Pirate fun lands at museum

FAMILIES are being encouraged to dress up and dive into a day of free activities at Queenscliffe Maritime Museum this Australia Day.

The museum will host its Dress Like a Pirate family fun day on Monday, January 26, offering free entry to anyone arriving in pirate costume as part of an event supported by the National Australia Day Council.

The celebration aligns with this year’s Australia Day theme – Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. – and aims to provide a relaxed, inclusive day focused on imagination, storytelling and connection.

Throughout the day, visitors can take part in pirate-themed games, treasure hunts, face painting, giveaways and hands-on maritime activities.

Children’s author Melissa Wray will also attend, sharing her book The Lost Loot of Lima, which is inspired by a local legend of buried pirate treasure.

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum committee president Kerri Erler said the event was designed to offer a light-hearted way for families to mark the national day.

“Dress Like A Pirate is our way of celebrating Australia Day with laughter, imagination and community spirit,” she said.

“With support from the National Australia Day Council, we’re proud to host an event that reflects our shared history, respects our diverse community, and celebrates together in a relaxed and welcoming way.”

Families are encouraged to don eye patches, bandanas and stripes and join the crew for a day of adventure at the museum.

For more information, contact Queenscliffe Maritime Museum or follow the museum on social media for updates.