Queenscliff with Kids: The Local's Guide to Family-Friendly Fun
Planning a family trip to Queenscliff, Victoria? We've got you covered.
I recently visited a small coastal town with my three kids under five and desperately wanted a guide like this — the real local knowledge, not the generic tourist stuff. So I created it for our home turf instead.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend, a school holiday escape, or considering the Bellarine Peninsula as your next family destination, this is the guide I wish I'd had. We'll keep it updated as we discover new spots.
Free Activities in Queenscliff & Surrounds
Beach Walks & Exploring
Queenscliff's beaches are perfect for rock pooling, sandcastle building, and tiring out energetic kids.
Watch Ships Through the Heads
Walk to the end of Hesse Street near the Queenscliff White Lighthouse and watch massive ships navigate through Port Phillip Heads. Free entertainment, educational, and genuinely impressive.
Queenscliff Harbour Tower
Race the kids to the top (or take the lift!) for 360-degree views across Queenscliff, through the Heads, and back to Melbourne.
Point Lonsdale Foreshore Reserve
Epic kids' playground right on the foreshore. Grab a coffee from across the road and watch ships pass while the kids burn energy.
Princess Park, Queenscliff
Great playground with beach access right next door — perfect combo. There is a cafe in the park
Bellarine Rail Trail
Flat, paved bike riding suitable for all ages. Hire bikes locally or bring your own. This path goes for tens of kms but just jump on and off as you need.
Spot Giant Stingrays at Queenscliff Harbour
Walk around the harbour and look for the resident giant stingrays — kids love this (and it's free!).
Paid Activities
Dolphin & Seal Swims
Explore the Bellarine Peninsula by water — unforgettable family experience.
Adventure Park Geelong
About 30 minutes away, perfect for older kids and thrill-seekers. Open seasonally so need to check this. In winter they also do an epic winter wonderland.
Curlewis Golf Driving Range
Hit a bucket of balls as a family. Pub-style menu available. Hot tip: Rug up — it gets cold here!
Q Train
Scenic ride on a heritage train, often themed for special events throughout the year like Thomas and Tank Engine.
Mini Golf
Two options: Bellarine Adventure Golf (traditional old-school style) or Curlewis Driving Range (more polished, modern course).
Barefoot Bowls at Point Lonsdale Bowls Club
Friday nights from 5pm — surprisingly fun for families.
Tuckerberry Hill (Seasonal: Oct–April)
Pick-your-own berries. Outdoor fun the kids will love.
Family-Friendly Eating
Cafes & Bakeries
Ket Baker, Wallington
About 10 minutes from Queenscliff. Delicious pastries, outdoor seating, farm animals to look at. Worth the drive.
Hello Birdie, Ocean Grove
Open Monday–Saturday. Excellent coffee, relaxed vibe, kid-friendly. Newly licenced which is an added bonus!!
Queenscliff Harbour Fish & Chips
Grab takeaway and enjoy on the beach (5-minute walk).
Pubs
The Esplanade Hotel
Newly opened with dedicated kids' play area. Good pub fair.
Restaurants
The Dunes, Ocean Grove
Super family-friendly. Great kids' menu, colouring sets, delicious pizzas.
The Mex
Local institution. Tex-Mex style, very family-friendly.
Wineries (Yes, with Kids!)
Banks Road
Acres of space for kids to run around while you enjoy wine. Adjoins BIG4 Holiday Park with walking access.
Basils Farm
Stunning views over Swan Bay and Queenscliff. Landscaped gardens, sheep, llamas — and excellent wine.
Bennetts on the Bay
Lots of outdoor seating, views to the bay and You Yangs. Great wines, plenty of room for kids, and often live music.
Book a babysitter - date night!
360Q, Queenscliff Harbour
Exceptional food and service. Kids welcome, but it's your choice!
At the Heads, Barwon Heads
About 15 minutes from Queenscliff. Freshly renovated, iconic beachfront restaurant. Also welcomes children — pick your own adventure i guess!
Rainy Day Options
When the weather turns (and on the Bellarine, it will):
- Meerkat Manor Play Centre, Ocean Grove
- Local Swimming Pools
- Queenscliff Library
- V Junior Kids Cinema, Village Geelong
- Flip Out, Newcomb (25 minutes from Queenscliff)
This guide lives and breathes — if you discover something we've missed, let us know!
We hope you enjoy your time on the beautiful Bellarine. xx
