Map of Port Phillip
Image across the Heads.Woooahhh people from Victoria......who know the pretty seaside town of Queenscliff....spelt without an "E" on the end when pertaining to the town, and with an "E" (Queenscliffe) when pertaining to the name of the borough including the area of Point Lonsdale. Would I lead you on the wrong side of the garden path in spelling a word wrong? Nah, neverrrr!
From the image above you can see that there are two adjacent cliffs, on one side it is Queenscliff, the other side it is Point Napean...7 km boat ride across and you are there or an around the Bay car drive of over 3.5 hours. In between these heads, it is known as "The Rip". In order to navigate large shipping vessels wanting to come in and dock to off load or load up containers to go to Cario Bay or to Port of Melbourne, Pilot Boats are sent out to assist through the heads. These waters are notoriously treacherous and the Pilot Boats can be viewed from the cliff tops. Especially exciting is to see a marvellous lady like the QE2 come on through. My father in law witnessed this first hand.The town started off as a fishing village, but in the late 1800s Queenscliff became the fashionable holiday mecca for Melbourne's elite who travelled down the bay by paddlesteamer. Remarkably, the town has remained intact as a superb showpiece of Victorian heritage
All this interest precipitated a building boom in the 1880s. Today, Queenscliff continues to attract visitors from all points of the globe. They come to enjoy the beach, a picnic under the giant foreshore pines, the village charm or even a game of golf. A Music Festival also occurs on an annual basis and there is a market to go to during certain months of the year on the forshore.
All this interest precipitated a building boom in the 1880s. Today, Queenscliff continues to attract visitors from all points of the globe. They come to enjoy the beach, a picnic under the giant foreshore pines, the village charm or even a game of golf. A Music Festival also occurs on an annual basis and there is a market to go to during certain months of the year on the forshore.
The Maritime Museum is a place that is wonderful for kids and adults alike to explore. And for the railway enthusists, the Bellarine Peninsula Railway boats its very own steam train too. Fr those who love old Forts, there is also a Fortress at Queenscliff too. If you just like to browse and window shop or buy a treasured gift for someone, the town also boasts many quaint shops.
Queenscliffe Pier
Inside the shed on the pier
Outside Fortress Queenscliff
Bellarine Peninsula Station, Queenscliff
Hotel Queenscliff
Main Shopping Centre Queesncliff.
Print this out as a town to visit when you want to go on a weekend drive or come over from abroad. Queenscliff will not dissapoint you, it is a town of living history :)
