Cape Otway
Cape Otway is one of many famous stops along the Great Ocean Road. Why? I guess because there’s so much to do and so much to see. You are close to accesses to great walks in the Great Otway National Park such as the track to the Phantom Falls. Also the famous Great Ocean Walk, which has an extension of far more than 100 km leads you through Cape Otway. Birdwatching, Horse Trail riding, Mountainbiking, Kayaking only to name a few of Otways recreational activities. It’s somewhat endless to write down every single activity but HERE you can check out what you favor.
On our way to Cape Otway
However, we had only limited time and headed straight to the Lighthouse at the tip of Cape Otway. On our way we were so lucky to see a handful of wild koalas. As we learned, those animals are usually quite lazy. Thus most of the day, they’re asleep. The more excited we had been, when we spotted one koala which energetically climbed from branch to branch. I thought he was showing off a little bit, or maybe he was simply looking for some delicious leaves to eat. Anyways, we took some nice picures and enjoyed those moments fully. After a while we moved on towards the lighthouse.
As we arrived, I have to admit, we were shocked that they asked for 17$ admission.
Is the Otway lighthouse worth 17$?
Obviously we couldn’t answer that question before finding it out for ourselves. We decided to pay, got handed over a map and studied it carefully. Alright, it’s not only a lighthouse. It is history, a few exhibitions and a small „center“ where you can learn about Aboriginal heritage. Well, that sounds interesting. We walked the roundtrip clockwise and passed a „movie theatre“ where a movie is played. It gives you all kind of information about findings of dinosaurs artefacts. In fact, there were some leftovers right next to that little house, which you can examine yourself. Furthermore they have an exhibition in the former transmitting house. Hard to believe so many people worked and lived in this place not too long ago. Not too long before that, Aborigines had lived in this area. Where had they gone? Hm.
The lighthouse is beautiful. It exactly looks like the one you could buy as a postcard motive. Traditional could be the right description. We climbed up its narrow an steep staircase and entered a tiny room. A man is sitting here and apparently taking care of visitors. I asked him whether he had sighted some whales these days. Last sighting had been made on June 25th, only 3 days ago. However, no sightings since then. I have to admit, I was a little sad.
As some other visitors left the viewing platform, we entered it and were almost blown away – literally. It was so windy, I struggled to walk straight. As expected, the view was stunning. The sea was rough, the coastline beautiful and the ocean seemed endless. It was a pleasure to take some nice pictures, even though it turned out to be quite difficult with that extend of wind.
Jeani and I walked towards the Aboriginal spot and noticed a hut-like stone built house. Smoke was coming out of it. We entered the hut and looked around. Here, the map said, we could gather some information about Aboriginal culture. There was a man sitting, but he seemed a little reluctant. I studied the map of Australia with all those different marked territories, but honestly I didn’t understand the scheme. I decided to ask him and from this moment Jeani and I got drawn into another world.
Dale was his name and a simple question transformed into a very long, intense and interesting conversation. When he explained what Australia looked like a long time ago, before the settlement, he told the story as if he’d be one of this Aboriginal tribe. He visualised their rites and traditions, told us about earlier 800 languages and songs as a common language inbetween different tribes. For a moment I wondered: „Is he telling his own story? Can’t be, he doesn’t look like an Aboriginal, neither does he look like living in a hut.“ His tellings were full of life. He’s definately in the right spot. Hopefully they will hold on to him for a long time. At this point we knew: 17$ admission is justified. Adding up the exhibitions, the charming cafe and this awesome moments right there in the hut, we did it correctly by going in here. Our conversation transformed into a very honest, insighting and interesting talk. We enjoyed every minute of it. We can’t believe more than one hour had passed by so quickly, but yeah..it did. I am sure we could have kept talking until sunsunset, but unfortunately we didn’t have the time – which was a shame.
I usually don’t write blogspots on just someone, but he made us think. He gave us a real insight. We widened some viewing angles on particular matters. But mostly I loved that recognition that somehow all of us are foreigners. Or maybe we’e not? Colour doesn’t mean anything after all – well at least it shouldn’t! The whole world is a melting pot – and that’s not a bad thing at all. So many questions had been asked and so many conclusions had been made.
What is life about?
I think it is about meeting people. It’s about meeting different people, too. What would we be learning hanging out only with ourselves? Not much, that I am sure of. So far I can tell, that I have learned most from „foreign“ people, from different cultures. Talking to „foreigners“ widenes my perception of many aspects in life. And yeah, this one meant a lot to us! Thank you Dale.
Whoever is going to Visit Cape Otway, I hope you are spending your 17$ and have a great time -just as we did!
Dale, in case you read this: We should have taken a picture with you! I wish I could give this article a face. Take care :-) we’ll hopefully meet again!
one way to happiness 
It is so wonderful to see and to read that you explore so much new and interesting and mind opening things.
I am really happy for you that you both are able to explore all these things together..and I am actually a bit jealous :) But I can explore all these aspects and emotions through the both of you, Thank you for that at this point,
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