New residents kit

To those of you that have chosen the Borough of Queenscliffe as your new home – you’ve made a great choice! To help new residents become a part of our local community, we’ve created a guide that highlights the many services, facilities and features available in the Borough.

As the smallest local government area in the state, and Australia’s last remaining borough, Queenscliffe boasts a rich and fascinating history. Originally occupied by the Wadawurrung people, who lived in harmony with the land and the waterways of this area for tens of thousands of years before white settlement, the Borough of Queenscliffe was formalised in May 1863 and has remained in existence since that time.

Comprised of two townships, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale – as well as Swan Island, which houses a defence training facility – the Borough has a permanent population of around 3,000 people, which swells to approximately 17,000 in the summer months as tourists and holiday home owners arrive.

The community take advantage of well-planned streetscapes and infrastructure, including local schools, sports clubs, community and health care services, as well as a range of quality retail providers. There are numerous opportunities for employment in the local area, including retail, tourism and hospitality, and professional services such as medical, accounting, legal and real estate, which make up the highest proportion of occupations.

Commerce and recreation have coexisted in Queenscliffe from the very early days and, while it is by no means the only industry, tourism is an integral part of the local economy. The area’s transient population of holiday-makers has helped shape the culture of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, with generations of ‘semi-permanents’ returning regularly.

The Borough is also conveniently located near the regional centre of Geelong – a half-hour drive west – and the state’s capital, Melbourne, is about 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive in good traffic. A trip on the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry is also not to be missed.

Situated upon stunning coastlines, fantastic beaches and the infamous ‘Rip’, the Borough is a true gem for those who crave a relaxing lifestyle by the sea.

The New Residents Kit is currently being updated. Stay tuned for a new edition soon.