Visit coastal Queenscliff to revel in the combination of heritage housing and modern-day adventure activities. This lovely township of a few thousand residents sits near The Rip, a treacherous sea passage into Port Phillip Bay. Since the 19th century, Queenscliff has enjoyed popularity with holiday makers and played a vital role in guiding ships safely towards Melbourne.
Find the heart of town around Hesse Street, where clothing and souvenir shops line the pavements. This area exemplifies Queenscliff's contrasting eras, with trendy designer buildings alongside Victorian-era houses. Admire the Vue Grand Hotel, an ornate 19th-century construction that preserves the town’s architectural history.
Delve into Queenscliff's seafaring past at the Maritime Museum or learn about the town's first settlers at the Historic Museum. Spend a few hours on a guided tour of Fort Queenscliff and discover its defensive function during World War II. This spectacular estate has commanding views of Port Phillip Bay.
Live this history with some family fun on the Bellarine Railway. This restored stretch of track gives you the chance to ride a steam-powered train through pretty coastal scenery. Be sure to stop by the Queenscliff White Lighthouse, which has guided ships through The Rip for centuries, and the Black Lighthouse, built from dark bluestone.
After a historic tour, enjoy the pristine beaches that surround Queenscliff on all sides. To the north, take a snorkelling tour, with the possibility of seeing dolphins and seals. Guided boat tours are the best way to see coastal landmarks around Queenscliff.
At sunset, drink at an old-style pub or savour a seafood dinner at a restaurant around Queenscliff Harbour. The ferry route from here provides easy access to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula across the bay.
Queenscliff is located south of Melbourne at the tip of the Bellarine peninsula. The drive there takes 90 minutes.
Visit the town during Easter to join a seafood-themed Good Friday feast held in town. Alternatively, rock out to international acts at the Queenscliff Music Festival in November.
