New lease of life for historic hotels
Major renovations have transformed two hotels into luxury holiday havens in the Victorian town of Queenscliff.
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.
Elegant stairways adorned with stained-glass windows and hallways featuring artworks by local artists lead to the suites, each with features ranging from private verandas to old-style fireplaces.
The latest technology is evident in the suites with modern touches sharing the spotlight with elegant chandeliers and ornate lighting.
For a memorable meal that stretches for at least three hours, book a degustation menu at Miettas for lunch (Friday-Sunday) or dinner (Friday-Saturday) and enjoy the ambience of the dining room’s grand chandelier that relives a golden era.
As the plaque outside the restaurant entrance reveals, it is named after the famous Miettas that was part of the hotel late last century.
For a casual drink at The Queenscliff Hotel, visit The Boat Bar or enjoy a coffee at Cafe 1888.
On the other side of town is another grand hotel, The Royal. Built in 1854, a major renovation was completed earlier this year resulting in a mixture of old-world features and modern touches.
On the hotel’s upper storey is the accommodation of nine rooms and suites, some with balconies to enjoy the bay views.
With high ceilings and a modern bathroom, there’s space and comfort to relax before heading to the bar and cocktail lounge, where works by local artists are on display and create a bohemian atmosphere.
Artworks also adorn the entrance hall and passageways, adding an artistic touch to the hotel.
In the heart of Queenscliff, there’s time to leisurely shop for fashion, craft, jewellery and books as well as browse the art galleries and enjoy the local cafes.
With Queenscliff as a holiday base, hop aboard the steam-powered Q Train, which runs for 16 kilometres between Drysdale and Queenscliff on the region’s old rail line.
After a welcome drink, enjoy a leisurely five-course degustation lunch spread over three hours as the train passes through picturesque farmland and coastline, stopping for breaks at several stations during the journey.
Queenscliff’s harbour is less than a kilometre from the township and is home to a ferry terminal which opened in 2023 for Searoad Ferries passenger and vehicle service between Sorrento and Queenscliff, departing every hour daily.
There’s an airport-style lounge for passengers awaiting the 40-minute ferry trip, while the terminal houses acclaimed restaurant Tarra where you can dine before or after a ferry trip while enjoying ocean views.
In the harbour area another restaurant is 360Q which offers modern Australian cuisine and is especially popular at dinner.
A short drive from Queenscliff is Mannerim, home to Quiddity Place where you can combine seeing Australian art with a cellar door featuring Oakdene wines.
Tin Liz Gallery has a permanent exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island art as well as art from communities in central Australia.
Quiddity Place also has its own restaurant, Hidden Frog, overlooking the vineyard.
For more information: