After seven years sitting dormant, one of Victoria’s grandest coastal hotels is back – and it’s more glamorous than ever.
The Bellarine Peninsula has long delivered beachy charm, historic piers and low-key summer escapes. But now it has something new to boast about: the return of a heritage-listed grande dame that once welcomed Melbourne’s elite by paddle steamer.
First established in 1888, The Queenscliff Hotel will reopen in March following an extensive three-year restoration, transforming the landmark into a boutique luxury destination while carefully preserving its architectural soul.
And if the photos are anything to go by, this is not just a refresh. It’s a full-scale revival.
A sleeping beauty, reawakened
Perched in the heart of Queenscliff, the hotel stood empty for seven years, slowly slipping into disrepair. For locals, it was a sad sight: a heritage icon with a turreted tower and ornate ironwork, waiting for someone to bring it back to life.
That someone turned out to be Rob and Tammy Charter, former Queensland avocado farmers with hospitality backgrounds, who purchased the property in December 2022 as their first restoration project. What followed was a meticulous three-year overhaul in consultation with Heritage Victoria and the Borough of Queenscliff, with restoration works led by Matt Wilson from Geelong-based Built by Wilson, architectural and interior design by Melbourne’s MOLECULE Studio and landscaping by InStyle Gardens.
The Queenscliff Hotel stood empty for seven years. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Melbourne’s MOLECULE Studio led the interior design. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
The restoration has carefully preserved the hotel's architectural soul. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
The result? A seamless blend of Queen Anne-style grandeur and contemporary refinement.
The tower is back – and so are the views
One of the most striking elements of the restoration is the return of the hotel’s turreted viewing tower to its original open-air design. Previously enclosed, it has been structurally rebuilt, complete with a newly crafted spire and turret posts made in Melbourne.
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The hotel’s turreted viewing tower was restored to its original open-air design. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Guests can climb the historic staircase to the top of the tower. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Take in views over Port Phillip Bay from the tower. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Guests can once again climb the historic staircase and take in sweeping views over Port Phillip Bay. It’s the kind of detail that elevates a stay from pleasant to memorable, especially at sunset.
The original cast-iron front fence has also been faithfully reconstructed by local tradespeople, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to heritage integrity rather than cosmetic quick fixes.
Inside the new boutique stay
The reimagined hotel now offers 12 individually designed suites, creating an intimate, boutique experience. Some rooms open directly onto the historic verandah. Two suites – the Beach She Oak and Coconut Palm – are pet friendly, complete with an onsite dog wash for sandy paws. There are also wheelchair-accessible and ambulant-friendly suites, and flexible two-bedroom configurations for families.
The Coconut Palm Suite is pet friendly. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
The Blue Jacaranda Suite is one of two accessible rooms in the hotel. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
The Olive Suite is a king suite with a view over Swan Bay. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Design-wise, expect a thoughtful interplay between old and new. Heritage features sit alongside contemporary designer furnishings, floor-to-ceiling marble accents and locally crafted details, including alpaca rugs from Creswick Woollen Mills and bespoke Melbourne-made lighting. Original artworks by Bellarine Peninsula artists are displayed throughout and available to purchase.
The Stone Pine Suite has a private verandah. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
The marble bathtub is a highlight in the Stone Pine Suite. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
The premium Stone Pine Suite is the standout: king bed, original fireplaces in both bedroom and marble-clad ensuite, a deep marble bath, walk-in dual shower and a private verandah with bay views. It’s the kind of space built for slow mornings and long soaks after coastal walks.
All stays include complimentary breakfast for the length of your visit, plus access to a guest lounge stocked with books and board games – and, of course, the tower.
A dining revival with serious pedigree
The hotel’s culinary history runs deep. In 1978, culinary icon Mietta O’Donnell brought her celebrated restaurant Miettas to the property. Now, the name returns under executive chef Salvatore Giorgio, with a focus on the richness and diversity of Bellarine Peninsula produce.
Guests also have access to The Conservatory for relaxed contemporary dining, Cafe 1888 for light bites and coffee, and The Boat Bar for pre-dinner cocktails in a sophisticated coastal setting. It’s a multi-venue offering that feels far more destination-led than your average regional hotel.
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Miettas has a history at The Queenscliff Hotel. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Bellarine Peninsula produce will be championed at Miettas. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Start the day at Cafe 1888. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Enjoy cocktails at The Boat Bar. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
A bathhouse is coming soon
The hotel is also preparing to launch a dedicated Bathhouse – a future wellness retreat designed as a sanctuary of calm for guests.
While an opening date has not yet been announced, the upcoming space will offer steam and sauna rooms for deep relaxation, plunge pools for hot–cold therapy, and a luxurious hydro jet massage table delivering full-body water therapy. Access will be limited to a small number of guests at a time to preserve a sense of privacy, creating an unhurried experience that feels worlds away from the everyday.
Given the Bellarine’s growing appeal for bathhouse escapes, the addition positions The Queenscliff Hotel firmly in the wellness-luxe category – and makes it far more than just a place to sleep.
Details
This seaside icon is ready to make noise again. (Credit: Neisha Breen Photography)
Address: 16 Gellibrand St, Queenscliff, Victoria 3225
When: Full operations for the accommodation, The Conservatory, Cafe 1888 and The Boat Bar commence on Saturday, 14 March, while Miettas will offer an elevated Italian-inspired dining experience from 28 March.
After seven years of silence, the old seaside icon is ready to make noise again.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.
There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.
The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.
From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.
1. Warburton
Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.
The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.
If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.
2. Yarra Glen
Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.
A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.
Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.
If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.
3. Healesville
Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.
To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.
Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.
4. Olinda
Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.
The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.
The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.
Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.
5. Emerald
Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.
You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.
The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.
