Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
4.5
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
About
Discover the fascinating maritime heritage of Queenscliffe with a visit to this regional maritime museum, perched near the entrance to Port Phillip and its notorious 'Rip'. From the arrival of the early sailing ships more than 200 years ago, this picturesque coastal town has been shaped by boating activities and the maritime industries which have developed. From shipwrecks to heroic rescues, early fishermen and boat builders, light keepers and their technologies, sea pilots and divers, there are plenty of stories to discover. The last of the Queenscliff Lifeboats is the centrepiece of the museum. Even today, the museum sits adjacent to Queenscliff Harbour with its boating marina, and within walking distance of the Searoad Ferries. Guided museum group tours, and Point Lonsdale Lighthouse tours (conditions apply), are available by prior arrangement. Nautical gift shop available.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
58 reviews
Excellent
34
Very good
21
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
ruth b
Melbourne, Australia239 contributions
Jan 2020
Great little museum, and the staff were very helpful and informative. There are also discounts which apply for students and those over 60. It also has a small gift shop. A great place to visit on your way from the ferry to the town.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn M
36 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We really enjoyed our visit here, it was interesting & it helped us really appreciate the Pilot service. We now understand so much about ships in history, the dangers of shipping & sea travel historically. It was time & money well spent. Thank you to the volunteers who keep this going.
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ozabroad
United Kingdom244 contributions
Jan 2016
We travelled to Queenscliffe for the express purpose of visiting the Fort and Maritime Museum. Imagine our disappointment to see signs saying that their is no admittance without Photo Id's, the first time I have encountered this anywhere in the world!
Written January 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry you missed out on visiting both places when you spent time in Queenscliffe. The Maritime Museum is open daily and does not request any photo id - general public are welcome during our opening hours from 10.30am until 4.30pm.
The Fort Queenscliff Museum is within a secure defence facility so does request identification for entry and guided tours should be booked to gain access to this amazing coastal fort.
Both the Maritime Museum and the Fort have fascinating links to the military and maritime defences of the entrance to Port Phillip, so I do hope you will have the opportunity to make another visit to Queenscliff and see both attractions.
Written August 2, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Merryn85
Brisbane, Australia44 contributions
This museum is wonderful. The rich maritime history of this area is fascinating. Kept myself and my partner reading, exploring & learning for several hours. The staff were very helpful and more than happy to discuss the exhibits. Entry fee is very reasonable $7p/p
Written February 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toffee4
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Jan 2014 • Solo
Its been there for years, and I've never visited the [place, despite my yachting interest and activities. But if you have an hour or two with nothing to do in Queenscliff, the Maritime Museum is definitely worth a visit. It's located adjoining the Queenscliff (Sometimes spelt Queenscliffe)harbour and ferry terminal.
Inside there are various displays illustrating the history of the lifeboat rescue craft, and an actual lifeboat. It also has displays illustrating the work of the pilots who regularly go out to guide ships into and out of Port Phillip Bay. Just inside the entrance is a scale model of The Rip, the geographically and hydrologically fascinating (and often dangerous) entrance to Port Philip Bay. There are all sorts of other collections related to the sea, including an early fisherman's cottage.
Really worth a visit.
Inside there are various displays illustrating the history of the lifeboat rescue craft, and an actual lifeboat. It also has displays illustrating the work of the pilots who regularly go out to guide ships into and out of Port Phillip Bay. Just inside the entrance is a scale model of The Rip, the geographically and hydrologically fascinating (and often dangerous) entrance to Port Philip Bay. There are all sorts of other collections related to the sea, including an early fisherman's cottage.
Really worth a visit.
Written January 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy M
Melbourne 33 contributions
Mar 2019
My grandchildren aged from 16 to 3 visited. The older ones thought it was going to be BORING and were not looking forward to the visit. Instead they loved it. The staff were very good.
Written August 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WhoGoesWhereever
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
This is a must-see if you have even a passing interest in shipping. Good mix of traditional museum showcases and outdoor items (fishermen's sheds, buoys, etc). Don't miss the boatbuilding shed or the collection of outboard motors (no, really!). Good value for money.
Written January 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian T
Tallangatta, Australia29 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
What a little gem! This museum is a great place to fill in an hour or two and discover the maritime history that forms such an essential part of Queenscliff and its inhabitants. Displays are well presented with loads of fascinating information, backed up with photos and artefacts. This is true value for money and is a credit to the volunteers who staff the museum. Highly recommended.
Written May 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul W
Hobart, Australia165 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
By chance we visited the Maritime Museum and were really surprised and delighted with the quality and the vastness of the displays. Very well presented and some good interactive displays.
Written February 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Boronia, Australia1,313 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We spent a good hour or so checking out the great exhibits in what is in fact a relatively small exhibition area. Irrespective there is a lot to see and learn, what's more, if yo don't mind getting your hands wet a centrally positioned open display containing all sorts of things from live crabs to starfish and a whole lot more is there for you to touch.
Making it even more enticing is an attendant (range perhaps) who is both incredibly knowledgeable and extremely likeable. Well worth the $8 (I think) per head.
Making it even more enticing is an attendant (range perhaps) who is both incredibly knowledgeable and extremely likeable. Well worth the $8 (I think) per head.
Written October 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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