Queenscliff

Queenscliff is an historic seaside village 100 kilometres from Melbourne on the sandy shores of Port Phillip Bay. Reminders of Queenscliff's elegant past are everywhere you look and from imposing Victorian-era hotels, a huge military fortress guarding the entrance to Port Phillip, solid old churches and quaint fishermen's cottages. But there's more to Queenscliff than nineteenth century history, including art galleries, shops, great places to dine, safe beaches and a tree-lined foreshore. Queenscliff attracts visitors from all points of the compass who come to enjoy the beach, a picnic under the giant foreshore pines, the village charm or even a game of golf. Ferries sail regularly between Sorrento and Queenscliff taking around 40 minutes to transport passengers and their cars from one side of Port Phillip Bay to the other. Port Phillip Bay offers seemingly endless opportunities for water activities. Take a dip or hoist a sail, try water-skiing or simply laze on the shores. The bay's southern reaches offer some of Australia's best diving on reefs and shipwrecks. Fishing from piers, beaches and boats is popular with all ages. In the last weekend of November musicians and music fans converge on Queenscliff for the annual Queenscliff Music Festival, offering an eclectic mix of Australian artists and international guests. Queenscliff is 103 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, about 1.5 hours by car on the Princess and Bellarine Highways. A vehicle and passenger ferry operates between Queenscliff and Sorrento taking approximately 40 minutes.