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.
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.
A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.
Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.
Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.
1. The Monty, Anglesea
Settle into The Monty’s unique style.
Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.
A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.
Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.
2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy
Discover this new adults-only retreat.
Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines . The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.
See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.
Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.
The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.
3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac
Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.
Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.
Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.
Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)
Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.
4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.
Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.
Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.
A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).
Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.
Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.
Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.
