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 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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.