Originally called Eagles Nest Point, the lighthouse was constructed in 1891. For 27 years, three lighthouse keepers worked at this remote location, ensuring the light was operating well and communicating with ships via a number of code systems. The lighthouse still has its original construction with a wonderful staircase and timber fittings. The lantern still operates having had more than three different light sources over its history. The tower was converted to automatic operation in 1919, using acetylene gas to provide the illumination. It was upgraded to electric operation in 1972. The keepers' cottages and stables form an intrinsic part of the lighthouse precinct. The original British-made Chance Brothers first order Fresnel lens is still in use. However, the factory in Birmingham, where the lens was built, was bombed during war-time and the essential formula for making the unique lens crystal was lost, should a replacement ever be needed. The fixed-light lantern still lights the way for thousands of vessels using a combination of lighting colors. Under standard Australian lighthouse convention, red filters would usually be placed to the extreme left and right of the beam. For reasons unknown, the Split Point Lighthouse operated for a number of years under the opposite system; although this has now been corrected. The Split Point lighthouse is 34 metres tall and stands 66 metres above sea level.
Today
The stunning Split Point lighthouse is located in Federal Street Aireys Inlet and helps to guide ships and other craft along the Victorian coast between Cape Otway and the entrance to Port Philip at Point Lonsdale. The lighthouse is easily accessible from the Great Ocean Road. Since summer 2005, a commercial operator has been offering regular tours, during which visitors have the chance to climb the original staircase and experience the view from the balcony at the lantern room. Four landings provide stops along the way up and make for an accessible climb. The wonderful old photographs highlight the lives of the keepers, shipwrecks and the construction of the Great Ocean Road. Tours can be self- guided or are led by trained staff who tell great stories of the lighthouse keepers and early shipwrecks, explain the operation of the light and communication systems, and introduce thousands of Round the Twist fans to the filming operations at this lighthouse. The lighthouse is open every day. Check the website for current opening times. Views extend to the horizon and offer a 360 degree view of this stunning coast. The original lighthouse keepers' quarters, two detached houses adjacent to the tower, are now privately owned residences. The original stables and work room are now a cafe.
Popular culture
The popular children's television seriesRound the Twist used the area around the Split Point Lighthouse for many external scenes. The lighthouse features prominently as the scene of a murder in Arthur Upfield's detective novel, The New Shoe featuring his famous detective Napoleon Bonaparte. The lighthouse was also featured in the filming of the 2003 filmDarkness Falls. Additionally, a Masterchef episode was filmed here. The lighthouse is regularly filmed for tourism and advertising shoots and is the location for marriage proposals and weddings.
