From the early 1800s, community development in the area now known as the Borough of Queenscliffe was diverse and rapid. It included the early days of the Baillieu family, the achievements of pioneering women and the building of churches and hotels.

Local citizens championed the opening of the railway and new halls provided for dances, theatrical performances and the movies.

Key events included the search for Benito’s treasure, the Scooter race, and the smuggling out of Australia of a First Nations cricket team to England.