Old World Charm

In Victorian times, holiday-makers flocked to Queenscliff, dining in grand buildings and staying in opulent triple-storeyed hotels.

The heritage architecture has been meticulously preserved and the town’s old-world charm is striking. The wide main street is dotted with art galleries, antique treasure troves, boutique shops and cafés.

Searoad Ferries cruise to and from the Mornington Peninsula via the futuristic new terminal at Queenscliff Harbour. You can bring your car or travel as a foot passenger and be on the other side in about 45-minutes.

Harbour side

This maritime haven has a picturesque harbour where you can set-off for a day of diving, fishing or swimming with marine life and the 42-metre observation tower provides panoramic views. Keep an eye out for the local stingrays and other sea creatures among the moored boats.

Here you’ll also find boutique stores with one-of-a-kind gifts for a loved one – or yourself, we won’t judge – and eateries to dine at for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

All aboard

Board a steam train on the Bellarine Railway for a scenic ride with the family. There are often themed rides with Thomas the Tank Engine, Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Or leave the kids at home for an iconic blues concert across four carriages on the bucket-list experience, The Blues Train.

Both journeys pass the protected Swan Bay wetlands, coast and countryside and both will be memorable.

Eat & Drink

A blend of seaside living and historical charm, in Queenscliff you’ll find a mix of cosy cafés nestled in heritage cottages through to modern restaurants serving up the freshest seafood from the surrounding seas.

Tarra is a beachfront dining experience at the Queenscliff ferry terminal – an architectural icon. The signature Tarra charcuterie includes house-cured selections of salami, capocollo, and smoked Strasburg paired with pickled farm-fresh vegetables and crusty bread.

360Q offers absolute waterfront dining with expansive windows overlooking the boats in Queenscliff harbour. Their offering is diverse from a signature big breaky to Asian-inspired flavours. The newly reopened The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff brings a fresh take on the classic coastal pub, with a revamped beer garden, family friendly spaces and a seasonal menu built around pub favourites and local produce.

What's On

Queenscliff Music Festival is The Bellarine’s premier music event that brings together Australian and international bands and artists, along with family-friendly activities, food, wine and local craft beer. It runs across three days - the last weekend in November.

Celebrate the winter solstice at Nightide Festival in June with hot food, warmed cocktails and fireside entertainment. Or be transported back to the 1900s as hundreds of classic cars cruise the main street of town in February for the annual Queenscliff Rod Run.

Explore

C Mc Conville The Royal Queenscliff Mar2025 089 LR

Slice of history

As rich as the town is in Victorian-era relics, it's also steeped in maritime and defence history. The Queenscliff Pier and lifeboat shed were an integral part of improving safety for boats entering and leaving Port Phillip – known for its treacherous waters.

The lifeboat, and lots of other nautical artefacts, are housed at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum. Here you can learn all about the important role this town played in the nearby waters.

STAY

From grand hotels to quiet coastal retreats, staying in Queenscliff feels like stepping into a slower pace, with plenty of options close to the water and town centre.

The Queenscliff Hotel has reopened with a fresh feel, pairing its historic charm with beautifully updated suites and a range of dining spaces under one roof. For something more intimate, Benambra Boutique offers a cosy stay inside one of the town’s original guest houses, while The Royal Queenscliff brings a more refined experience with elegant rooms and a cocktail lounge with eclectic art and styling.

If you’re after your own space, Kerleys Coastal Holidays manages a wide range of homes across Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, from beachside properties to relaxed holiday houses. Swans’ Reach is a peaceful couples retreat overlooking Swan Bay, while Seaview House is set up for groups, with plenty of room for celebrations, gatherings or a weekend away with friends.

For a more laid back stay, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon has everything from cabins to camping, along with pools and play spaces, while Swan Bay Holiday Park offers a quieter setting right on the bay, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the outdoors.

Queenscliff

Harbour side

All aboard

Eat & Drink

What's On

Explore

Seaview House - Queenscliff

Basils Farm

Bellarine Rail Trail

The Royal Queenscliff

Queenscliff Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club

Fort Queenscliff Museum

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

Bellarine Massage & Holistic Therapies

360Q

BellaMoora VIP Touring Experiences

Swan Bay Holiday Park

Bellarine Railway

Great Private Tours - Bellarine

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

TARRA Queenscliff

Drive Me Bellarine

The Queenscliff Hotel

Kerleys Coastal Holidays

Sea All Dolphin Swims

Benambra Boutique Accommodation Queenscliff

The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff

Swans' Reach

The Blues Train

Searoad Ferries Queenscliff

Slice of history

STAY

The Queenscliff Hotel

Swan Bay Holiday Park

Kerleys Coastal Holidays

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

Seaview House - Queenscliff

The Royal Queenscliff

Benambra Boutique Accommodation Queenscliff

Swans' Reach

More Destinations

Point Lonsdale

Barwon Heads

Ocean Grove

Portarlington

Drysdale

Towns & Villages