Victoria · Attraction
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Shipwrecks and seafarers at the Rip
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum sits right on the Queenscliff foreshore at Wharf Street, occupying a picturesque heritage building overlooking the waters of Port Phillip Bay. The museum documents the remarkable maritime history of the Borough of Queenscliffe - a stretch of coast that witnessed more than 200 shipwrecks as vessels navigated the treacherous Rip. Exhibits include shipwreck relics, boatbuilding equipment, navigational instruments and fascinating tidal displays.
The collection traces the lives of the harbour pilots, divers, lifeboat crews and fishermen who shaped the town from the 1850s onward. Scale models of historic vessels, original diving suits and a large photographic archive bring the stories of Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay to life for visitors of all ages. Children are particularly engaged by the hands-on tidal displays and the chance to handle replica navigational equipment.
The museum also serves as the booking point and departure hub for the highly regarded Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours that run every Sunday morning. Open daily from 11:00am to 4:00pm, the museum is well positioned for a combined visit with the nearby Fort Queenscliff or a waterfront stroll along the Queenscliff breakwater. Guided group tours of approximately one hour can be arranged for schools and organised groups at educational admission rates.
Where to stay
Holiday parks near Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.
2 options via our booking partner
Collendina Holiday Park
9km away
Dylene Holiday Park Portarlington
17km away
Bookings handled by our partner Parkbooker. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Scenic views
