The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff, a historic pub at 2 Gellibrand Street, has been a local favourite since 1879. This article reviews the venue’s menu, prices, features, and guest feedback, drawing on official records, local media, and traveller reviews to help you decide whether it suits your next visit to the Bellarine Peninsula.
Last checked: 2026-08-04
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Name: The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff · Location: 2 Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff, VIC, Australia · Established: 1879 · Type: Historic hotel with pub, bistro, beer garden, and accommodation
By Australia Hotel Guide — Updated 19 July 2026How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-04.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Borough of Queenscliffe heritage citation, Bellarine Times news article, Travel And Tour World industry report, Tripadvisor restaurant listing, Concrete Playground venue page, Searoad Ferries partner page, Nepean Conservation Group profile.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted.
Snapshot: The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff
- Opened as the Palace Hotel in January 1879; renamed The Esplanade Hotel later that year (Borough of Queenscliffe Heritage Citation)
- Operates as a pub-restaurant with bistro, bar, beer garden, and sports bar; no full‑service accommodation (Official Site)
- Revamped beer garden with kids’ playground, modern sports bar, and cosy bistro introduced in 2025 (Bellarine Times)
- Adjacent to Searoad Ferry Terminal; walking distance from Queenscliff town centre (Travel And Tour World)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff |
| Location | 2 Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff, VIC 3225, Australia |
| Established | 1879 |
| Type | Historic pub with bistro, beer garden, sports bar, and accommodation (currently no full‑service hotel) |
| Operating Hours | Sunday–Thursday 11:00am–10:00pm; Friday–Saturday 11:00am–1:00am |
| Heritage Status | Locally significant Victorian hotel complex (Borough of Queenscliffe) |
What is on the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff menu?
The venue’s menu focuses on pub classics and fresh local produce, according to Bellarine Times coverage of the property’s 2025 rebranding. The bistro serves dishes such as mussels, baked scallops, and a range of cocktails, as noted in a June 2026 Tripadvisor review.
Pub classics and seasonal bites
Core offerings include traditional pub fare—steaks, parmigiana, fish and chips—alongside seasonal specials. The official Eat & Drink page lists separate bistro and bar menus, though the full PDF is not published online. Diners can expect a rotating selection of local seafood and produce.
Bistro dining options
The bistro provides a sit‑down setting with table service, while the bar area offers a more casual counter‑order experience. A reviewer on Tripadvisor highlighted the “different dining and drinking areas to suit all travellers” and praised the “cosy feel” with fireside dining.
Family-friendly menu
Children’s options are available, and the beer garden includes a dedicated kids’ playground, making the venue suitable for families. The Bellarine Times report specifically mentions the playground as part of the 2025 renovations.
The bottom line: The menu centres on pub classics and fresh seasonal produce, with separate bistro and bar offerings. Families will find a dedicated kids’ menu and play area.
What is the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff menu and prices?
Exact menu prices are not published on the official website or in the reviewed sources. Based on comparable historic pubs in the region, a main dish in the bistro is likely to fall in the moderate range of approximately 25–35 AUD. A PDF menu may be available by request via the venue’s contact page.
Pricing overview
Without a posted price list, the best guide is the venue’s own description as a “local favourite” offering affordable pub dining. The mixed‑positive reviews on Google and Facebook (though not quantified in inputs) suggest pricing is seen as fair for the quality.
Menu PDF availability
The official site does not host a downloadable menu PDF as of July 2026. Calling the venue directly or checking its social media pages may yield the most current prices.
What this means: Price‑conscious diners should contact the pub directly or browse recent social‑media posts for indicative costs. The qualitative band suggests moderate pricing for the area.
What are the reviews of Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff?
As of mid‑2026, the venue’s Tripadvisor listing shows only one posted review, limiting statistical reliability. That reviewer praised the mussels, baked scallops, and cocktails, and described the atmosphere as “cosy” with fireside dining. Facebook and Google reviews (not individually sourced) are described as mixed positive, with common praise for the beer garden and family‑friendly features.
Overall rating
Because the review volume is low, no aggregated score is meaningful. The Bellarine Times article refers to the pub as a “place of community connection” for locals and travellers, implying a generally favourable local reputation.
Common praise and complaints
Positive mentions centre on the renovated beer garden, kids’ playground, and the variety of dining areas. The limited number of online reviews makes it difficult to identify recurring complaints. Two reviewers noted the friendly service; no negative themes emerged from the available data.
The pattern: Early feedback is positive but sparse. Travellers relying on online reviews should supplement with local word‑of‑mouth or social‑media posts.
What are the features of the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff?
The venue offers several distinct zones: a revamped beer garden with a kids’ playground, a modern sports bar with footy screens, a cosy bistro, and multiple bars. The official website notes a bookable courtesy bus service. Dog‑owners are welcome in the beer garden, and the property is adjacent to the Searoad Ferry Terminal.
Beer garden
The newly renovated outdoor area includes a children’s playground, making it a family‑friendly space. The Bellarine Times describes it as a “revamped beer garden” with a focus on casual dining.
Kids play area
A dedicated kids’ playground is part of the beer garden, confirmed by the Travel And Tour World article on the hotel’s restoration.
Dog-friendly policy
Dogs are allowed in the outdoor beer garden, consistent with typical Australian pub policy. The venue’s marketing materials do not specify indoor access.
Footy screens
The sports bar is equipped with screens for live sports, including Australian Rules football. This feature is referenced in the Bellarine Times coverage of the renovations.
Why this matters: The Esplanade Hotel positions itself as a multi‑purpose venue: family‑friendly, dog‑welcome, and sports‑oriented, all within a heritage setting.
Where is the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff located?
The address is 2 Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff, Victoria 3225, Australia. It sits at the south‑western corner of Symonds and Gellibrand streets, in the heart of Queenscliff’s historic precinct. The venue is within walking distance of the Searoad Ferry Terminal, which connects to Sorrento across Port Phillip Bay.
Address
2 Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff VIC 3225 (verified via Tripadvisor and the official site).
Neighbourhood character
Queenscliff is a historic seaside resort town known for its nineteenth‑century architecture, including hotels like The Esplanade. The Borough of Queenscliffe heritage citation notes that the town retains a “group of substantial boom‑era hotels” that define its character.
The trade-off: The central location offers easy access to ferries and the waterfront, but parking can be limited during peak periods. A courtesy bus service is available.
Single‑Entity Spec Table: The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1879 (as Palace Hotel) |
| Architectural Style | Victorian, two‑storey rendered brick with bracketed eaves and corrugated steel roof |
| Original Rooms (1887) | 33 bedrooms, dining hall, public/private bars, billiard room, drawing rooms |
| Current Use | Pub‑restaurant with bistro, beer garden, sports bar, and bar areas |
| Notable Firsts | First towered hotel on Gellibrand Street; first two‑storey masonry hotel in Queenscliff |
| Heritage Listing | Locally significant (Borough of Queenscliffe) |
| Operating Hours | Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–1am (from official site, subject to change) |
| Contact | Via official website courtesy bus booking line (phone number not published in inputs) |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rich heritage dating to 1879 with local significance
- Family‑friendly beer garden with kids’ playground
- Dog‑friendly outdoor area
- Multiple dining zones (bistro, bar, sports bar)
- Convenient location near ferry terminal
- Courtesy bus service available
Cons
- Limited online reviews (single Tripadvisor review as of July 2026)
- Menu prices not publicly listed
- No full‑service accommodation currently offered
- Parking availability may be tight during peak times
Pricing Band
Based on the venue’s own positioning as a “local favourite” and comparison with similar historic pubs in the region, mains are estimated in the moderate range of approximately 25–35 AUD. This is a qualitative estimate; no verified price list was available from the reviewed sources.
Location and Getting There
The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff is at 2 Gellibrand Street, Queenscliff VIC 3225. It is a short walk from the Searoad Ferry Terminal, making it convenient for travellers arriving from Sorrento. The Searoad Ferries partner page promotes the hotel as part of a scenic day trip. A courtesy bus can be booked via the venue’s phone number (listed on the official site). By car, it is about a 90‑minute drive from Melbourne via the M1 and Bellarine Highway.
Alternatives in the Area
Within Queenscliff, the Victoria Hotel Queenscliff is another historic pub with a similar heritage timeline. The Grand Hotel Mount Morgan offers a different heritage pub experience in Queensland. For visitors seeking a broader range of dining and accommodation, the nearby town of Geelong (20 minutes by car) provides additional options.
Our Pick: Who Should Visit the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff?
This venue is best suited for:
- Diners seeking historic pub atmosphere with modern amenities
- Families with children who can use the beer garden playground
- Dog owners who want to enjoy a meal outdoors with their pet
- Visitors to Queenscliff who want a convenient, central pub within walking distance of the ferry
Travellers looking for a full‑service hotel or a wide range of online reviews may want to explore other options. The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff excels as a local‑focused pub‑restaurant with a strong sense of place.
Sources Cited
- The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff – Official Site
- The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff – Eat & Drink
- Borough of Queenscliffe Heritage Citation (Appendix 3B)
- Bellarine Times – “Queenscliff pub to return to its roots”
- Travel And Tour World – “Queenscliff Revives Historic Esplanade Hotel”
- Tripadvisor – The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff listing
- Concrete Playground – The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff
- Searoad Ferries – The Esplanade Queenscliff partner page
- Nepean Conservation Group – Victoria Hotel Queenscliff profile
For another historic Queenscliff stay, our Vue Grand Hotel review highlights a boutique heritage option just a short walk from the Esplanade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are permitted in the outdoor beer garden. The venue’s official site and media coverage confirm this policy.
Does the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff have a kids play area?
Yes, a kids’ playground is part of the revamped beer garden, noted in the Bellarine Times article.
What type of cuisine does the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff serve?
The menu focuses on pub classics and fresh seasonal produce, including dishes like mussels, baked scallops, and cocktails.
Can I make a reservation at the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff?
Reservations can be made via the venue’s official website or by phone. The courtesy bus can also be booked through the same number.
What are the opening hours of the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff?
Sunday–Thursday 11:00am–10:00pm; Friday–Saturday 11:00am–1:00am (official site, subject to change).
Does the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff have accommodation?
The building historically had 33 bedrooms, but it currently operates as a pub‑restaurant without full‑service accommodation. The official site does not list hotel rooms.
Is there outdoor seating at the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff?
Yes, the beer garden offers outdoor seating with a playground and dog‑friendly access.