric operation.

Cape Nelson Lighthouse - Portland visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Cape Nelson Lighthouse' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Victoria.

The Cape Nelson Lighthouse stands within Cape Nelson National Park a little south of Portland in Victoria, Australia. It is one of the attractions in the park, which also offers cliff and nature walks with several BBQ and picnic areas.

This is an electric lighthouse with flashing lights and a range of 21 nautical miles, operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. It was only connected to mains power in 1987. In 1985, at the peak of the 'Russian Scare', a 2.1 metres long telescope with a 10 centimetres lens was installed within Cape Nelson Lighthouse to scan the horizon for 'passing ships of hostile intent'. The telescope is still at the lighthouse.

Cape Nelson lighthouse used to have some accommodation for visitors, but is currently closed. The next nearest lighthouses are Whalers Bluff Lighthouse to the north at Portland and Cape Northumberland to the west in South Australia.

Cape Nelson Lighthouse
1138 Cape Nelson Road
Portland, Victoria Australia
3305

Road: Cape Nelson Lighthouse is 15 minutes south of Portland and just 1 hour from Port Fairy.