Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Escape into Queenscliff's fascinating past of shipwrecks, rescues, fishermen, lighthouses, pilots.

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum acknowledges the Traditional Owners of these lands, waters and skies, the Wadawurrung People. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connections to their lands, waters, skies, culture and the contribution they make to the life and spirit of our community. We pay respect to their past and present Elders and their emerging leaders, and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

After a long week on the water, it was time to head home.This wonderful photograph shows legendary Queenscliff fisherman...
19/06/2026

After a long week on the water, it was time to head home.

This wonderful photograph shows legendary Queenscliff fisherman Reg “Buzza” Wells making his way along the pier at Queenscliff Harbour after a day’s work at sea.

For generations, fishermen like Buzza were the backbone of our maritime community, helping shape the rich fishing heritage that remains such an important part of Queenscliff's story.

A special thankyou to Mark Wells for sharing this photo.

📍 Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours — Every Sunday, 9:30am–1:00pm

🗝️ Queenscliff Escape Room — Open and ready to challenge you!

⚓ Queenscliffe Maritime Museum — Open daily, 11:00am–4:00pm

Become a member of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum. Link in comments.

🐾 Remembering Skipper 🐾“I had a feeling that if I brought him home as a puppy while the grandkids were visiting, there’d...
18/06/2026

🐾 Remembering Skipper 🐾

“I had a feeling that if I brought him home as a puppy while the grandkids were visiting, there’d be no way anyone could say no to keeping him.” — John Rogers, known locally as "Gus”

Many people around Queenscliff will remember Skipper, the beloved companion of local seafarer Gus.

Rarely far from Gus’s side, Skipper was a familiar sight around Queenscliff, whether onboard at sea or relaxing at home. His loyal nature and friendly presence earned him a special place in the hearts of locals.

Although Skipper passed away a few years ago after a long and happy life, he remains deeply missed. His memory stays close to Gus’s heart—his photo is still the screensaver on Gus’s phone.

Do you know a maritime dog with a story worth sharing? Whether they’re a boat dog, fishing dog, harbour dog, yacht club mascot, or a faithful companion on the waterfront, we’d love to hear about them.

📍 Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours Every Sunday 9:30am – 1:00pm

🗝️ Queenscliff Escape Room Open and ready to challenge you!

⚓ Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Open daily 11:00am – 4:00pm

Become a member of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.
Link in comments.

⚓ Daff’s Pilot Launches – Port Phillip HeadsA great photo of pilot launch Griffiths heading out through Port Phillip Hea...
17/06/2026

⚓ Daff’s Pilot Launches – Port Phillip Heads

A great photo of pilot launch Griffiths heading out through Port Phillip Heads to service an outgoing ship.

These hardworking vessels operate in all conditions, ensuring ships can safely navigate one of Australia’s most challenging waterways. It’s always impressive to see the pilot launches in action and the skilled crews who keep maritime traffic moving safely.

Well done to the crew of Griffiths and all involved in pilot operations at Port Phillip Heads.

📸 Always great to see these vessels at work on the water.

Looking for a great vantage point to watch the action at Port Phillip Heads? Join a Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tour on Sundays and enjoy spectacular views of passing ships, pilot launches and the famous Rip from one of the Bellarine’s most iconic landmarks.

Sign up to become a member of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

Link to Daffs Pilot Launches in comments.

⚓️ Gil Allbutt’s craftsmanship helped shape the legacy of Gilcraft boats and Queenscliff’s proud boat-building tradition...
16/06/2026

⚓️ Gil Allbutt’s craftsmanship helped shape the legacy of Gilcraft boats and Queenscliff’s proud boat-building tradition.

This photograph captures Gil’s work car and trailer from the 1950s, parked outside 17 Stokes Street, Queenscliff.

🛠️ A skilled boat builder and dedicated volunteer at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, Gil made a lasting contribution both on and off the water. His work reflects the craftsmanship and community spirit that remain central to our maritime heritage.

🙌 Thinking about volunteering and making a difference? Join our team at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum and help preserve and share these stories for future generations.

🌟 As World Atlas noted, “The town’s history shines at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.”

⚓️ Volunteers always welcome.

Photo Darren Allbutt.

🚤⚓️

🌊⚓ Daff’s Pilot Launches – Port Phillip Heads ⚓🌊Over the past couple of weeks, pilot operations at Port Phillip Heads ha...
15/06/2026

🌊⚓ Daff’s Pilot Launches – Port Phillip Heads ⚓🌊

Over the past couple of weeks, pilot operations at Port Phillip Heads have faced some challenging conditions. Offshore winds have reached gale force at times, accompanied by rain squalls and rough seas, making the task of safely transferring marine pilots to and from ships anything but easy.

Despite the conditions, the crews of the pilot launches continue to operate with skill, professionalism and dedication, ensuring vessels can safely navigate one of Australia’s most demanding harbour entrances.

📸 Featured: PPSP Torquay taking on the conditions at the Heads.

Sign up to become a member of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

Link to Daff’s excellent collection of pilot launch photographs and information is in the comments.

🌊 How did you spend your Sunday?There’s always something special about a walk along the Queenscliff Pier. Today I came a...
14/06/2026

🌊 How did you spend your Sunday?

There’s always something special about a walk along the Queenscliff Pier. Today I came across a couple of local seagulls patiently keeping watch, hoping for a scrap or perhaps some leftover bait from the day’s fishing.

With the historic Lifeboat Shed providing a perfect backdrop, it was a great reminder of Queenscliff’s rich maritime heritage. For those who may not know, the famous Queenscliffe Lifeboat holds pride of place inside the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

If you’re looking to make a difference in your community, preserve local history, meet new people, and be part of something special, why not drop in and say hello? We’re always looking for volunteers to join our friendly team.

⚓ Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
📍 Preserving our maritime stories for future generations.

🔧⚓ Volunteers Making a Difference ⚓🔧After two years of silence, it was a real milestone to see the historic Gardner engi...
13/06/2026

🔧⚓ Volunteers Making a Difference ⚓🔧

After two years of silence, it was a real milestone to see the historic Gardner engine spring back to life and run smoothly on both cylinders once again.

👏 A huge effort by our committee member Daniel Cayzer, who organised the project, and Ted Harrold of Drysdale Trawler and Farming Services, who generously shared his expertise, patience and invaluable support throughout the process. Their volunteer effort has helped bring this important piece of maritime heritage back to life.

💙 We must also acknowledge QMM historian and volunteer Les Dusting, whose tireless work over many years has been greatly appreciated.

🌊 The restoration journey isn’t over yet, but with a little more work we’re hopeful the Gardner will once again power the foghorn during International Lighthouse Weekend this August, letting its distinctive sound be heard across Port Phillip Heads and out into Bass Strait.

📍 Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours Every Sunday 9:30am – 1:00pm
🗝️ Queenscliff Escape Room Open and ready to challenge you!
⚓ Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Open daily 11:00am – 4:00pm

Photo Ted Harrold of Drysdale Trawler and Farming Services.
Foghorn Shed Point Lonsdale.

⚓🔔🌊

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE QMM!Sign up to become a member of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.  Members receive:*  Free entr...
11/06/2026

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE QMM!

Sign up to become a member of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.
Members receive:
* Free entry all year (as many times as you like)
* 10% off museum shop purchases
* Event discounts
* Quarterly newsletters
* Voting rights at General and Annual Meetings.
https://maritimequeenscliffe.org.au/members/

⚓️ We were honoured to be nominated for the Borough of Queenscliffe's 2026 Community Group of the Year Award.This recogn...
30/05/2026

⚓️ We were honoured to be nominated for the Borough of Queenscliffe's 2026 Community Group of the Year Award.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our wonderful volunteers, members, supporters, and community who help keep our region's rich maritime history alive.

Thank you to the Borough of Queenscliffe and everyone who supports the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

⚓️ Preserving our maritime heritage, together.

🏴‍☠️⚓ Queenscliff Escape Room ⚓🏴‍☠️Step Aboard the Historic Shandon for an Escape Room Adventure! Discover Queenscliff’s...
28/05/2026

🏴‍☠️⚓ Queenscliff Escape Room ⚓🏴‍☠️

Step Aboard the Historic Shandon for an Escape Room Adventure!

Discover Queenscliff’s unique maritime escape room inside the original crew’s quarters of the historic Shandon (built in 1883) at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum 🗝️🌊

This is no ordinary escape room — it’s a real high-seas adventure inside an authentic ship’s deckhouse!

🔐 Solve hidden clues

⚓ Crack maritime codes

🧭 Work together with your crew

🏴‍☠️ Beat the clock before time runs out!

Perfect for families, friends, visitors, community groups and team outings looking for something different on the Bellarine this weekend.

🌐 Book now via the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum website

📧 Bespoke group bookings: [email protected]

Come aboard and experience maritime history in a whole new way! 🌊⚓

Address

2 Wharf Street
Queenscliff, VIC
3225

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 4pm
Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+61352583440

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