Stories of the sea inspire new writing contest

A NEW flash fiction competition celebrating Queenscliff’s maritime heritage has launched this month, encouraging writers across the Bellarine to craft short sea-inspired stories.

The competition, presented by the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum (QMM) and Queenscliffe Literary Festival (QLF), invites writers of all ages to submit original, unpublished 300-word fiction pieces inspired by the ocean.

QMM president Kerri Erler said the initiative offers a creative way to connect with the Borough’s rich seafaring history.

“Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale live and breathe sea stories; they’re part of who we are,” she said.

“From brave lifeboat crews and lone lighthouse keepers to mysterious ships lost to The Rip, our coastline is alive with untold tales.

“This competition is a chance for writers of all ages to bring those stories, real or imagined, to life.”

Entries will be accepted in three categories: primary (ages 5 to 12), secondary (ages 13 to 18) and an open category for adults of all ages.

“The sea has inspired writers for generations, from myths and shipwrecks to love stories and legends,” QLF president Ginny Todd said.

“This partnership with the maritime museum is a wonderful way to celebrate storytelling in all its forms and to honour the voices of both emerging and established writers.”

Submissions will close on December 13, with one entry allowed per person.

Participants are encouraged to explore themes such as shipwrecks and rescues, ghost ships and sea legends, love and loss at sea, lifeboats and lighthouses, acts of bravery at sea, the wild forces of The Rip, and the strength of coastal communities.

The winning stories will be published in a printed collection and featured during the 2026 Queenscliffe Maritime Festival, where shortlisted authors will also be invited to take part in a writers’ showcase event.

For more information, or to enter, head to maritimequeenscliffe.org.au