Queenscliff is positively dripping with historical charm.
Its Victorian-era heritage and location, almost completely surrounded by water, has been a drawcard for visitors for more than 130 years.
Queenscliff will always pay respect to its elegant past. Grand old hotels are a tribute to the town’s yesteryear. Check out the Vue Grand and the Queenscliff Hotel in particular.
Queenscliff bursts to life during the last weekend of November when the Queenscliff Music Festival hits town. A huge array of local and international musicians plays in front of thousands of festival goers.
The Blues Train departs Queenscliff train station for several hours of fun on the tracks. Passengers move from carriage to carriage to tap their feet to four different blues acts. Try sitting still. It’s almost impossible not to get up and dance.
Queenscliff isn’t all old world charm, however.
The bustling and modern harbour precinct is not just a launching pad for the Sorrento ferry. A $35 million redevelopment was announced by Searoad ferries in August 2017, which will include a viewing platform and a modern cafe.
Dating from 1860, Fort Queenscliff was manned as a coastal defence installation continuously from 1883 to 1946. These days it’s a fascinating stroll through memory lane and is classified by the National Trust and entered in the Register of the National Estate. Situated on 6.7 hectares of high ground, the fort contains meticulously restored buildings and a museum that contains many significant exhibits.
Fine dining options are plentiful and fishing charters, scuba diving and dolphin swims will ensure that the active will get their outdoors fix.
Take in the Victorian-era hotels, quaint fishermen’s cottages and old churches scattered throughout the town.
Giant pines that line the foreshore make a perfect backdrop for romantic picnics or a fun family day out. Make use of the surrounding playground and beachfront barbecue facilities.
The Queenscliff Market is held on the last Sunday of the month from September through to May each year at Lower Princess Park.
TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Queenscliff Music Festival – international acclaimed.
Blues Train – tap your feet.
Bellarine Railway – for old and young.
Fort Queenscliff Museum – look back at yesteryear.
Queenscliff Harbour – a hub of activity.
TOP TIP
Book early for the Blues and Q Trains.
DID YOU KNOW?
Queenscliff played an important role in the war and a battery at Shortland’s Bluff was meant to defend Port Phillip.
