Arts and culture

Punters line the crowd barrier at Queenscliff Music Festival

There's no denying Queenscliffe's cultural heritage value – you'll see plenty of it in our impressive Victorian hotels and residences, quaint cottages and maritime and military influences. To counter-balance the 'old' is a range of contemporary art galleries and award-winning restaurants.

Music and literature

The Borough has become renowned as a home for the performing arts, holding major events such as the annual Queenscliff Music Festival each November. The festival features a wide mix of well-known artists and the line-up gets more impressive every year. Earlier in the year, the Queenscliffe Literary Festival celebrates words in all forms, with guest appearances from authors and actors, prose and poetry recitals and live theatrical performances.

For a unique experience, the famous Blues Train blends the romance of the steam era seamlessly with contemporary blues and jazz, fine wine and serious dancing. Many other events are held in Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and surrounding locations, making ours a true culture of celebration.

Arts and galleries

Explore the Arts Trail, a series of artist boards featuring artists and photographers of historical significance who have captured our local landscape. The boards are strategically dotted around Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, predominantly in parks and beachfront areas, affording fabulous views of Port Phillip Bay, The Rip, Point Nepean and Bass Strait.

There are also a number of art galleries in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, all with ever-changing exhibitions and artworks for sale. You might find some wall art that becomes the centrepiece of your home right here in the Borough.

Heritage and museums

Stroll the beautiful heritage town of Queenscliff, learn about its rich history and heritage and enjoy afternoon tea at one of Queenscliff's grand old hotels. Admire the stately Victorian homes, majestic hotels, quaint shops and beautiful churches. Many of these heritage listed buildings are now used for accommodation, award winning restaurants, galleries and fashion boutiques.

With beautiful beaches as a backdrop, Queenscliff's pioneering families took pride in quality craftsmanship to construct beautiful, classic buildings which have stood the test of time. Catch a glimpse of days gone by and see how old meets new in a community that celebrates its past, whilst embracing its future.

Guided heritage walks are provided at 2.00pm every Saturday. These informative walks take approximately one and a quarter hours. Group walks are available at other times by appointment.

We also encourage you to visit one of the fabulous museums in town: