Holiday houses in Queenscliff

Queenscliff is a small town in the state of Victoria on the Bellarine Peninsula with plenty of preserved Victorian-era architecture. Surrounded by water on three sides, Queenscliff faces Swan Bay and has been a popular seaside resort since the 1880s, when the town’s scenic railway and vintage steam trains were opened. For a taste of this era of train travel, you can book a short trip on the Bellarine Railway, and there are even special Santa trains during the holiday season.

The town’s strong maritime history is felt when visiting the 1862 Queenscliff Lighthouse in Shortland’s Bluff, and the Black Lighthouse — made of bluestone — is found a little further north. At the harbour, you’ll find reminders of the town’s fishing village roots where a couple of fishing fleets are docked below a strip of seaside restaurants and cafes. In the central shopping district, you’ll find bookstores, hip boutiques, and small art galleries.

Warm, but never hot, Queenscliff is breezy and pleasant for about eight months out of the year. It’s always a good idea to bring layers as the nights can get quite chilly year-round, and there are plenty of rainy days from about April to November. A music festival highlights Australian talent with about 150 performances every year in July. In November, Toast To the Coast brings some of the best cool-climate wines, food, and acoustic bands from around the Bellarine Peninsula to the neighbouring town of Geelong. On the second Sunday of each month, the Point Lonsdale Market is held nearby with local vendors, coffee, and handmade goods.

Point Nepean National Park

Across the bay via the ferry, you’ll find Point Nepean National Park which straddles Queenscliff’s rugged ocean coastline and the rough waters of Port Phillip Bay. Historic buildings — including Fort Nepean, military barracks, and tunnels — dot the park, and the Quarantine Station built in 1852 has been turned into a fascinating medical museum. From November to April, the park hosts local markets, outdoor cinema nights, and a running festival, and humpback whales can be spotted off Port Nepean in the winter.

Sorrento

Just an hour-long ferry ride away sits the historic town of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. You’ll find limestone buildings lining coastal streets, antique shops, designer boutiques, beach outfitters, maritime gift shops, and a few Italian restaurants as a nod to the town’s namesake. In January, you’ll find the town’s many art galleries buzzing for the annual art festival. Dolphins can be spotted in the Bass Strait, and boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and surfboards are available for hire if you’d like to enjoy the local beaches.

Queenscliff Harbour

Along the Queenscliff Harbour pier facing Swan’s Bay, you can walk to the harbour marina and stop at a local restaurant or cafe for a meal with a view. Keep an eye out for birdwatching opportunities at the harbour, as you’re likely to spot swans and pelicans roaming the area. You can also walk up the 30-metre-tall observation tower or take a lift to reach the deck that offers 360-degree-views of the bay and Queenscliff.