More about Queenscliff

• Explore The Heritage: The signature black lighthouse, one of just three in the world, is a great place to begin. Sitting inside Fort Queenscliff, the lighthouse was built to protect ships carrying gold through the Heads.  Access to the black lighthouse is only available on a guided tour of Fort Queenscliff.

Historic buildings are the most noticeable feature of Queenscliff, many of which are hotels with great restaurants and accommodation. You can take a full history tour around the town on a Saturday at 2pm. Bookings are essential, so see the Visitor Information Centre or call 1300 884 843.

• Vintage Rail: If you are a train lover or just enjoy a pleasant ride in the countryside, go to the station at the bottom of Hesse Street and see the Bellarine Railway collection. The train travels to Drysdale and back at different times during the year, so check the timetable. At night between October and May this regularly becomes The Blues Train, a progressive party featuring Australia’s best blues musicians rocking to the sway of the vintage steam train.

• Gourmet Town: Fine foods and local produce are available for purchase at several outlets around town. There is also what is reputed to be the world’s best fish and chips in Queenscliff, so keep your eye out or ask the locals at the Visitor Information Centre.

Indulging in coffee and cake is a popular activity, perhaps while deciding what to do next.

• Maritime Wonders: The Marine Discovery Centre is distinctive but not obvious with its grass-covered roof. Well worth a visit, you’ll find a visitor’s aquarium, student laboratory and classroom and an educational gift shop. The Maritime Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the hazards of shipping and the power of ‘The Rip’ at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Home to the ship’s pilots for more than 100 years, there is also a restored Watson Class lifeboat on display.

• On The Water: Visit the Queenscliff Harbour, which has undergone a makeover. This is the embarkation point for the Peninsula Searoad Ferry to Sorrento. At the harbour, you can buy fresh seafood at the harbour-side seafood shop opening soon, book a spot to swim with dolphins, or organise to go SCUBA diving, fishing or touring on a charter boat.

 Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre
 55 Hesse Street, Queenscliff
 P: 1300 884 843 or (03) 5258 4843
 E: info.centre@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au
 

A brief history

Before 1853, the settlement was called Whale Head and Shortland's Bluff. In the early 1840s, a pilot service for ships was established and lighthouses were erected at Shortland's Bluff, a point 300 metres north-north-east and at Point Lonsdale - all in the early 1860s. These helped ships to fix their positions and navigate the deadly mouth of the bay - “The Rip”.

Fort Queenscliff was built in 1885 to guard the bay’s entrance. A local fishing industry with access to the open ocean and the bay was established early on. A telegraph station was built in 1856 and four hotels by 1879, the year the railway was extended from Geelong. It’s popularity as a seaside resort accessible by boat from Melbourne saw the construction of Queenscliff's grand hotels during the 1880s.

Fast Facts

Population: 3,437 (Queenscliffe) Area: 11.6 sq km Council: Borough of Queenscliffe Name Origins: The town was named in 1853 by Lt. Governor C. J. La Trobe in honour of Queen Victoria.