Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Escape into Queenscliff's fascinating past of shipwrecks, rescues, fishermen, lighthouses, pilots.

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum acknowledges the Traditional Owners of these lands, waters and skies, the Wadawurrung People. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connections to their lands, waters, skies, culture and the contribution they make to the life and spirit of our community. We pay respect to their past and present Elders and their emerging leaders, and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

SCALLOP BOAT | SEA-TEMBERThere’s something about an old scallop boat sitting on a historic slipway that makes you wonder...
07/09/2026

SCALLOP BOAT | SEA-TEMBER

There’s something about an old scallop boat sitting on a historic slipway that makes you wonder about the stories she could tell.

This slipway was once part of the working harbour, where fishermen hauled their boats ashore for repairs and preparation for another day at sea.

Who owned this boat, where did she work, and where is she now?

Surely, a boat like this must bring a sea song or sea book to mind.

Tell us in the comments: what sea song would you play as she heads back out to sea, or what book best captures her story? Share the title and, if you can, a line about why it belongs on this boat’s voyage.

Then nominate your choice for the SEA-TEMBER Top Sea Song or Sea Book and vote for your favourite — link in the comments.

If volunteering has ever crossed your mind, we’d love to welcome you aboard. Come visit the museum or get in touch for a friendly chat to find out more about joining our volunteer crew.

SEA-TEMBER Top 10 Sea Song NominationDaff Wallace’s pick: “Down Under” – Men at WorkDaff’s sea-song nomination comes wit...
07/09/2026

SEA-TEMBER Top 10 Sea Song Nomination

Daff Wallace’s pick: “Down Under” – Men at Work

Daff’s sea-song nomination comes with an unforgettable Australian maritime story.

He was involved in Australia II’s historic 1983 America’s Cup campaign, when John Bertrand’s crew defeated Liberty 4–3 at Newport, Rhode Island, on 26 September 1983 — ending 132 years of American dominance.

For Daff, “Down Under” is forever linked to those mornings on the water. As the crew headed out from the dock aboard the support vessel Black Swan, the song was played to fire up the crew — and give the Americans a bit of friendly stick.

Add the throaty roar of the boat’s Cummins V8 diesels, the harbour, the crew and the anticipation of another day on the water, and the song became part of the soundscape of Australia’s greatest sailing victory.

That’s what makes it a great SEA-TEMBER choice. A sea song doesn’t have to be an old shanty — it can be the song that takes you back to a vessel, a crew, a harbour and a defining moment at sea.

The photograph is from the press conference following Australia II’s historic victory. Can you spot Daff? Let us know in the comments.

This SEA-TEMBER, we’re celebrating the people, places, stories and sounds that connect Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale to the sea.
Now it’s your turn.

Nominate your sea song or sea book — link in the comments.

06/09/2026

SEA-TEMBER — DAFF’S PORT PHILLIP HEADS

A Port Phillip pilot launch battles the tide at the Heads, where generations of pilots have navigated the powerful, unpredictable Rip.

The Port Phillip pilot service dates back to 1839, when early pilots travelled out to ships in open whaleboats. Today, pilot launches still operate from Queenscliff, carrying pilots to and from vessels navigating this challenging passage.

What sea song or sea book does this photograph bring to mind?

Share your nomination in the comments—and tell us why.

Let’s keep the SEA-TEMBER conversation about sea songs and sea books going.

SEA-TEMBER | A BUMPER CATCH AT QUEENSCLIFFA huge catch of barracouta arrives at Fishermen’s Pier in Queenscliff — a fami...
05/09/2026

SEA-TEMBER | A BUMPER CATCH AT QUEENSCLIFF

A huge catch of barracouta arrives at Fishermen’s Pier in Queenscliff — a familiar sight from the days when the town was at the heart of Victoria’s commercial fishing industry.

For generations, Queenscliff fishing families made their living from the sea. Boats often headed out through the Rip before daylight, returning with barracouta, known locally as couta.

The catch was unloaded at Fishermen’s Pier before being taken to the Fish Shed for processing and distribution.

Although the exact date of this photograph is uncertain, it captures more than a successful day on the water. It offers a glimpse of a busy working harbour, the importance of fishing to local families, and the daily rhythm of boats coming and going.

Local knowledge can help bring this image to life. Share your memories, family connections or information in the comments.

This SEA-TEMBER, we’re celebrating the people, places, stories and sounds that connect Queenscliff to the sea.

Now it’s your turn.
Nominate your sea song or sea book — link in the comments.

SEA-TEMBER — FATHER’S DAY: GRACE DARLING & HER FATHEROn 7 September 1838, nine survivors clung to rocks after the Forfar...
05/09/2026

SEA-TEMBER — FATHER’S DAY: GRACE DARLING & HER FATHER

On 7 September 1838, nine survivors clung to rocks after the Forfarshire was wrecked near the Farne Islands.

Longstone Lighthouse keeper William Darling and his daughter, Grace, launched their rowing coble into the storm. Guided by William’s experience and Grace’s courage, they made two trips through the dangerous surf and brought all nine survivors safely back to the lighthouse.

Other members of the Darling family, including William’s wife, Thomasin, then helped care for them.

Born on 24 November 1815 in Bamburgh, Northumberland, Grace Horsley Darling became a national heroine. Behind the legend was a father and daughter who trusted each other, faced the sea together and helped bring nine people safely home.

There’s also a Melbourne connection: the historic Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood, built in 1854, was named after the celebrated maritime heroine.

SEA-TEMBER SONG
“Grace Darling” — The Strawbs (1974)

SEA-TEMBER BOOK
Grace Darling: Victorian Heroine — Hugh Cunningham

Want to know how the rescue happened?

The RNLI tells the full story; link in comments.

SEA-TEMBER nomination and voting link in comments.

This Father’s Day, SEA-TEMBER wishes all fathers a very happy Father’s Day. We celebrate the courage, care and guidance fathers give their families—and the strength shared by fathers, daughters and all those who help bring others safely home.

What’s on this weekend:

• Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours — Sundays, 10:00am–1:00pm
• Queenscliff Escape Room — Open and ready to challenge you!
• Queenscliffe Maritime Museum — Open 11:00am–4:00pm

If volunteering has ever crossed your mind, we’d love to welcome you aboard. Come visit the museum or get in touch for a friendly chat to find out more about joining our volunteer crew.

SEA-TEMBER — CONTINUING THE STORY OF THE GOLDEN GATE SUNFollowing Sunday’s post, here’s another view of the Golden Gate ...
04/09/2026

SEA-TEMBER — CONTINUING THE STORY OF THE GOLDEN GATE SUN

Following Sunday’s post, here’s another view of the Golden Gate Sun from the Queenscliff High Light, better known as the Black Lighthouse.

On 30 August 1984, the 39,000-tonne oil tanker ran aground at Shortland’s Bluff, off Queenscliff Back Beach. Inward bound in ballast, it missed the turn towards the South Channel and came ashore near the entrance to Port Phillip.

Local professional divers, brothers John “Gus” Rogers and Len 'Gus" Rogers, inspected the hull. John reported two scrapes, approximately one metre wide, extending about 30 metres from the bow towards midships.

For Queenscliff, seeing such a huge tanker aground beneath the lighthouse must have been unforgettable.

Were you there?

Did you see the tanker from the Black Lighthouse or along Queenscliff Back Beach? Do you remember the salvage operation or the Rogers brothers’ inspection?

Share your memories, stories and photographs in the comments.

And, as always with SEA-TEMBER…

What book or song does this photograph remind you of?

Links in comments.

SEA-TEMBER — celebrating our sea, our stories and our maritime history.

Photo supplied by Andy Prowse

What’s on this weekend:

• Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours — Sundays, 10:00am–1:00pm
• Queenscliff Escape Room — Open and ready to challenge you!
• Queenscliffe Maritime Museum — Open 11:00am–4:00pm

If volunteering has ever crossed your mind, we’d love to welcome you aboard. Come visit the museum or get in touch for a friendly chat to find out more about joining our volunteer crew.

September 1891 – The Bell That Called the FishermenOne hundred and thirty-five years this month.In September 1891, a bel...
03/09/2026

September 1891 – The Bell That Called the Fishermen

One hundred and thirty-five years this month.

In September 1891, a bell was raised on a two-metre timber post in Princes Park, on the corner of Wharf and Gellibrand Streets. It was cast by John Danks & Son of Melbourne, and the frame that holds it was erected by a local man, William Golightly Jnr.

Where it stood mattered. Until then the alarm was rung from the signal station up at Shortland Bluff. The new bell was placed down among the fishermen's cottages — because in Queenscliff the fishermen were the lifeboat crew. When the bell rang, the men who had to answer it lived a few steps away.

Its first recorded call came on Boxing Day 1894, when the ketch W. J. Taylor was wrecked on Point Lonsdale Reef. It went on ringing for wrecks and emergencies for the better part of a century. In 1967 it was rung during the search for Prime Minister Harold Holt. Its last recorded use was in 1974, when the lifeboat was called to a fire aboard the Brisbane Trader.

It is still there. One of only two wreck bells left in Victoria. The other is at Lakes Entrance and the only one of its kind, with a bifurcated yoke belfry. It has been on the Victorian Heritage Register since 2004.

Next time you walk down Wharf Street, stop at the corner of Gellibrand and look up. That bell was the sound of a whole town dropping everything.
Source: Victorian Heritage Register H2070 (Heritage Council of Victoria)

What’s on this weekend:
• Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours — Sundays, 10:00am–1:00pm
• Queenscliff Escape Room — Open and ready to challenge you!
• Queenscliffe Maritime Museum — Open 11:00am–4:00pm

If volunteering has ever crossed your mind, we’d love to welcome you aboard. Come visit the museum or get in touch for a friendly chat to find out more about joining our volunteer crew.

SEA-TEMBER MARITIME LEGEND NOMINATIONAfter Garry’s nomination on Tuesday, we had to venture inside a wooden boatbuilder’...
03/09/2026

SEA-TEMBER MARITIME LEGEND NOMINATION

After Garry’s nomination on Tuesday, we had to venture inside a wooden boatbuilder’s shed — and here’s a great photo of Garry.

There’s something special about an old wooden boat shed.

The scent of freshly cut timber. Sawdust beneath your boots. The sound of a plane shaving into a plank. Salt in the air.

And the steady hands of a boatbuilder shaping timber that will one day venture out to sea.

Inside Garry Stewart’s boatbuilding shed in Port Fairy, you can feel the connection to the water — and to the generations who came before.

For generations, Australian fishermen and boatbuilders have worked with timber to build vessels tough enough to earn a living from the sea and strong enough to carry a lifetime of stories.

A wooden boat has a soul.

You can see it in the grain, feel it in the hull and hear it as the boat meets the water. Every scar, repair and layer of paint tells a story.

That tradition is still alive and well.

As SEA-TEMBER gets into full swing, we invite you to reconnect with your own sea spirit.

Think of the boats, people, places, storms, fishing trips and memories that have stayed with you.

What sea song tells your story? What sea book takes you back to the water?

Garry Stewart’s nomination is “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison.

Now it’s your turn.

Nominate your sea song or sea book — link in the comments.

Share the title and artist or author — and, if you like, tell us the memory, place or person it brings to mind.

SEA-TEMBER — keeping the songs, stories and spirit of the sea alive.

MERCHANT NAVY DAY3 SEPTEMBERToday, the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of merchan...
03/09/2026

MERCHANT NAVY DAY
3 SEPTEMBER

Today, the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of merchant mariners who served in times of peace and war.

3 September marks the anniversary of the first attack on an Allied merchant ship in the Second World War.

The Merchant Navy played a crucial role in both World Wars, transporting Australian and Allied personnel, supplies and equipment, while hospital ships provided vital medical services. Merchant seafarers faced extraordinary dangers, often with limited defensive protection.

QMM volunteer Peter Negri prepares to raise the Australian Red Ensign — the flag of Australia’s Merchant Navy — at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

From Australian ports to the battle zones of the world, our merchant seafarers kept the lifeline moving. Many never came home.

From Shortland Bluff, Queenscliff, we look across the Rip — a gateway for generations of Australian ships and seafarers.

We honour their service and sacrifice.

Lest we forget.

Photo: QMM volunteer Peter Negri preparing to fly the Australian Merchant Navy flag.

SEA-TEMBER MARITIME LEGEND NOMINATIONGarry Kerr — Fisherman, Historian, Author & StorytellerSome maritime legends spend ...
02/09/2026

SEA-TEMBER MARITIME LEGEND NOMINATION

Garry Kerr — Fisherman, Historian, Author & Storyteller

Some maritime legends spend their lives at sea. Others preserve its stories. Garry Kerr is both.

After 60 years of cray fishing, Garry has lived the working life of a fisherman while also becoming a respected historian, author, documentary maker and storyteller.

Pictured with his friend Garry Stewart and the Couta boat Ariel, Garry represents a deep connection to Australia’s coastal traditions and working maritime heritage. Through his documentaries and storytelling, he continues to keep the history of Australia’s maritime communities alive.

For SEA-TEMBER, we’re proud to present Garry’s nomination, “Bound for South Australia”, celebrating the adventure, hardship and enduring spirit of life at sea.

Garry Kerr — fisherman, historian, Couta boat owner, author and storyteller — deserves recognition as a SEA-TEMBER Maritime Legend.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

What sea song takes you straight to the ocean?
What sea book has captured your imagination?

Nominate your favourite sea song and sea book via the link in comments.

Join us to celebrate SEA-TEMBER at the Gil Allbutt boat shed Thursday 24th September 2026 from 7:30pm featuring the Sea of Ukes and Shedding the Blues. Link to tickets in comments.

Don’t miss it!
SEA-TEMBER 2026 - SEA-TEMBER — BLUE PHAROS

Photo of Garry Stewart and Garry Kerr with couta boat Ariel

Address

2 Wharf Street
Queenscliff, VIC
3225

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 4pm
Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+61352583440

Website

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