Harbour to Horizon MARITIME FESTIVAL

Next event date: Sunday, 01 March 2026 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Queenscliff will come alive with maritime history, on-water activity, community storytelling and coastal dining when the Harbour to Horizon Maritime Festival happens in March 2026, featuring the arrival of Australia’s historic tall ship Alma Doepel as a centrepiece of the nine-day Festival.

Running from 1–9 March 2026, the Festival brings together Maritime History Week, the centenary of the Lifeboat Queenscliffe and the proud continuing legacy of volunteer rescue, and a vibrant harbour-side weekend. Showcasing the stories, skills and traditions that have shaped Queenscliff and Victoria’s coast for generations.

At the heart of the program is Maritime History Week (1–6 March), featuring daily specialist talks exploring ancient creatures of the deep, working boat building, local fishing culture & history, shipwrecks, sea Country, lifeboat rescues, women’s maritime stories, and local marine research.

The Alma Doepel will sail from Melbourne to Queenscliff, arriving on Thursday 5 March, offering a rare opportunity for the public to experience one of Australia’s most significant surviving tall ships in an active working harbour.

A major highlight of the Festival will be the 100th anniversary of the Lifeboat Queenscliffe, marking a century since the launch of the town’s iconic vessel in 1926.

On Friday 6 March 2026, the community will gather in the Maritime Museum for a Lifeboat Centenary celebration, honouring the past crews, rescue history and spirit of service that have defined Queenscliff’s lifesaving tradition for generations. The event will be a key moment of reflection and celebration within Maritime History Week, linking past and present through shared stories and community pride.

Alongside talks and on-water events, the Festival will feature the Tastes of the Sea dining trail, encouraging locals and visitors to explore participating restaurants, cafés and hotels across Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale throughout the Festival.

The Festival and the visit of the Alma Doepel is supported by the Borough of Queenscliffe, recognising its role in celebrating local heritage, strengthening community connection and supporting visitation during a traditionally quieter time of year.