New lease of life for historic hotels

There’s old-world charm in the historic seaside village of Queenscliff on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula thanks to elegant Victorian-era buildings and quaint fishermen’s cottages.

European explorers first arrived in 1802 and settlement began in 1836. Before long Queenscliff became an important port and by the late 19th century was a popular tourist destination for holidaymakers from Melbourne – 100 kilometres away – who booked into luxury hotels including the Queenscliff Hotel, which was built in 1887.

The Queenscliff Hotel closed in 2015, but in 2022 new owners Rob and Tammy Charter started a multi-million dollar renovation to give it a luxurious new lease of life that culminated in its reopening earlier this year.

Overlooking a park and a pier, the grand heritage building features 12 modern suites, a fine dining restaurant – Miettas – with a rich pedigree, The Conservatory restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in a light-filled room that leads to an outdoor garden space, plus a bar, cafe and hidden lounge retreats for guests.

No effort was spared during the renovation to source authentic fittings, tiles and wallpapers – some from overseas – which are evident as soon as you walk into the hotel’s spacious lobby.