Because we are a beachside town, a lot of people think that most activities in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are outdoors.
Whilst our beautiful beaches, walking and bike riding trails and harbour attractions are must-dos, they aren’t always as enticing when the rain clouds are looming. Fortunately, there is plenty to keep you busy even if the rain as set in for the day. We’ve put together a little list that you can bring along on your next stay (just in case!).
Fort Queenscliff Museum
If you are staying in Queenscliff on a weekend or school holidays, a tour of Fort Queenscliff is essential. The fort was built in 1860, and is significant for the local history and heritage. Your tour includes a visit to the museum and the magazines buried under the cliffs of Shortland’s Bluff. You can also dress up in Military uniform amongst historical artefacts for great photo opportunities. If you happen to look for an activity during a rainy day outside of the general tour times and you have a bigger family or enough friends with you, give them a call and ask to arrange a group tour for you.
Bellarine Railway
The scenery on this heritage train trip is beautiful, no matter the weather! Stay dry and warm inside the train as you take a picturesque journey beside Swan Bay and across the rolling hills of the Bellarine to Drysdale. The Bellarine Railway runs every Sunday as well as Tuesday and Thursday during the school holidays.
Explore Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale’s Art Galleries
Spend a rainy day amongst the three beautiful galleries in Queenscliff. Start at Tussock Upstairs in Point Lonsdale, a light-filled gallery overlooking the Rip and featuring work from both local and Melbourne artists. Seaview Gallery in Hesse Street is your next stop and the most renowned gallery in Queenscliff. Boasting contemporary and traditional art as well as sculpture and jewellery, Seaview features six rooms and represents 40 Australian artists. Your last stop is Salt Gallery (where you can finish with a cocktail). Salt is a former drapery store turned gallery and offers stunning contemporary art and views across Queenscliff.The three local art galleries are well worth a visit and can easily fill a rainy day.
Marine Discovery Centre
Many people who visit Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are interested in the marine wildlife. On a rainy day, you might not be able to explore the marine life in the ocean but you can still learn the many inhabitants of the ocean at the Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre.
Queenscliff Historical Museum & Queenscliff Maritime Museum
A museum is always a good place to visit on a rainy day. You can dive into the local history and forget about the world outside for a while. The historic museum at Queenscliff is home to many household items, photographs, documents, paintings and clothing together with shipping, pilot service, buildings and shipwreck memorabilia dating from 1836 that will give you an insight into Queenscliff in days gone by. If you want to know more about Queenscliff’s maritime past, then the Queenscliff Maritime Museum is for you. Escape for a short while into Queenscliff’s fascinating past. The ship wrecks, the rescues and the brave Pilots who, even to this day guide ships safely through “The Rip” at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. This modern museum, built to house the last Queenscliff lifeboat, also displays many artefacts from shipwrecks, model ships, the history of the Chinese fishermen and the unique couta boats.
Indulge yourself at Mud Day Spa
Escape the rain and allow yourself the ultimate Day Spa experience where your health and wellbeing come first. Mud Day Spa has been designed for those with sublime relaxation in mind. Your rainy day can be spend indulging in a facials, massage or body wrap, available for men and women. Even better, Mud is located within the resort so you don’t have to go far in the rain.
Stay inside and relax
Sometimes, when the rain is pouring, you just want to stay inside. A rainy day is certainly a good excuse to take it easy. Play some board games with your family (we’ve got plenty you can borrow at reception), tell each other stories, read books, watch a movie or two (hire a DVD from The Shop) or enjoy a hot drink by the heater. Not every day of your holidays needs to be action packed. Take some time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the day.
Explore our parks
