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Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
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Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

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See all things to do
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
4.5
56
#8 of 22 things to do in Queenscliff
Military Museums
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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
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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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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
38 within 3 miles
360Q
402
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Contemporary • Australian
Garden Cafe
190
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Healthy • Australian
Queenscliff Brewhouse
316
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Australian
Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes
210
0.3 mi$ • Bakeries • Cafe • Australian
Lombardys on Hesse
173
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
RORO Cafe on the Beach
91
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • Australian
Shelter Shed
166
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Cliffe's Cafe & Pizza
45
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Pizza • Cafe
Trident Fish Bar Queenscliff
123
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast Food
Salt Contemporary Art
60
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Australian • Wine Bar
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Attractions
42 within 6 miles
Queenscliff Harbour
205
409 ftMarinas
Pope's Eye
18
0.1 miParks
Princess Park
5
0.1 miParks
Queenscliff Pier
3
0.2 miPiers & Boardwalks
The Blues Train
675
0.3 miScenic Railroads
Searoad Ferries
70
0.2 miFerries
The Bellarine Railway
107
0.3 miScenic Railroads
Fort Queenscliff Museum
225
0.5 miSpeciality Museums
Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre
63
0.4 miVisitor Centers
Queenscliffe Historical Museum
7
0.4 miHistory Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
56 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
21
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Andrew J
Melbourne, Australia8 contributions
First Rate Museum
I was impressed by the museum itself. From the static displays to the audio visual displays. The volunteers who were in attendance were very helpful and friendly. I particularly liked the information provided in the various display cabinets. It was clear and concise without going into a massive amount of detail which probably would not have been read by the average punter. The museum is very keenly priced at $10 per adult. If you have a spare 60-90 minutes - visit the museum it is a great experience.
Written January 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel O
Sydney, Australia31 contributions
Well worth your time
Couples
When you step inside the museum you’ll be amazed at how much there is to see and learn about. The volunteer guides do a great job of explaining why the entrance to Port Philip Bay is one of the most dangerous in the world and why there have so many shipwrecks. It’s so well displayed and the signage is excellent. Plan to spend two hours at least.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ruth b
Melbourne, Australia244 contributions
Very educational museum
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.
Robyn M
29 contributions
Really interesting museum
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.
Ozabroad
United Kingdom251 contributions
What did we miss?
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.
Meryl H
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, Australia46 contributions
Great collection - worth the visit
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.
Toffee4
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Seafaring history
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.
Written January 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lyndenm2017
Melbourne 30 contributions
Excellent value
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.
WhoGoesWhereever
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Interesting
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.
Ian T
Tallangatta, Australia31 contributions
Get lost at sea!
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.
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Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, Queenscliff

Frequently Asked Questions about Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum is open:
  • Mon - Fri 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Sat - Sun 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Restaurants near Queenscliffe Maritime Museum: View all restaurants near Queenscliffe Maritime Museum on Tripadvisor