| QUEENSCLIFF - VICTORIA - 3225 | ||||
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Population: 3,730, Elevation: 5m Latitude: -38.1700 Longitude: 144.3900 Location: 120km south west of Melbourne Highway: Bellearine Hwy from Geelong Nearest Major Town: Geelong Nearest Airport: Melbourne Touring Area: Bays & Peninsulas |
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 Private Hotel at Queenscliff. | |
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Queenscliff is the jewel in the Bellarine crown. Named after Queen Victoria
by Governor La Trobe in 1853, it became a popular playground for the rich and
famous who travelled in thousands from Melbourne on the busy steam-packets that
plied the bay. To cater to these rich fun-lovers, magnificent hotels were built.
The Vue Grand and Ozone are fine examples of these and still do a brisk trade
with their elegant decor.
Queenscliff was founded in 1838 when George Tobin established a sea-pilot service to guide ships through 'The Rip'. The first lighthouse was built in 1842 and, between 1850 and 1880. Fort Queenscliff developed. The Black Lighthouse in the grounds was built in 1863 from bluestone. During the 1880's Queenscliff was the most fortified port in the southern Hemisphere. Several fine galleries will be found in the town including ' Hobson's Choice' and 'Seaview Gallery'. Seaview House was recently restored to its former glory and is now a comfortable guest house, both are recommended. Other features include the Queenscliff Maritime Centre in Weeroona Parade which is open at school holidays and weekends from 10.30am. to 4.30pm.- an excellent maritime display. At Fisherman's Wharf a fishing fleet can be seen; the Queenscliff Historical Centre in Hesse St. is open from 2.00 - 4.00pm. daily and displays an extensive exhibition of early maritime memorabilia. Historical tours by coach can also be arranged by ringing 03 5252 4303 for information. Nearby Swan Island is accessible and has an excellent golf course; and Scuba divers will enjoy 'Pope's Eye' Marine Reserve. One of the highlights of a visit to Queenscliff is a ride on the Bellarine Peninsula Steam Railway, which operates regularly between Queenscliff and Drysdale on Sundays and Public Holidays for a nearly 2 hour trip. Another marvellous experience, available at any time, is to take the Peninsula Searoad Ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento across The Heads. If you wish to take your car across for a bit of touring, just drive on! Ferries run on the hour, every hour between 7am. and 6pm. Enquiries 03 5252 3244. Queenscliff has many historic buildings and a walk down the main street is a breath of nostalgia. Two caravan parks, hotels, motels and guest houses all provide accommodation PLACES OF INTEREST:
INFORMATION CENTRE: Information is available from Queenscliff Visitor Centre 55 Hesse st. Queenscliff. VIC 3225 Ph: 1800 035 567 HOW TO GET THERE: Queenscliff-Sorrento Ferry Coach | Light Plane | Rail to Geelong then coach to Queenscliff | |
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins | |