Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

Sea, sand and sail are the key to Queenscliff’s history. Visit Queenscliffe Maritime Museum to discover the treasures of its rich maritime heritage, shaped by its proximity to the entrance of Port Phillip and its notorious ‘rip’.

From sea pilots to sailors, fishermen to boat builders, light keepers or ferry captains, the sea has created a world full of stories of boats and maritime industry.

Highlighted is the lifeboat ‘Queenscliffe’ which operated for fifty years rescuing people and ships. Manned by the light keepers and volunteers, including many fishermen, this was the last of the lifeboat service which operated for 120 years.

Shipwrecks are numerous in the area, so discover their stories and artefacts amongst the exhibitions. See the old diving equipment and try the diving bell helmet for yourself.

Lighthouses have been beacons along the coast, despite changing technologies. The museum has an extensive display of equipment and see inside a Fresnel lens at the museum and join a guided tour of Point Lonsdale Lighthouse on Sunday mornings.

With Queenscliff’s unique couta boats, its brave fishermen, and a maritime history stretching back into the early days of Victoria as a colony, there is much more to discover on a visit.