Queenscliff
A lovely seaside village brimming with reminders of its past
Visit the historic seaside village of Queenscliff, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne in the Bellarine Peninsula, and marvel at its magnificent Victorian-era architecture, lighthouses, huge military fort and modest fisherman’s cottages which reflect its colourful past.
Queenscliff started as a fishing village, but in the late 1800s it became the fashionable holiday mecca for Melbourne's elite who travelled down the bay by paddlesteamer.
Remarkably, the town has remained intact as a superb showpiece of Victorian heritage. Visit its museums for an insight fascinating history including Queenscliff Maritime Museum, Fort Queenscliff and the Queenscliff Historical Museum.
The region also has a rich farming and maritime heritage. Buy fresh seafood straight off the boat from the harbour at Queenscliff or stop off at Portarlington and pick up fresh mussels. Head inland and visit one of the berry farms around Wallington and Drysdale and pick up some fresh berries in season. Call in at one of the region's regular Sunday markets for the best local home-made and home-grown produce, all in one spot.
Sign up for some scuba diving and explore Queenscliff’s fascinating depths which reveal relics of its maritime and military history. Explore its eclectic shops and galleries, some housed in old churches and other historic buildings, or unwind and relax at the tranquil Queenscliff Day Spa.
Game and Recreational Fishing Charters operate from Queenscliff and Portsea every day of the week, offering a choice of sport or shark fishing expeditions. All equipment and bait is provided and the fleet operators even clean your catch for you!
Many of the nearby wineries offer wines for sale at their cellar doors and some have restaurants serving their wines against a backdrop of breathtaking bay and country scenery. Try wine tasting at Bellarine Estate; Kilgour Estate; Leura Park Estate; Mermerus; Oakdene Winery, Bellarine Estate and Scotchmans Hill.
Regional produce is served up at Queenscliff’s impressive array of restaurants, many of which are teamed with boutique accommodation such as Athelstane House which offers an award-winning restaurant and studio rooms for couples. Visit the historic Queenscliff Hotel (circa. 1887) for delicious local produce and fantastic bay views and Vue Grand - a stunning multi award-winning boutique hotel serving up sensational local cuisine.
Queenscliff is also renowned for the annual Queenscliff International Music Festival which draws crowds from all over for one of the best blues, roots and folk festivals in Australia. This year it will run from 23 - 25 November and feature a fabulous line-up of national and international acts including music legend Vic Simms and home-grown talent Paul Kelly, Renee Geyer Lisa Miller, Deborah Conway, New Buffalo and Dan Kelly. Single session and weekend passes, including family tickets, are currently on sale from the Queenscliff Music Festival website www.qmf.net.au or via Ticketmaster by phoning 136 100 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.au
In recent years Queenscliff has been rediscovered as a premium holiday destination. It is a genuinely delightful seaside resort which has plenty of 1880s charm and enough attractions to seduce the most curious visitor.
For further information about Queenscliff including all its accommodation options, contact the Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre Ph: 03 5258 4843
For more information about The Bellarine region go to www.visitvictoria.com/geelongandthebellarine