Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre


While this education centre is aimed at schoolchildren, it's worth popping in to have a gawk at the local species that live in the sea and lakes. Display tanks often contain seahorses, fish and the highly venomous blue-ringed octopus, and there's a touch pool where you can handle aquatic creatures. It's only open school holidays, and for feedings on Monday morning – but call ahead to confirm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Fort Queenscliff

1.16 MILES

Queencliff's fort was first used as a coastal defence in 1882 to protect Melbourne from a feared Russian invasion. It remained a base until 1946, and was…

2. Seaview Gallery

1.22 MILES

Pop by this lovely main-street gallery to see works by established and emerging Australian artists.

3. Queenscliff Gallery

1.26 MILES

A lovely space inside a historic stone church (c 1868), this worthwhile gallery exhibits works by contemporary Australian artists who work on paper…

4. Queenscliff Historical Museum

1.3 MILES

This small museum on the main strip is dedicated to the area's rich local history. Exhibits change every few months, but its catalogued historical…

5. Salt Contemporary Art

1.36 MILES

Within a heritage building on the main street, this quality gallery focuses on the work of contemporary Australian artists, including pieces by Indigenous…

6. Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

1.66 MILES

Home to the last lifeboat to serve the Rip (the treacherous stretch of water linking Port Phillip Bay to Bass Strait) , this recommended museum has…

7. Observation Tower

1.89 MILES

Check out incredible 360-degree views from this tower at Queenscliff's harbour.

8. Point Lonsdale Lighthouse

1.95 MILES

Take a tour to the top of this atmospheric – and still operational – lighthouse, which dates to 1902. Tours run every 30 minutes.