Discover the Magic of Cape Schanck Lighthouse: April 2025 School Holiday Tours

A Local Adventure Awaits These School Holidays

Looking for something different to do with the kids these April school holidays? Just a short drive from Mornington, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse School Holiday Tours are running throughout April 2025 and offer the perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure for the whole family.

Perched on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, the iconic Cape Schanck Lighthouse is one of Victoria’s oldest and most picturesque lighthouses. It’s also a great way to get the kids off screens and out exploring – and yes, there’s a real lighthouse climb involved!

What to Expect from the Tours

The April tours are designed with families in mind. Guided by passionate local historians, each tour is interactive and engaging – perfect for curious kids and adults alike.

Tour Highlights:

• Climb the original 1859 lighthouse tower

• Hear stories of shipwrecks, storms, and lighthouse keepers

• Explore the museum and historic quarters

• Enjoy panoramic coastal views from the top

• Nature walks through the surrounding National Park

Tour Dates:
April 1st – April 27th, 2025
Tours run daily at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm

Bookings are essential. This is a popular holiday activity, so it’s best to reserve your spot early.

Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

Let’s be honest – school holiday activities need to be fun and easy for parents too. Cape Schanck ticks all the boxes. It’s nearby, affordable, and gives kids a hands-on look at our local history. Plus, the surrounding walking trails and lookouts mean you can make a full day of it.

The tours include age-appropriate storytelling and there’s plenty of space for kids to explore. Many parents say it’s a great balance of education and entertainment – and an easy way to sneak a bit of learning into the school break.

The Lighthouse’s Fascinating History

Built in 1859, Cape Schanck Lighthouse is the second-oldest working lighthouse in Victoria. Before modern navigation systems, this lighthouse was a lifeline for ships navigating the treacherous Bass Strait. Over the years, it’s seen storms, shipwrecks, and some remarkable tales of survival.

The April 2025 tours have been refreshed with a new focus on stories that will captivate younger audiences, including:

• The day the telegraph line brought news of gold

• What lighthouse keepers ate (and how they got it!)

• Shipwreck rescue missions

• How the lighthouse light works – past and present

A Must-Visit Mornington Peninsula Experience

For locals and tourists alike, Cape Schanck Lighthouse offers one of the most scenic and historic experiences on the Peninsula. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the first time, this is one of those “hidden in plain sight” gems worth rediscovering.

And with the tours tailored specifically for the April school holidays, it’s the ideal time to visit.

Making a Day of It

After the tour, enjoy a picnic in the surrounding Mornington Peninsula National Park or take a walk along the Boardwalk to Pulpit Rock. The coastal views are stunning and the trails are family-friendly.

Nearby attractions worth visiting on the same day:

• Bushrangers Bay – a scenic walk with wildlife sightings

• Fingal Picnic Area – BBQ facilities and open spaces for a relaxed lunch

• Rye and Sorrento – perfect for an afternoon swim or fish and chips

Tips for Visiting

• Book in advance. Tours often sell out during the holidays.

• Wear sturdy shoes. You’ll be climbing steps and walking on uneven paths.

• Pack snacks and water. There are limited facilities on-site.

• Bring a jacket. It can get windy at the top of the lighthouse, even in April.

• Camera or phone is a must. The views are unforgettable.

How to Get There

Cape Schanck is around a 25-minute drive from central Mornington, located at the southern end of the Peninsula. Simply follow Boneo Road all the way down – there’s free parking available on-site.

Address:
420 Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck VIC 3939

Support Local – Why It Matters

School holiday events like this not only give families something to look forward to – they also support local jobs, tourism, and heritage preservation. Every ticket sold helps maintain this historic site and ensures its stories are passed down to the next generation.

As a local business, we love promoting events that connect our community and showcase what makes the Mornington Peninsula so special.

Bookings and Pricing

Bookings can be made online via the Parks Victoria website or on-site (subject to availability).

Prices:

• Adults: $16 (15 YEARS +)

• Children (3-14): $9

• Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): $4

Concession and group rates are also available.

Book Tickets : parks.vic.gov.au

Perfect for Locals, Visitors, and Day-Trippers

Whether you’re a long-time local or heading down for the day, this is one of those experiences that stays with you. The views alone are worth it – but it’s the storytelling that brings the place to life.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse is one of the few places where kids can truly step into history. And with the April 2025 tours specifically designed for families, now’s the perfect time to go.

Other School Holiday Ideas in Mornington

If you’re planning a week full of activities, here are a few more options that pair well with a lighthouse visit:

• Moonlit Sanctuary – get up close with native animals

• The Big Goose – farm fun for little ones

• Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery – kids’ workshops and art

• Peninsula Hot Springs – twilight bathing for the grown-ups

• Enchanted Adventure Garden – tree surfing and tube slides

Final Thoughts

Cape Schanck Lighthouse is a local treasure, and the April school holiday tours are the perfect way to experience it. It’s educational without being boring, scenic without being too remote, and fun for all ages.

At McNeill Real Estate, we love highlighting what makes the Mornington Peninsula such a great place to live and explore. If you're looking for something memorable to do these school holidays – this is it.

Quick Recap

• 📍 Where: Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

• 📅 When: April 1–27, 2025

• ⏰ Tours: Daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm

• 💵 Cost:  $16 Adult (15 years +), $9 Child (3 - 14 years), $45 Family (2 Adults, 2 Children).

• 🎟️ Bookings: Required – via Parks Victoria

• 🧒 Perfect for: Families with kids aged 5–15

• 📷 Don’t forget: Your camera, jacket & sense of adventure

If you'd like help planning your visit or exploring what else Mornington has to offer this April, feel free to reach out. We're local – and happy to help.

Stay tuned for more local events and school holiday ideas on our blog.