Queenscliff: Maritime History and Coastal Trails

Queenscliff combines maritime history with waterfront trails and experiences around Swan Bay. Between historic streets, museums and various walking trails, you can get to know the town from different perspectives – on foot, by train or on the water.

Maritime Heritage and Historic Streets

The history of Fort Queenscliff dates back to 1860, when an open battery was built on Shortland’s Bluff to defend the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum showcases the maritime heritage shaped by the town’s proximity to the entrance and the dangerous “Rip”. It also displays the “Queenscliffe” lifeboat, which rescued people and ships for fifty years.

Queenscliff’s historic streetscapes include Victorian-era hotels, imposing churches and picturesque fishermen’s cottages. On Hesse Street, you’ll find examples of historic architecture as well as art galleries, shops and places to eat. If you’re interested in architectural history and town life, you can combine these sights with a museum visit.

The Queenscliffe Historical Museum tells the story of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale through three themes: “Origins and Environment”, “Creating Community” and “Queen of Watering Places”. These themes give visitors an insight into different aspects of the town and its surroundings. The Maritime Museum, by contrast, focuses on the connection with the sea.

Trails Along the Coast and Swan Bay

The section of the Bellarine Rail Trail through Queenscliff follows the shore of Swan Bay, a recognised wetland of international significance. The Ferry to Pier Trail runs through the coastal reserve, connecting the ferry terminal and Queenscliff Harbour with Queenscliff Pier, Princess Park and the town. The two trails offer different experiences: one follows the bay, while the other passes through the coastal reserve and takes you to several named destinations.

Lovers Walk and Thwaites Walk each offer their own landscape experiences. Lovers Walk passes through Coastal Moonah Woodland alongside the upper sections of Santa Casa, Narrows and Springs beaches. Thwaites Walk follows the cliff edge at Queenscliff Beach, with views across Port Phillip Bay to Point Nepean and the Mornington Peninsula. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can vary your outings between woodland, beaches and the cliff edge.

Town Walks, Train Rides and Discoveries on the Water

The Queenscliff Heritage Walk takes one hour and fifteen minutes. It follows the town’s streets and footpaths, then includes afternoon tea and a conversation with the guide. A walking-only tour is also available. You can choose whether to take the tour with the shared tea break and conversation or as a walking-only tour.

The Swan Bay Express offers a different perspective: the ride in historic carriages is an eight-kilometre round trip that starts and ends at Queenscliff Station. Swans and other migratory birds are often seen along the way. The Bellarine Railway is a volunteer-run organisation offering steam and diesel train rides and related experiences between Queenscliff and Drysdale.

The Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre has an aquarium for visitors, a student laboratory and a classroom. It is surrounded by diverse habitats suited to rock pool exploration and activities on tidal mudflats. Various charter boats also depart from Queenscliff for activities on Port Phillip Bay.

The ferry service to Sorrento may also be useful when planning your trip: the crossing from Queenscliff takes 40 minutes and carries passengers and cars across Port Phillip Bay. The Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre offers advice about the area and heritage tours. Depending on whether you’re especially interested in history, nature trails, train rides or experiences on the water, you can tailor your stay in different ways.

More places to discover: Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, Anglesea, Batesford, Torquay, Portarlington.

Back to the main travel guide: Geelong.