Queenscliff sets sail on major maritime festival

QUEENSCLIFF will turn its focus to the sea in March, with nine days of maritime history, on-water activity and harbour-side celebrations planned for the Harbour to Horizon Maritime Festival. Running from March 1–9, the festival brings together Maritime History Week, the centenary of the Lifeboat Queenscliffe and a major harbour weekend, with the arrival of Australia’s historic tall ship Alma Doepel to be a centrepiece of the action.

The program aims to showcase the stories, skills and traditions that have shaped Queenscliff and Victoria’s coastline over generations, while drawing locals and visitors to the waterfront during a traditionally quieter time of year.

At the heart of the festival is Maritime History Week, which runs from March 1–6. Daily specialist talks will take place across the week, covering topics ranging from ancient creatures of the deep and fishing culture to shipwrecks, rescues, marine research and women’s maritime stories.

The arrival of Alma Doepel, which will sail from Melbourne to Queenscliff and berth in the harbour on March 5 will be a highlight, offering a rare chance to see one of Australia’s most significant surviving tall ships in an active working port.

Matt McDonald, chair of the Alma Doepel Trust, said the visit showcased the importance of living maritime heritage.

“Alma Doepel represents the working sail traditions that helped shape ports and coastal towns across Victoria,” he said.

“Bringing her to Queenscliff allows people to experience that history where it belongs, on the water, in a living harbour, and as part of an active maritime community.”

A major milestone of the festival will be the 100th anniversary of the Lifeboat Queenscliffe, which was involved in the search for late Prime Minister Harold Holt in 1967, marking a century since the launch of the vessel in 1926.

The community will gather for the centenary celebration on March 6 to honour the lifeboat’s past crews, rescue history and the spirit of service that has defined Queenscliff’s lifesaving tradition.

Beyond the talks and harbour events, the festival will also feature the Tastes of the Sea dining trail, encouraging locals and visitors to explore participating restaurants, cafes and hotels across Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale over the nine days.

The festival will culminate in the Maritime Weekend on March 7–8, which will feature on-water and on-land displays of timber boats, family activities, live music and food vendors at Queenscliff Harbour.

Saturday’s program will begin with the Blessing of the Fleet, followed by a sail past led by Coast Guard Queenscliff and other emergency response vessels, alongside yachts from local clubs.

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum president Kerri Erler said the program was aimed at taking maritime history beyond the walls of the museum.

“This festival is about stories that live across both towns, in the harbour, on the water, and through the people who continue to care for this place,” she said.

“Whether you come for one of our talks, the ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ and sail past or a meal by the sea, you can be part of our living maritime story.”

More information will be available via maritimequeenscliffe.org.au in the coming weeks.