The land and waterways now occupied by the towns of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are highly significant places for the Wadawurrung People and the later development of Victoria. Both towns are located on the western tip of the Bellarine peninsula at the entrance to Port Phillip and sit within the Borough of Queenscliffe.

The Borough, created in 1863 and comprising just under 11 square kilometres, is the site of important military, maritime, railway, resort and architectural history. It is also home to the sensitive Swan Bay wetlands eco-system that provides habitat, refuge and feeding grounds for many wildlife and bird species.