13 Oct 2025
Tags: Queenscliff, Heritage Stays, Heritage accommodation, Architecture, the bellarine
Queenscliff is undergoing a renaissance with its majestic triple-storeyed hotels, cottages and lodges being meticulously restored and re-opened to the public. The town is a time capsule of the grand Victorian era when holiday-makers would flock to this seaside haven. Now visitors have the chance to enjoy old-world grandeur with modern comforts in buildings of great architectural and social significance. Add to the mix a vibrant arts, live music and dining scene, an annual music festival, the pretty harbour, golf, the ferry and an annual literary festival – a new chapter of holiday-making awaits.
The Royal, built in 1854, is a three-storey beauty with sunny tropical garden courtyards and elegant salons. Six adults-only boutique accommodation suites are available with another three opening soon – some with balconies, water views and baths. Downstairs is a gallery and cocktail lounge with vibrant modern art placed alongside antique furniture and exotic heirlooms. Accommodation opened May.
34-36 King Street, Queenscliff
This five-bedroom home, circa 1870s, is a quintessential Queenscliff retreat with all the trimmings. Coombe Lodge sits majestically on the town's wide, charming main street and offers 3-bathrooms, 4 king beds and 1 queen (+ 2 single sofa beds). A bath, hydronic heating, outdoor entertainment area, and outdoor shower are luxurious finishing touches. Accommodation opened June.
90 Hesse Street, Queenscliff
Benambra Boutique Accommodation
One of Queenscliff's original guesthouses, built in 1883, has been beautifully restored and reopened. It's situated in the main street near the shops, restaurants and cafés. There are suites in the main house as well as a self-contained fisherman's cottage. Opened January 2024.
15 Hesse Street, Queenscliff
The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff
The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff has stood proudly since 1879 and has now been renovated and returned to its original name. The menu offers everything from pub classics to local dishes such as Portarlington Mussel Spaghetti and Point Lonsdale Salad. There's a beer garden to enjoy during the warmer months and cosy fireplaces inside for winter. Families are well catered for with a new kids play area and kids menu. Well behaved pups are welcome in the beer garden too. Opened September.
2 Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff
Two of the town's art galleries are housed in historic buildings. Salt Contemporary Art sits in an old drapery store and Queenscliff Gallery is cocooned inside a church. Click here to see Tourism Geelong Bellarine's latest reel on things to do in Queenscliff:
Dance to live music on a train – traditionally offering Blues music, The Blues Train is now branching into Rockabilly and Country and Western
Have a hit of golf by the sea
Take in the view from the Queenscliff Harbour Observation Tower
Queenscliffe Literary Festival
MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, famil opportunities, interviews or images please email yasmin.paton@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au and marketing@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au
