Camping at Queenscliff Victoria
Yes, Dayv is everywhere! Lookout for a future blog on his Cadet involvement!
Kathie Baker writes:
Summer 2021/2022 isn’t that far off and after being in Melbourne lockdown we (myself and Rob) are chomping at the bit to spread our wings. Time doesn’t allow for an extended holiday, but with Queenscliff being so close we can trip off at the drop of a hat without too much organisation – camping at Queenscliff Victoria!
Where is Queenscliff?
Queenscliff is roughly an hour and a half from Melbourne and an easy drive. The attraction for me is the beach and when the weather is behaving it is a great spot to camp. It is a stone’s throw from the west side of Melbourne, where I live. There’s a choice of spots to rest your weary bones, either at one of the caravan parks or Airbnb type options. We take our old girl “Lotti” as named by the previous owner. She is not necessarily a “looker” but she is definitely reliable. Camping on a budget.
The charm of Queenscliff
On my first visit to Queenscliff, I was drawn to the architecture. So many of the buildings have remained intact and not altered by modern conversions – standing still in time but standing as proud as the day built. The restorations all completed without destroying the buildings’ integrity of the period they were built. Dating back to 1806 these grand buildings were erected for the rich gentry of Melbourne and the wealthy country folk. The interiors may have been updated and modernised, but the exteriors remain authentic to the past.
The constant demand for property close to the coast and the increased prices may change the future of our coastal towns as older buildings are sacrificed and new dwellings replace them. Time will tell how Queenscliff looks in another hundred years.
Flocking to the coastal towns
Over Summer the Queenscliff population swells, but not to the extent you feel overwhelmed by people. The caravan parks (see map) offer all the normal benefits we have come to expect from today’s parks, so it is really a choice on which you wish to camp at.
However, if you wish to get away for something a little more upmarket there’s loads of options for accommodation.
Kids and the beach
Camping and the beach seem to go hand in hand. The kids love playing in the sand and building their castles. As Aussies we are really spoilt with the beach coastal towns. Even on a crowded day at the beach it is still pleasurable. Our younger kids spend hours hunting for their beach treasures and normally use the shells found to decorate their fortresses.
The ferry
The ferry between Queenscliff and Sorrento is a great trip. At the time of writing the ferry is restricted to running to a Covid service, but fingers crossed when Mr Andrews releases us from lockdown things will go back to “normal”.
On board the ferry there’s often events organised, especially during the peak periods. The crossing can offer some surprises. We had a pod of dolphins swimming beside the ship on our last trip. Apparently this is very common and it was definitely a crowd pleaser.
Camping and getting out&about doesn’t mean you need to have an itinerary laid out for sightseeing each day. Whether you choose a stroll along the beach, coffee at one of the many options or head to a park with a picnic lunch, Queenscliff is a fun Summer destination.
Warning
These days we are well aware of the risks of skin cancer. Make sure you “slip, slop and slap”. Or get yourself a Gazebo from Snowys Camping and Outdoors.