The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Queenscliff, Victoria

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse overlooks the Rip, one of the world's most dangerous stretches of water | © Point Lonsdale Holiday Apartments / Expedia

Adejoke Emmanuel

20 December 2021

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Overlooking the Bellarine Peninsula is the seaside resort of Queenscliff, Australia, famous for its rich, Victorian-era heritage. Here, the best of the old and the new exist together: historic hotels, grand churches, lighthouses, quaint fishermen’s cottages and modern waterfront developments. There’s no end to the fun water activities here – including surfing, snorkelling and swimming – as well as many interesting sights to visit, including Fort Queenscliff Museum, Queenscliff Maritime Museum and Queenscliff Harbour. And you’ll always find awesome places to stay in this enchanting place – all bookable on Culture Trip.

Point Lonsdale Guest House, for nostalgic charm

Cosy double room at Point Lonsdale Guest House with wooden ceiling and floor, and adjoining lounge area with wicker furnishings and blue gingham upholstery.

Built in 1884, this old-world charmer will take you on a nostalgic trip into yesteryear. The spacious seaside property was built to accommodate the workers who built Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, and within walking distance are shops, beaches, fishing spots, rock pools and the famous lighthouse. There are 22 guest rooms in all: nine older-style rooms and 13 contemporary, maritime-themed rooms. For all your gastronomic needs, there’s an on-site restaurant – Flouch’s Point Lonsdale – where guests can savour delicious food prepared by the in-house chef from bountiful local crops.

Athelstane House, for historic design

Decked balcony area at Athelstane House, with white wooden furniture and striped orange-and-white cushions, and leafy views.

Holding pride of place as Queenscliff’s oldest operating guesthouse is Athelstane House, built in 1860 and gazing out to the sea. Admire the historic exterior and experience the more contemporary interiors, which were renovated in the late 90s, when many luxuries were added. The accommodation ranges from small, standard rooms to a fully equipped apartment – all with a warm and homely ambience. There’s a large guest lounge to relax in and there’s a delicious a la carte breakfast selected from a specially prepared menu.

Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Accommodation, for a stunning range of accommodation options

Modern detached house that forms part of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Accommodation, with three balconied storeys and glass balustrades.

This seaside retreat comprises a group of six properties, ranging from modern apartments to beach houses. This includes Point Lonsdale two-bedroom apartments, tucked away in a quiet bushland area, and Abaleen House, a lovely heritage cottage with three bedrooms that boast quality fixtures and fittings, along with beautiful antique flourishes that showcase its Victorian history. Other accommodation includes the Lonsdale one-bedroom apartments, the Jordan, the Beach House and the Maison Cottage. Nearby, guests can explore Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, Point Lonsdale Market and the Lonsdale Golf Club.

Seaview House Queenscliff, for great amenities

Traditional-style double room at Seaview House Queenscliff with brass bedframe and cream furnishings.

Located in the heart of Queenscliff, this historic guesthouse has been in operation since 1875 and has been newly renovated. Perfect for large groups, there are 15 elegant en-suite rooms, multiple lounges, a fully equipped commercial kitchen, dining space and a bar. Guests can explore the Seaview Gallery here, which is home to the works of more than 40 Australian artists. There are also several attractions nearby, including historic Fort Queenscliff, golf courses, Adventure Park Geelong and Queenscliff Harbour, where there are cafes, shops and restaurants.

Oakdene, for a step back into nature

Large, grassy outdoor dining area at Oakdene, with wicker chairs and several round, black, wrought-iron dining tables.

Home to a flourishing winery and Lighthouse Grove, where premium extra virgin olive oils are produced, Oakdene offers several accommodations surrounded by a pristine wilderness. The lighthouse cottage features three bedrooms, a large dining area and a cosy lounge with a fireplace. There’s also the Oakdene Vineyards Guest House, a beautifully restored 1920s homestead that features three uniquely themed rooms. Also on the property are Mr Grubb, a restaurant with family-friendly dining options, the Merne at Lighthouse, an award-winning restaurant, and Manor Suite Wine Bar, where guests can listen to live music as they dine and drink.

BIG4 Beacon Resort, for beachfront access

Clean, contemporary accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort, with a grey divan double bed with white linen directly next to a dark-grey galley kitchen unit.

A holiday park located just at the entrance to Queenscliff, BIG4 Beacon Resort is set among native gardens and right opposite the beach. Here, you can immerse yourself in a coastal getaway and stay in luxurious accommodation, which includes custom-designed villas, contemporary self-contained cabins and powered caravans. Enjoy the on-site facilities, which include a heated indoor pool, therapeutic spa, yoga and pilates classes, clubhouse for children and an indoor adventure playground.

323 On Jetty, for family fun

Double room at 323 On Jetty, with double sofa and desk, motivational quotes on the wall above the bed, and large, long shuttered air vents along the wall.

Located in Drysdale, this three-star motel features 10 rooms that open onto furnished patios. The rooms are sound-proof, cosy and finished in white, and there’s an outdoor pool where guests can relax, a spa tub, barbecue grill and a picnic area. There are cafes and restaurants in Drysdale to choose from, and Adventure Park Geelong, Clifton Springs Beach and Leura Park Estate winery are about a six-minute drive away. Guests can also engage in golfing and boating activities nearby.

The Oxley Estate, for a taste of the countryside

Attractive double room at the Oxley Estate, with beige and white furnishings, a grey sofa and two shuttered windows that look onto leafy views.

Set on a 4ha (10-acre) property is the Oxley Estate in Portarlington, just 500m (1,640ft) from the beach and opposite the well-known Portarlington Golf Club. The spacious rooms come with a suave palette of neutral tones with white furnishings, along with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide excellent views of the exterior. Facilities include an outdoor pool, barbecue facilities and free private parking. Guests get to experience a taste of country life with the livestock, gardens and orchard on the property.

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