Queenscliff

Queenscliff has long been one of Victoria’s most desirable destinations. Settled in 1835, Queenscliff was originally named Shortlands Bluff. It was in 1852 that the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria, La Trobe, commissioned a surveyor to lay out a town and on the 1st of May 1853 the town was proclaimed Queenscliff in honour of Queen Victoria.

Starting as a fishing village Queenscliff grew quickly through the Victorian era and by the late 1800’s had become the fashionable holiday destination for Melbourne’s elite.

After a long list of ship wrecks due to the natural dangers of the Rip (entrance to Port Phillip Bay) it was decided that the area required a pilot service to ensure safe passage. In 1841, four pilots were stationed here – initially living in tents on the beach.

In 1860 construction of a military fort began, over the years the military presence grew with the addition of the military college. The military college has since relocated to Canberra, however the army presence at Fort Queenscliff still continues with its soldier careers centre house here.

Queenscliff is now known as a heritage township which features Victorian hotels and buildings. Because of its fishing history it has a strong boating population with both sail boats and fishing boats being prevalent.

Point Lonsdale

Neighbouring Pt Lonsdale overlooks the Rip which is the treacherous entrance to Port Phillip Bay and long regarded one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of water. Point Lonsdale boasts the beauty of two distinct beaches – the front beach is a lovely bay beach and a great spot for young families. And the dangerous back beach is a very popular spot for surfing. It has the presence of the Surf Life Saving Club and is patrolled by lifeguards over the summer season.

A great point of interest is the Lighthouse where you can take conducted tours, the beach underneath the light house on low tide offers lots of little rock pools which children and adults alike like to explore. And not far away is the cave of the infamous William Buckley whom is reputed to have been an escaped convict who lived with the local aboriginal people between 1803 and 1835.

Bellarine Peninsula Area Destination Information - presented by YesBookit

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The above content is distributed by the ATDW (Australian Tourism Data Warehouse).