THE charming historic Victorian seaside town of Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula has been attracting holidaymakers for more than 150 years.
And in many ways little has changed in this town bounded by the sea, just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
The paddlesteamers that used to disgorge thousands of city-dwellers may have gone, but today a modern ferry brings hundreds of holidaymakers and daytrippers on the 40-minute sea voyage from Sorrento every day.
Queenscliff's greatest drawcard is her grand old buildings where people used to dine and stay in the 1880s. Most are still there, although some have been re-invented for other purposes.
The town has always had its devotees but is also attracting new settlers and entrepreneurs who have fallen in love with the town and its character – people like Marie Ewart and her partner John Walter who have bought a magnificent old home in Queenscliff’s finest street.
The semi-retired couple divide their time between their home in central Victoria and their Queenscliff residence, making the gracious five-bedroom mansion, once a sea pilot’s home, available for holiday lets when they're not using it.
“You could be anywhere in Europe except that it’s more peaceful here,” Marie said.
Theo and Soula Mantalvanos are among others who have traded Melbourne's busy lifestyle for an idyllic way of life. The couple opened Queenscliff Gallery and Workshop in an historic refurbished Wesleyan church in the township just over 12 months ago, quickly establishing it as a small gallery with a big reputation.
On the heels of the exhibition in which the gallery unveiled previously unseen works from one of Australia’s greatest artists, Sir Arthur Streeton, it is hosting the inaugural Peebles Print Prize named in honour of local artist, Graeme Peebles.
The Borough of Queenscliffe is home to many artists and Peebles is Australia’s leading mezzotint printmaker. His work is seen in private collections, galleries and institutions around the world including the National Gallery, Parliament House and the High Court in Canberra.
The $4000 principal prize money has been put up by another of the town’s newcomers, chef and business owner Barry Iddles. Late last year he opened the doors to a building on the harbour front that had lain idle since 2014, transforming it into 360Q, a bold and inventive restaurant and function centre.
Barry is the twin brother of Ron Iddles, one of the nation’s most experienced and respected homicide detectives who recently came out of retirement to become Victoria’s inaugural Community Safety Trustee.
Barry, head of the Sorrento Catering Company, is also known for his dedication, hard work and determination to get results, although he admits the restoration of the long closed-up building wasn't for the faint-hearted.
During his 40-year career, Barry has cooked for celebrities like Michael Jackson and Harry Connick Jr, toured Australia with the late Peter Allen, made Kylie Minogue’s 30th birthday cake and catered for Tina Arena's family lunch on her wedding day.
If you go...
Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre, 55 Hesse Street – (03) 5258-4843
Queenscliff Gallery & Workshop, 81 Hesse Street – (03) 5258- 4927, www.qgw.com.au
The Peeble Print Prize exhibition will run from August 2-September 11. 360Q, 2 Wharf Street – (03) 5257-4200, www.360q.com.au
