Fort Queenscliff


Queencliff's fort was first used as a coastal defence in 1882 to protect Melbourne from a feared Russian invasion. It remained a base until 1946, and was then used as the Army Staff College until late 2012; today it functions as the Defence Department's archive. Tours take in the military museum (not always accessible), the magazine, cells and the twin lighthouses (including the iconic black lighthouse). It's a defence area, so bring ID for entry and arrive 10 minutes early.

A separate operator, Geraldine (a sixth-generation local with plenty of tales; 0410 512 472), leads tours (adult/child/family $15/7/35) midweek at 11am during the non-holiday period.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Seaview Gallery

0.2 MILES

Pop by this lovely main-street gallery to see works by established and emerging Australian artists.

2. Queenscliff Gallery

0.24 MILES

A lovely space inside a historic stone church (c 1868), this worthwhile gallery exhibits works by contemporary Australian artists who work on paper…

3. Queenscliff Historical Museum

0.33 MILES

This small museum on the main strip is dedicated to the area's rich local history. Exhibits change every few months, but its catalogued historical…

4. Salt Contemporary Art

0.43 MILES

Within a heritage building on the main street, this quality gallery focuses on the work of contemporary Australian artists, including pieces by Indigenous…

5. Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

0.68 MILES

Home to the last lifeboat to serve the Rip (the treacherous stretch of water linking Port Phillip Bay to Bass Strait) , this recommended museum has…

6. Observation Tower

0.84 MILES

Check out incredible 360-degree views from this tower at Queenscliff's harbour.

7. Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre

1.16 MILES

While this education centre is aimed at schoolchildren, it's worth popping in to have a gawk at the local species that live in the sea and lakes. Display…

8. Fort Nepean

2.12 MILES

Established in the late 1870s, Fort Nepean played an important role in Australia's military defence. Located at the far western tip of the national park,…