admin October 1, 2025
The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff Now Open: The historic pub officially welcomed guests on Tuesday 23rd September, following an extensive renovation. Established in 1879, it returns to its original name, chosen by locals, while entering a new, modernised era designed for the Bellarine community.
”We are so excited to have re-opened the doors of this beautiful pub,” says venue manager Mitch Kovacic, who has been the manager at the pub for the last three years. “Our local legend has gotten a new lease on life, and we know our locals will love it – the buzz in the area has been awesome in the lead up to today!”
The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff Now Open
Inside, the character of a true coastal pub awaits. Its warm timber finishes have been complimented by hues of blue and green throughout, creating a welcoming environment for locals or visitors stepping off the ferry.
For those after live and loud game-day action, the pubs Sports Bar is the ultimate location. Featuring walls lined in TV screens, a pool table, casual high-top tables, lighting set for the ultimate viewing experience, open fireplace and a dedicated bar, the space offers as a retreat for one-eyed supporters.
The revamped beer garden is ideal for those looking to enjoy a buzzing social spot and a family-friendly space with native landscaping, large TVs for live sport, picnic-style tables and umbrellas, as well as the expanded kids’ play area. The perfect spot on a warm afternoon when complimented by a seasonal gin tasting paddle.
The Esplanade Hotel’s seasonal menu has been designed with the coast in mind, using fresh produce alongside traditional pub classics and shareable dishes. Seasonal plates include Half Scallops with finger lime hollandaise & pink peppercorn and Harissa Lamb Skewers with smoky eggplant, native dukkha and pickles. Larger classics include juicy handheld burgers, beer battered Victorian rockling and chips, Australian Pork Chop and more.
To celebrate the opening, The Esplanade Hotel will host a huge Locals Weekend from Friday 10th – Sunday 12th October with the first drink free, live music, kids’ entertainment, charity raffles, giveaways and more.
Weekly specials and entertainment lineup:
- Monday – Friday: Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm
- $8.50 house wines, $5 pots, $7.50 schooners, $10 pints
- Mondays: Locals Night, from 5pm
- $24 selected pub classics
- Tuesdays: Steak Night, from 5pm
- $29 Porterhouse or $35 Scotch Fillet served with chips and salad
- Wednesdays: Parma & Trivia Night
- Trivia, from 7.30pm
- $24 Parmas served with chips and salad. $1 from every Parma sold will be donated to Cottage By The Sea via the pubs Local Heroes initiative
- Thursdays: Cocktail Happy Hour, 5pm-7pm
- $15 classic cocktails
- Weekends: Live music with acoustic tunes and bands every weekend
- Sundays: Family Day with free kids’ entertainment, 1pm-3pm
The Esplanade Hotel kicks off its new chapter today, steeped in its history and local legacy. Locals and visitors to the area can enjoy the sea breeze, time with good mates, colleagues and family, a cold one in hand and delicious food.
The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff
2 Gellibrand St, Queenscliff
