Benambra Queenscliff, 1860
History
Picturesque Queenscliff has long been a popular seaside holiday destination. The rail line - now the Bellarine Railway that runs between Drysdale and Queenscliff - opened in 1879, allowing more holiday makers from Melbourne, including high society, to spend time in town. Several grand Victorian hotels and guest houses were soon built to cater for the increase in demand. One such guest house was ‘Benambra’, built in 1883 by James and Susan Banks.
Proudly sitting in the main street of Queenscliff and just footsteps from the foreshore, the quaint Victorian weatherboard house with ornate lacework and two-storey section to the rear, remains largely original. Benambra also once served as a Coffee House, and would have been a fashionable place for both locals and holiday makers to gather.
Benambra Cottage is a quintessential stand-alone fisherman’s cottage, dating to 1860. Capturing the essence of a bygone era, and steeped in Queenscliff’s rich maritime heritage, the cottage with its high ceilings, shiplap walls, and warm timber floors has been beautifully restored to offer self-contained accommodation.
Throughout the main house and cottage, all heritage features have been carefully preserved, including original sash windows and solid wood doors, decorative cornices and iron lacework, several ornate fireplace surrounds, and elegant chandeliers.
Accommodation
Benambra has two boutique rooms to choose from, both equally stylish and fitted to a high standard. Each has its own private ensuite bathroom, with soft, fluffy Bemboka towels, natural Seedling Sole slippers, and complimentary Olive Oil Skincare Company bath and body products.
The Rosebud Room is a beautiful sanctuary perfect for couples. The queen bed is fitted with luxurious linens and pillows, fireplace, and blackout blinds for a peaceful sleep. Wake to morning coffee and breakfast in bed while enjoying the view of the cherry blossom tree outside your window.
The Lonsdale Suite was designed to be a peaceful haven with a calming neutral palette. A queen bed is adorned with soft linens, and there’s a separate cosy living room, with comfortable sofa bed for an additional guest if needed. Sleeping up to 4 guests, children under 12 are catered for. Generously proportioned, there is ample space to relax after a day’s exploring.
With a view onto historic Hesse Street, The Banks Room is Benambra’s living room that all guests are welcome to spend time in during their stay. Soak up the history of the room while you unwind with a good book, play a board game, or enjoy catching up with friends over a drink in front of the open fireplace. The separate dining room provides space to enjoy a meal, and guests can help themselves to complimentary tea, coffee, breakfast provisions, and even a lolly station!
Benambra Cottage
Fully self-contained, Benambra Cottage lets you step back in time with a nostalgic feel, coupled with modern comforts. Sleeping up to 4 guests with families welcome, there is a luxurious queen bed, a comfortable sofa bed in the separate cosy lounge room, country kitchen, dining room, and bathroom. Laundry facilities are also available to cater for extended stays.
Benambra Cottage is also pet friendly - with a safe enclosed yard, water dish, and feeding bowls for your furry friends.
“A stylish, charming period property with everything we needed. Comfortable yet luxurious, and felt like home! Lovely bathroom products, and a delicious breakfast box. In a great location, close to everything in Queenscliff.”
Special Features
Luxurious Bedding
Pet Friendly
Fireplace
Breakfast Included
Things To Do
Queenscliff is a charming historic seaside town, still a very popular holiday spot during the warmer months, and also as the perfect escape from city life, just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Take some time to walk through the town to admire its many well-preserved heritage buildings, now housing cafes, restaurants and boutique stores.
Stroll along the tranquil coastal foreshore or picnic in the park, just nearby your accommodation. A ride on the Bellarine Railway steam train is a must, and the The Q Train, that runs between Queenscliff and Drysdale with its degustation lunch menu is also a wonderful experience.
