Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula is an historic seaside town which makes for an ideal getaway and a relaxing or active holiday.

Originally a fishing village, Queenscliff soon became an important cargo port and has two lighthouses.

It later became established as Victoria’s premier military facility, with Fort Queenscliff guarding the entrance to Port Philip Bay.

Much of the original architecture at the fort and in the town survives today.

The Queenscliff Harbour precinct has been developed with a marina, a maritime museum, and a ferry terminal where cars and people can make the 45-minute crossing to and from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.

Our visit saw us stay in a heritage cottage close to the harbour. Many of the neighbouring homes have plaques identifying the original fishermen and their families who lived there.

It was a short walk to the Queenscliff Railway Station, where we boarded the Swan Bay Express for a 45-minute return trip by steam train.

Passenger services from Geelong to Queenscliff were never in great demand and the line was closed in 1976 before being revived as a tourist railway.

Volunteers operate the service and we met a range of people dressed in Victorian Railways heritage uniforms.

We also toured Fort Queenscliff, which remains a Defence Department facility, although it’s been earmarked for potential sale.

Established in the 19th century, its original purpose was to deter and defend against foreign powers and pirates who might be tempted to pillage Victoria’s gold bullion reserves.

The potential threats were mostly from Russia, the United States and France.

The bay’s fortifications also played cameo roles in both World Wars, apprehending a German cargo ship in 1914 and monitoring Japanese aircraft before the formal declaration of hostilities in 1942.

There are some lovely coffee shops, galleries and restaurants in Queenscliff that beckon for a future visit.

Customers can also buy fresh fish off a boat at the marina.

The only negative from visiting in September was the high number of very large mosquitoes, apparently more plentiful than usual after good winter rains.

KEY FACTS

• Population: 1516

• Distance from Melbourne: 105km

• Distance from Ballarat: 118km

• Settled in 1836

• Fort Queenscliff was built between 1879 and 1889

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