Queenscliff is a small town located on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. With its peaceful beauty, long history and prime location on the ocean, Queenscliff has become an attractive destination for those who want to experience a quiet space, close to nature.
About Queenscliff Town Australia
Queenscliff is a coastal town in Victoria, Australia, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and rich historical heritage. Established in the mid-19th century, Queenscliff was an important seaport and a popular holiday destination for Melbourne residents.
The town is notable for its old Victorian architecture, including historic hotels, churches and well-preserved public buildings. One of Queenscliff's main attractions is the Queenscliff Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the sea and Port Phillip Bay.
Queenscliff Town, Australia. Photo: @down_under
Queenscliff is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The town has beautiful beaches, nature reserves and walking and cycling trails. Visitors can also take boat tours to see marine animals such as seals and dolphins. Queenscliff is also known for its annual cultural events and festivals, such as music and art festivals and night markets. The town is also a popular stop on the Melbourne-Phillip Island route, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
There are many interesting travel experiences here. Photo: @meuproximotbt
How to get to Queenscliff town?
The town of Queenscliff is easily accessible by a variety of means of transport:
By car: Queenscliff is approximately 105km south-west of Melbourne. You can drive from Melbourne along the M1 motorway, then turn onto the B110 and continue following signs to Queenscliff. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Ferry: Another great option is to take a ferry from the Mornington Peninsula. Searoad Ferries runs between Sorrento and Queenscliff, with the journey taking around 40 minutes. This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful views of Port Phillip Bay as you travel.
Bus: Visitors can also take a bus service from Melbourne. There are buses that run from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Queenscliff, which usually takes around 2 hours.
Train: Although Queenscliff does not have a direct train station, visitors can take a train from Melbourne to Geelong, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Queenscliff. The train from Melbourne to Geelong takes about 1 hour, then a further 30 minutes by bus or taxi from Geelong to Queenscliff.
These modes of transport all offer distinct experiences, making it easy for visitors to choose the most suitable way to explore this charming town.
Photo: @_mauli_rai
When is the best time to visit Queenscliff?
Queenscliff has a temperate climate, so you can visit at any time of year. However, there are some special times that may make for a better experience:
Summer (December - February): Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, beach walks and boat tours. This is also the time for many events and festivals such as music and art festivals and night markets, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Autumn (March - May): The weather is cool and pleasant, suitable for exploring nature and visiting historical sites. Autumn is also the time when there are fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy a quiet and relaxing space.
Spring (September - November): The weather gradually warms up, trees and flowers begin to bloom, creating beautiful scenery. Spring is a great time to participate in outdoor activities and enjoy the fresh air.
Winter (June - August): Despite the colder weather, Queenscliff still has many attractions, especially historical sites and museums. This is also the ideal time to enjoy warm food at local restaurants and cafes.
In short, depending on your personal preferences and the type of experience you desire, you can choose the best time to visit Queenscliff.
You can come here any time of the year. Photo: @janiceroma_92
Great things to do in Queenscliff
Cycling around the Bellarine Peninsula wineries
You can’t go to Queenscliff without visiting at least one Bellarine winery. Even if you don’t drink wine, they’re worth a visit just for the food and the views. This self-guided winery bike tour allows you to explore the area while sampling local food and wine at your own pace.
Starting in Queenscliff, you’ll follow the Bellarine Rail Trail through farms and vineyards to Banks Road Winery, where you can try your hand at paddle boarding, sip a glass of wine or tuck into a shared platter. If you choose not to eat at the winery, you can stop for lunch at a cafe in town or pick up local produce from nearby farm gates for a picnic.
The afternoon is the perfect time to explore Queenscliff with the freedom to wander at your own pace. You will be provided with maps and suggested routes, so there is no need to worry about getting lost.
Bellarine Peninsula Winery. Photo: @australiantraveller
Walk the Queenscliff Trail
Queenscliff has a number of walking trails, including two attractive trails of varying lengths. The Queenscliff Coastal Loop Trail is a pleasant 2.4km trail that is ideal for those looking for a short, leisurely walk. It is generally considered easy and takes an average of just 30 minutes to complete, making it ideal for hiking, jogging or a quiet stroll.
You can find solitude on this year-round trail, which offers stunning coastal views and charming spots to enjoy a picnic or a relaxing moment. For those who want to extend their journey, the Queenscliff Lighthouse to Point Lonsdale Lighthouse route is a 7-mile round-trip experience.
Although this trail is much further, it is still technically easy and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete on average. Starting and ending at the corner of King Street and Hesse Street, you can enjoy beautiful views as you follow the coast towards the iconic Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and back.
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. Photo: @tripadvisor
Dining on the Q Train
Get dressed up and hop on the Q Train for a culinary journey reminiscent of the Orient Express. A former “Sunlander” has been transformed into an award-winning railway restaurant, running along the heritage railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff. The train stops at Suma Park Historic Homestead before passing through beautiful Swan Bay.
On board, you can take in sweeping views of vineyards, olive groves, rolling hills and charming farmlands. The Q Train offers a six-course tasting featuring local produce from Geelong, the Otways and The Bellarine.
Meals are prepared and cooked on board, with plenty of time between courses to relax and enjoy a drink or two. This is a unique dining experience and a must-see stop on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Dining on the Q Train. Photo: @theqtrain.com.au
Stroll along Queenscliff Pier
Queenscliff Pier was built between 1884 and 1889. It is historically significant to the town as a reminder of the first steamships that sailed from Melbourne to Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. The pier includes a Life Shed which provided safety for vessels entering and leaving Port Phillip and a Shed of Refuge.
There are few or no warehouses like this left in Victoria and the Shelter Warehouse is particularly impressive with its vaulted wrought iron trusses and timber panelled interior. Today, Queenscliff Pier is popular with fishermen and tourists who enjoy a leisurely stroll to the end of the pier. The pier offers stunning views of the Black Lighthouse, Queenscliff Beach and the Sorrento Ferry.
Queenscliff Pier. Photo: @vintagevictoria.net.au
Visit Queenscliff Fort
Queenscliff is more than just a pretty little seaside town. It actually has a significant role in Australia’s military history. Fort Queenscliff was built in 1860 to guard the entrance to Port Phillip Bay and became the headquarters of a chain of forts around the headland. The fort was used as a coastal defence facility from 1883 to 1946.
Today it is one of Victoria’s most important heritage sites. Work has been carried out to restore the guns, magazines and buildings that made up the Fort’s original defences. Behind the high walls, visitors can enjoy stunning views and beautiful gardens.
The only way to get into Fort Queenscliff is on a guided tour, which is fun, informative and full of great stories. A fun part of the tour is when you get to go into the bunker and get the chance to dress up in military gear. The tour ends at the Fort Queenscliff Museum, where you can read more stories, see artifacts and buy souvenirs.
Queenscliff Fortress. Photo: @introverttravel
Queenscliff Harbour Tour
Queenscliff Harbour is the hub of all things maritime and a destination in its own right. There are shops, cafes, restaurants, eco and adventure tours, and even a day spa. Queenscliff Marina is home to historic couta boats, a type of fishing vessel unique to Victoria, Australia. Like the yachts, the boats are powered by engines.
Walk along the boardwalk and watch all the boats while keeping an eye out for the giant manta rays that inhabit the harbour. The highlight of the area is the 40 metre high Queenscliff Lookout Tower. It offers spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding area and is a great spot to watch the Queenscliff ferry come in and out.
You’ll also find one of Queenscliff’s top restaurants here, 360Q. Their menu offers a wide variety of dishes (try the seafood) that are creative, fresh and delicious. While you’re in the area, why not arrange a day on the water? Queenscliff has plenty of water activities to enjoy, including fishing, diving, snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
Queenscliff Port. Photo: @commercialready.com.au
With the perfect combination of natural beauty, historical heritage and rich entertainment activities, the town of Queenscliff is definitely a destination not to be missed when traveling to Australia .
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