Victoria’s coastline is full of contrasts — from dramatic cliffs and remote wilderness to creative seaside towns steeped in history. While many travellers head straight for the Great Ocean Road and the iconic Great Ocean Walk, an unforgettable part of the journey begins much earlier, in the charming townships of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.
Combining the Queenscliff–Point Lonsdale Artists’ Walk with a Great Ocean Walk itinerary
By combining the Queenscliff–Point Lonsdale Artists’ Walk with a Great Ocean Walk itinerary, you create a richer, more meaningful coastal trip — blending art, heritage, wildlife, and world-class hiking.
And remember, if you need help planning your Great Ocean Walk adventure, Walk91 is here to assist with Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours, fully customisable from 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Days to 10 days.
Before we share the highlights and attractions of the Great Ocean Road region and its surrounds, remember that if you need any advice on planning your Great Ocean Walk trail adventure, just get in touch.
Discover the Artists’ Walk in Queenscliff & Point Lonsdale
Before reaching Apollo Bay and the start of the Great Ocean Walk, take time to explore the beautifully curated Artists’ Walk Memory Markers in these historic coastal villages.
What is the Artists’ Walk?
The Artists’ Walk features a series of information boards placed around beaches, parks, and clifftops, showcasing artworks created by painters and photographers who captured the region across generations.
You’ll enjoy incredible views of:
- Port Phillip Bay
- The Rip
- Point Nepean
- Bass Strait
Many featured artworks are held in major collections, including:
- National Gallery of Victoria
- National Library of Australia
- Geelong Gallery
- Queenscliff Historical Museum
This walk is not just scenic — it’s a celebration of place, memory, and the deep creative history of Victoria’s coast.
The Memory Markers: Stories Preserved in Time
Alongside the artworks, Memory Markers highlight local stories, historical events, and personal experiences recorded through photography. Many of these original images are preserved at the Queenscliffe Historical Museum, which houses:
- Thousands of historic photographs
- Maps, newspapers, and archives
- Artefacts from early settlement
- Tales of pilots, fishermen, lighthouse keepers, and military defence
It’s the ideal introduction to the cultural history of the region before heading further down the coast.
The Tales of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and its Art Scene
Short Scenic Walks Around Queenscliff & Point Lonsdale
Before heading toward the Great Ocean Road, enjoy some easy local walks:
Point Lonsdale Promenade
A flat 2.3km foreshore path loved by walkers, runners and cyclists.
Point Lonsdale Coastal Trail
A stunning clifftop walk through Coastal Moonah Woodland to the lighthouse.
Lovers Walk
A sandy, undulating track with beach access, wildlife, and coastal vegetation.
Bellarine Rail Trail (Queenscliff section)
A gentle path along Swan Bay — ideal for birdwatchers.
Shortlands Bluff & Queenscliff Lighthouse
Panoramic views and military history meet at the entrance to Port Phillip.
Each trail showcases a different side of this region — artistic, historic, and beautifully natural.
Must-See Attractions in Queenscliff & Point Lonsdale
Queenscliff Highlights
- Fort Queenscliff Museum — Victoria’s premier coastal fortress
- Queenscliff Harbour — shops, cafes, and views
- Bellarine Railway — heritage steam train rides
Point Lonsdale Highlights
Historic gun emplacements with views across The Rip
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse — climb for panoramic views
Point Lonsdale Pier — great for sunset strolls
Where to Eat: Local Favourites
Dining in Queenscliff
- Tarra Restaurant — contemporary, creative dishes
- Saltbush Fine Foods — cosy café and deli
- Nelly’s at the Pier — great views with afternoon tea
- Rip View Bistro — classic Australian dining
Dining in Point Lonsdale
Pasquini’s Deli — fast gourmet lunches
Noble Rot Wine Bar — over 250 wines + seasonal local menu
La Provence de Mer — elegant French bistro
Transitioning to Wilderness: Start Your Great Ocean Walk Adventure
Once you leave Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale behind, the coastline becomes wilder and more dramatic — leading you toward the start of the 104km Great Ocean Walk.
Walk91 offers 3–10 day Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours, customised to suit:
- Your fitness level
- Your time frame
- Your interests (wildlife, photography, painting, history, etc.)
You can walk:
- The “Mild Side” (Apollo Bay to Castle Cove – approx. 50km)
- The “Wild Side” (Castle Cove/Aire River to the Twelve Apostles – approx. 58km)
- The Full 104km Great Ocean Walk
Walk91 provides:
- Accommodation bookings
- Bag transfers
- A personal safety beacon (EPIRB)
- Maps and tide charts
- Transport and shuttle services
- Real-time support through our texting system
- Optional catered or self-catered packages
We make the Great Ocean Walk safe, supported, and seamless.
Art & Wildlife Along the Great Ocean Walk
If you’re inspired by Queenscliff’s artists, you’ll love the Great Ocean Walk’s creative opportunities. Along the trail you may see:
- Koalas (especially around Cape Otway)
- Kangaroos & wallabies
- Echidnas
- Fur seals
- Sea eagles & wedge-tailed eagles
- Migratory birds
- Wild coastal scenery perfect for photographers
If you want extra time to sketch, paint, or photograph, Walk91 can customise shorter walking days or additional rest stops.
Great Ocean Walk FAQs:
Where are Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale in relation to the Great Ocean Walk?
A1
Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale sit on the Bellarine Peninsula near the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. They’re an ideal stop on the way from Melbourne to Apollo Bay, where the Great Ocean Walk begins.
What is the Artists’ Walk in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale?
A2
The Artists’ Walk is a series of outdoor “memory marker” panels that showcase historic artworks and photos of the local coastline, piers and lighthouses, linking art, history and place.
Can I do short walks around Queenscliff before travelling on to start the Great Ocean Walk?
A3
Yes. Trails like Lovers Walk, the Point Lonsdale Promenade, Thwaites Walk and the Bellarine Rail Trail offer easy coastal and woodland walks with views of The Rip, Swan Bay and Port Phillip Bay.
Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale sit on the Bellarine Peninsula near the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. They’re an ideal stop on the way from Melbourne to Apollo Bay, where the Great Ocean Walk begins.
The Artists’ Walk is a series of outdoor “memory marker” panels that showcase historic artworks and photos of the local coastline, piers and lighthouses, linking art, history and place.
Yes. Trails like Lovers Walk, the Point Lonsdale Promenade, Thwaites Walk and the Bellarine Rail Trail offer easy coastal and woodland walks with views of The Rip, Swan Bay and Port Phillip Bay.
Many travellers choose to spend one or two nights in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. This gives you time to explore the Artists’ Walk, enjoy short coastal walks, visit local galleries and museums, and relax over great food and wine before heading further down the coast toward Apollo Bay.
Yes. Walk91 can help you plan a Victorian coastal holiday that combines time in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale with a self-guided Great Ocean Walk itinerary. We can tailor walking distances, accommodation and transport so your art, history and wilderness experiences all fit smoothly into one trip.
Plan Your Dual-Destination Victorian Trip
Blending the Artists’ Walk with the Great Ocean Walk gives you the best of both worlds:
- Creative culture
- Coastal history
- Gentle foreshore strolling
- Rugged cliff-top hiking
- Wildlife encounters
- World-class views
Whether you choose a full Great Ocean Walk holiday or a shorter 3-day itinerary, Walk91 can design a personalised experience just for you.
📞 03 5237 1189
📩 info@walk91.com.au
🌐 walk91.com.au
For more information, read our Guide to Staying Safe Along the Great Ocean Walk.
