24 hours in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale
Rubbing shoulders with each other, the coastal towns of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale (aka ‘Lonny’) have all the relaxed vibes you’d expect from their sheltered beachside location while being a stone’s throw from the dynamic entrance to Port Phillip. Add boutique shopping and a whole lot of history, and you’ll probably want more than 24 hours here!
Getting to Queenscliff
Despite being at the one of the furthermost points of The Bellarine, it’s easy to get here regardless of where you’re coming from.
From the west, simply follow the Bellarine Highway or, from the east, drive your car aboard Searoad Ferries from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.
Ferries depart hourly and take about 40 minutes. Prepare to be wowed by Queenscliff’s futuristic new terminal which has a classy bar, gift shop and restaurant too.
See & Do
Climbing the 42-metre observation tower at Queenscliff Harbour is a great way to get your bearings and a gorgeous view, but it’s not until you start exploring that you appreciate the area’s rich history.
Queenscliff was the place to holiday around the 1880s and its heritage charm is still widely evident, particularly up Hesse St which is full of vintage and boutique shops, cafes and galleries such as Salt Contemporary Art and Queenscliff Gallery.
Queenscliff Gallery is cocooned inside an 1869 Wesleyan church which is a work of art in itself. Here you’ll find original prints and works on paper.
Salt Contemporary Art is set in a beautiful old drapery store showing creations from painters, sculptors and ceramicists. It’s a light-filled space spread across two storeys with a vine-draped verandah.
Fort Queenscliff is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in the country, containing towers, tunnels, batteries, cannons and a museum.
The heritage Bellarine Railway has a ride to suit everyone, including a moving concert on The Blues Train, fine dining on The Q Train (departs from Drysdale), or join a ‘Day out with Thomas’ (the Tank) if you’ve got kids in tow.
Great views of The Rip – the narrow entrance to the bay – can be had from Queenscliff Lookout or Point Lonsdale lighthouse. Tours of the lighthouse are available once again and are organised by the Queenscliff Maritime Museum.
Eat & Drink
For a sunset drink or sophisticated meal, it’s hard to go past 360Q at Queenscliff Harbour or Tarra Queenscliff at the ferry terminal – fresh seafood is big at both venues as are the waterside views.
For quality pub fare along with craft beer and fancy gins, visit the dynamic duo that is Queenscliff Brewhouse and Queenscliff Distillery Cellar Door (they’re next door to each other). Here you can enjoy a ‘frothy’ straight from the tanks or join an intimate behind-the-scenes tour. Gin lovers can get also insights into the distilling process with a masterclass where you’ll even blend your own.
Queenscliff General Store is a great choice for breaky, lunch or coffee and cake, and if you’re looking for a leisurely vineyard-style indulgence, head to Basils Farm, overlooking Swan Bay.
Stay
Embrace history with a stay at Seaview House. Built in 1875, it oozes traditional charm and ambiance, with added modern comforts, and is conveniently located on Queenscliff’s main street.
