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.

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.

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.

Fort Queenscliff was established in 1860 to help defend the entrance to Port Phillip. It's now a museum with other relics like ammunition, photographs and an original cannon to explore. The site also houses Shortland Bluff, the only black lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere.