McCrae Lighthouse: A Coastal Beacon

McCrae Lighthouse, also known as the Eastern Light or South Channel Lighthouse, is a captivating piece of maritime history on the Mornington Peninsula. Built in England in 1874 and assembled in McCrae in 1883, this 33.5-meter tall lighthouse is one of the few remaining of its kind in Australia and the tallest in Port Phillip Bay.Originally, a timber structure served as the McCrae Lighthouse from 1854. It was later moved to Arthurs Seat to serve as a lookout. The current lighthouse, constructed by Chance Brothers & Co, guided mariners through the South Channel, a crucial shipping route. Decommissioned in 1994 after modern navigational aids were introduced, the lighthouse no longer actively guides ships. However, it remains a significant landmark, with recent restoration efforts ensuring its preservation for future generations.Visitors can explore the Lighthouse Reserve, which surrounds the base of the structure, offering picturesque views of McCrae Beach, colorful boathouses, and native trees. Although public access inside the lighthouse is not generally available, the site provides a glimpse into the region's maritime heritage and a beautiful spot to enjoy the coastal scenery.