Queenscliff is a holiday destination that has it all - charming Victorian-era architecture, antique shops, picturesque gold greens and a thriving culinary scene. If that's not enough to entice you to the pretty area, perhaps the Queenscliff Music Festival will take your fancy.
Covering three action-packed days from 28-30 November, the festival boasts a weekend jam-packed with live music that will appeal to all tastes. The first Queenscliff Music Festival was hosted in 1997, with the last weekend in November chosen as the festival date in order to capture the lull in the tourist season at that time. Though there's plenty of rock 'n' roll on offer, the Queenscliff Music Festival is a family event at heart, showcasing a range of contemporary Australian artists and encouraging fresh talent to come forward and strut their stuff.
Getting to Queenscliff is simple - it's about an hour and 20 minutes' from the Melbourne CBD via car, with street parking usually available within walking distance of the festival. Base yourself at Mantra 100 Exhibition, which offers one and two bedroom apartments for solo travellers and groups alike, and enjoy a 24-hour reception (perfect for those late night finishes!), room service and a close proximity to all that Melbourne has to offer.
Alternatively, stay on the Great Ocean Road at Mantra Lorne, and explore the picture-postcard attractions including the 12 Apostles, Bells Beach and the Great Otway National Park. By car it's about an hour and a half from Queenscliff, offering some great scenery along the way.
This year's Queenscliff Music Festival lineup is bigger and better than ever before. Enjoy the magic of Xavier Rudd, who takes to the Lighthouse Stage on Sunday 30 November for a blistering set of imaginative, thought-provoking tunes. His feel-good music is produced with the help of didgeridoos, a stomp box, guitars and percussion, with his festival set highlighting his recent album "Spirit Bird."
"Covering three action-packed days from 28-30 November, the festival boasts a weekend jam-packed with live music that will appeal to all tastes."
Two-time ARIA award-winning artist Dan Sultan will also grace the Lighthouse Stage, this time on Friday, 28 November. Blending spine-tingling acoustic ballads with the big sounds of old-school rock 'n' roll, Dan is sure to set the stage alight with his latest album "Blackbird". Fresh off the back of supporting Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, along with selling out shows around Australia in his own right, this young man is certainly one to watch.
On Saturday, take in the bold pop sounds of The Jezabels, bound to get feet tapping and arms waving in the air. They've played in huge overseas festivals including Glastonbury and T in the Park, with a headline Australian tour to boot, and have been impressing crowds all over the world with their infectious brand of fun, loud, energetic pop.
For something a bit different, watch out for New Zealand Marlon Williams, described by Rhythms Magazine as 2014's Artist to Watch. He's even performed at the Sydney Opera House, bringing his unique style of Elvis-meets-Roy-Orbison crooning to the big stage.
The Festival is not kidding when it says it's a family-friendly affair. There is an abundance of events and activities aimed at little ones here, including Hoop Fusion. This program encourages kids to get active in a fun way with hula hoops, promoting creative movement along with improving cardiovascular endurance and coordination.
Take the little ones to the pavilion on Saturday for Rock Star Academy: Star Makers, where the gang from Pirate Ship Productions will put participants through their paces in a range of theatre sports challenges. Encourage them to get involved in this interactive session and enjoy the huge range of family-friendly programs, including face painting, card games, carnival rides and even live ice carving displays.