Queenscliff

Queenscliff (also known as Queenscliffe) is an historic maritime community perched on a small spit of land in the south-eastern most corner of the Bellarine Peninsula. Located in the Greater Geelong region of Victoria, the town was settled only a few years after Melbourne, and is characterised by its strong European heritage, maritime and seafaring character and its lasting connection to the sea. The town is dotted with museums, grand hotels and also a fine variety of restaurants and eateries. It is most known as the port of call of the Searoad Ferry, which connects the region to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.

This guide also covers the adjacent tourist resort of Point Lonsdale, a popular destination for family getaways with its splendid beach.

As of 2022, the Borough of Queenscliff is the last remaining borough in Australia. Most of the area surrounding Queenscliff has been engulfed into the larger city of Geelong.

By bus
The route 56 bus runs between Geelong Railway Station and Queenscliff (Wharf St) via Ocean Grove.

By ferry
Car/passenger ferries cross the mouth of Port Phillip Bay between Queenscliff and Sorrento on Mornington Peninsula. They depart each terminal on the hour every hour 7AM-6PM every day. From Dec 26. until end of daylight saving there are also 7PM sailings. Foot passengers adult $10, 5-15 years $8, under 5 years $1, foot passenger’s bicycle $2, tandem $3; passengers with vehicle adult $7.50, 5-15 years $5.50, under 5 years $1; vehicle rates vary with season – car up to 5.5m between $48 and $54. 

By bike
The Bellarine Rail Trail runs from South Geelong Station to Queenscliff. Rental bikes are available from Geelong.

See

 * Queenscliff Maritime Museum, 1 Weeroona Parade.
 * Bellarine Peninsula Railway. Steam trains run to Drysdale and return.
 * A number of impressive 19th-century buildings remain, particularly along Gellibrand St.
 * A number of impressive 19th-century buildings remain, particularly along Gellibrand St.

Point Lonsdale

 * The headland is right at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The channel through the heads is known as the Rip for its strong tidal currents. There are short walks linking the Rip View Lookout, the pier and lighthouse.

Go next
Take the ferry to Sorrento or head to Geelong.

Alternatively drive or bus along the Great Ocean Road. You don’t need to drive through Geelong – from Barwon Heads take the Barwon Heads Rd which becomes Lower Duneed Rd then turn left onto the Surf Coast Highway.