Exploring Queenscliff, Australia

The quaintly charming town of Queenscliff in Australia is a favorite weekend getaway for Melbourne's chic set. Queenscliff has been popular as a resort since the 1880's and why not? The main street is home to guest houses, hotels and other buildings that are wrought iron trimmed giving it a lovely historic feel.

Queenscliff was originally a pilot boat base and these pilot boats helped steer ships through the dangerous waters of Port Phillip Heads. Port Phillips Head is known as 'the Rip' due to the fact that it is one of the most treacherous seaways in the world. In fact the coast has over two hundred shipwrecks scattered around thanks to this seaway.

Sights

Fort Queenscliff - Built in the 19^th century to protect the shipping routes between Geelong and Melbourne from a feared attack from the Russians. The only way to see the fort is to join an eighty- minute guided tour. During the tour you will get to see the Black lighthouse, magazine, cells and the military museum. For more info go to www.fortqueenscliff.com.au

The Maritime Museum - You will find this museum at the pier and it has a display of the area's shipwrecks and a collection of nautical memorabilia.

The Bellarine Peninsula Railway - This railway, run by enthusiasts, has a fantastic collection of steam trains. You can take a 1-¾ hour ride to Drysdale and back. All year on a Tuesday and Thursday you can ride the Seaside Explorer. www.bpr.org.au

Sea-All Dolphin Swims - As the name implies you can swim with seals and dolphins at this attraction. www.dolphinswims.com.au

The Queenscliff Dive Center - If you are interested in exploring some of the wrecks in the area then this is the place to come. www.divequeenscliff.com.au

Events and Festivals

The Queenscliff Music Festival - This festival is held the last weekend of November and attracts international and Australian folk artists. www.qmf.net.au

The Blues Train - This is great for the blues lover. Steam train trips, music and food. For complete timetables go to www.thebluestrain.com.au

Accommodation

There is a choice of accommodation in Queenscliff that ranges from hostel to hotel to camping park. But be aware that the Queenscliff Tourist Park is a huge place on the water and gets really busy. If you want a camping site in January then make sure that you book well in advance www.queensclifftouristparks.com.au

Athelstane House - Athelstane House has served as a guest -house for over a century. Every room is unique and has a spa. Rooms with a sea-view are more expensive but worth it. Athelstane House also has a fine restaurant. www.athelstane.com.au

Queenscliff Inn - This is part YHA and part hostel. There are period style rooms and one eight- bed dorm. www.queenscliffinn.com.au

Food

Eating out in Queenscliff is not difficult to do with many choices to choose from. There are some great restaurants along Hesse Street and the historic hotels that line Gellibrand Street also offer some wonderful dining experiences.

Source: Australia: The Lonely Planet