Queenscliff

Queenscliff is a small town on the Bellarine Peninsula at the entrance to Port Phillip in southern Victoria, Australia and is bounded on its north side by the environmentally important Swan Bay. It is part of the Borough of Queenscliffe, which also includes the neighbouring town of Point Lonsdale. It is one of the endpoints of the Searoad ferry to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. Originally a fishing village, Queenscliff soon became an important cargo port, servicing steamships trading in Port Philip. A shipping pilot service was established in 1841, and lighthouses were constructed in 1862. Queenscliff also played an important military role.<b>

Fort Queenscliff was built between 1879 and 1889, and operated as the command centre for a network of forts around the port. The complex ceased operations as a fort in 1947, and has since been used by the army for administrative purposes. In 2005, the area previously holding the Fort Barracks was subdivided into residential blocks, and renamed Shortlands Beach, in honour of the town's prior name. The proposed redevelopment drew fierce criticism from some sectors of the community, who feared loss of an important heritage site. The original fort remains on site. Queenscliff became a tourist destination in the late 1800s, with visitors arriving from Melbourne via a two hour journey on the paddle steamer, Ozone. The opening of a railway line to Geelong in 1879 brought increasing tourists to the area, and numerous luxury hotels (or coffee palaces) were built to accommodate this. The Palace Hotel was built in 1879 (later renamed Esplanade Hotel), the Baillieu Hotel was built in 1881 (later renamed Ozone Hotel), the Vue Grande Hotel was built in 1883, and the Queenscliff Hotel was built in 1887. The advent of the car saw Queenscliff drop in popularity as a tourist destination, as tourists were no longer dependent on its role as a transport hub. The railway ceased weekly passenger services in 1950, and was closed in 1976. The 1980s saw a return in the town's tourist popularity. Queenscliff is home to the Queenscliff Music Festival , a popular annual music festival which attracts both local and international acts and is an important part of the town's ongoing tourist industry.

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Featured Businesses

  • Trafalgar Cottage2009-09-23

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Trafalgar CottageDiscover Trafalgar Cottage in Queenscliff and you will be forgiven for saying "Wow! What a stunning little Cottage". Trafalgar Cottage is just perfect for a travelling couple wanting to enjoy a vacation in Queenscliff, and offers just the right blend of comfort, as well as being cosy, yet modern and stylish. Trafalgar Cottage, an absolutely delightful, peaceful cottage, has been beautifully set up with thoughtful touches such as offers of vegies from the garden.READ MORE

  • The Blues Train2009-09-23

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    The Blues TrainBoard The Blues Train in Queensville for one of the most spectacular entertainment experiences, just imagine, a mini-festival in one night as well as a progressive party you'll never forget. Sit back and relax on board The Blues Train as you listen to the train whistle and the clickety-clack on the tracks as you imagine the old blues masters jamming it up on Mississippi freight trains as they were 'ridin' the blinds' around America's deep south.READ MORE

Featured Businesses

  • Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours Kyena2008-12-30

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours KyenaQueenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours Kyena specialises in Fishing experiences, targeting a "Quality Catch". Rods, Tackle and Bait are provided and your fish is cleaned, filleted and bagged for you.READ MORE

  • Queenscliff Golf Club 2009-09-23

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Queenscliff Golf Club Queenscliff Golf Club is set on Sand Island in Queenscliff, offers an excellent wet weather golf course, in very quiet surroundings. With grass greens, watering on tees, greens and landing areas of fairways, it makes for an enjoyable, yet challenging game of golf. Queenscliff Golf Course has a dress code, requiring neat attire. Competitions are held regularly on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors to Queenscliff Golf Course in Queenscliff are most welcome to partake in a game of golf, READ MORE

  • Seaview House2009-09-23

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Seaview HouseSeaview House is an enchanting 14-room guesthouse in heart of historic Queenscliff. It is within easy walking distance of shops, beaches, eateries, galleries and museums. Seaview House is in a ideal location which makes it the perfect spot to overnight when exploring between the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula. When staying at Seaview House guests experience a blend of traditional guesthouse charm with modern conveniences.READ MORE

  • The Queenscliff Hotel

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    The Queenscliff HotelVisit The Queenscliff Hotel in QueenscliffREAD MORE

  • Sea All Dolphin Swims2009-09-22

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Sea All Dolphin SwimsSea All Dolphin Swims of Queenscliff, Victoria, offers a truly unique nautical experience that you will want to remember and one that you will talk about for ages. Experience the interaction with wild dolphins and seals while learning about their habits and environment. With a clever blend of fun adventure and education the tours with Sea All Dolphin Swims cater for passengers of all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities. Snorkel at Sea All Dolphin Swims in Queenscliff. READ MORE

  • Queenscliffe Maritime Museum2009-09-23

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Queenscliffe Maritime MuseumVisit Maritime Museum in Queenscliff and you will be astounded and impressed by the display of artefacts from shipwrecks, the display of early diving equipment which includes a divers suit and helmet air compressor and early scuba equipment. Built in 1986 to display Queenscliff's last lifeboat, Queenscliff Maritime Museum has since expanded to cover the maritime history of Queenscliff and Southern Port Phillip. Queenscliff Maritime Museum in Queenscliff also exhibits an extensive historyREAD MORE

  • Queenscliff Day Spa2009-09-23

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Queenscliff Day SpaQueenscliff Day Spa in Queenscliff, the very name conjures up visions of relaxation, stress release and relieve from tensions plus the knowledge that you will leave the day spa feeling refreshed and renewed. At Queenscliff Day Spa we believe that to achieve the ultimate results it is necessary to provide our clients with a wellness package which not only tends to the outside of the body, but also to enhance the inner body. Queenscliff Day Spa have only fully qualified Beauty Therapists.READ MORE

  • Waratah at Queenscliffe2009-09-22

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Waratah at QueenscliffeWaratah at Queenscliff is a delightful place to stay on your next visit to Queenscliff. It is very warm and welcoming and its history is interesting. Waratah at Queenscliff is extremely cozy and comfortable and is a beautiful home to return to after you have gone out for a brisk walk. The sitting room is a gorgeous and beautiful spot where guests can sit and relax with a book and a glass of wine. Be sure you stay at Waratah at Queenscliff when next you visit Queenscliff. READ MORE

  • Benambra Bed and Breakfast and Historic Cottage2009-09-22

    Located in Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

    Benambra Bed and Breakfast and Historic CottageBenambra Bed and Breakfast and Historic Cottage in Queenscliff is a fully restored fisherman'a cottage which was built in the late 1870's, and is so charming it will bring a smile to your face. Benambra Bed and Breakfast and Historic Cottage is the perfect place to stay for your next holiday in Queenscliff. Come when you can, and only go if you must READ MORE