Discover Queenscliff

Queenscliff combines a historic townscape with waterfront paths, maritime museums and a ferry service across Port Phillip Bay. When choosing where to stay, you might first consider whether walks, local history or crossing the bay matters most to you. The different routes and sights give the town several sides to explore, depending on your travel interests.

Historic Streets and Maritime Heritage

Fort Queenscliff dates back to 1860, when an open battery was built on Shortland’s Bluff to defend the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Queenscliff’s historic streetscape includes Victorian-era hotels, imposing churches and picturesque fishermen’s cottages. Hesse Street features outstanding examples of historic architecture, as well as art galleries, shops and places to eat.

The Queenscliffe Historical Museum presents the history of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale through three themes: “Origins and Environment”, “Creating Community” and “Queen of Watering Places”. The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum focuses on the maritime heritage shaped by the town’s proximity to the entrance to Port Phillip Bay and the dangerous “Rip”. On display is the “Queenscliffe” lifeboat, which rescued people and ships for fifty years. Together, the museums offer different perspectives: one covers local history in themed sections, while the other focuses on maritime life.

Walks Between the Waterfront, Beach and Town

The paths around Queenscliff differ mainly in their landscapes. The Queenscliff section of the Bellarine Rail Trail follows the shore of Swan Bay, a wetland of international significance. The Ferry to Pier Trail runs through the Queenscliff Coastal Reserve, connecting the ferry terminal and Queenscliff Harbour with Queenscliff Pier, Princess Park and the town of Queenscliff.

Lovers Walk winds through Coastal Moonah Woodland along the upper beach areas of Santa Casa, Narrows and Springs. The Thwaites Walk follows the cliff edge at Queenscliff Beach, with views across Port Phillip Bay to Point Nepean and the Mornington Peninsula. If you prefer a path along the shore of Swan Bay to views from the cliff edge, these routes offer different landscape experiences; neither route has to suit everyone’s interests equally.

Guided Tours and Nature Experiences

The Queenscliff Heritage Walk is a one-hour-and-fifteen-minute walking tour along the town’s streets and footpaths. It is followed by afternoon tea and a conversation with the guide. A walking tour without afternoon tea is also available. If you plan to take either option, check the tour schedule and what’s included before your trip.

The Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff has an aquarium for visitors, a student laboratory and a classroom. Public access is limited during school hours, so check the current programs before visiting. The area’s diverse habitats are also suited to activities such as rock-pool exploration and exploring tidal mudflats. Programs and booking conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest details if you plan to take part in these activities.

Several charter boats depart from Queenscliff for activities on Port Phillip Bay. The trips on offer and their conditions may change. For wildlife watching, there is also the Swan Bay Express: the ride travels along Swan Bay in historic carriages and covers an eight-kilometre return route, starting and ending at Queenscliff Station. Black swans and other migratory birds are often seen. As the service’s availability may vary, check in advance whether the ride is operating.

Ferry and Rail Connections

The ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento takes 40 minutes and carries passengers and cars across Port Phillip Bay. If you plan to include the crossing in your trip, check the timetable and booking conditions in advance. Bellarine Railway is a volunteer-run organisation offering steam and diesel train rides and related experiences between Queenscliff and Drysdale. This gives you a choice of rail and water experiences as well as walking trails. The Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre offers expert advice about the area and heritage tours; for this service, too, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Batesford, Torquay, Point Lonsdale, Anglesea, Ocean Grove, Portarlington

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