About our programs
Cottage by the Sea programs are designed to offer children a variety of fun activities, focused on challenging themselves in a safe environment.
Our programs
What to expect on a Cottage program
We know trying something new can feel a little daunting, so we wanted to show you what Cottage by the Sea is really like. This short video is here to give you a glimpse of what to expect and help you feel more comfortable taking that first step.
Always pack bathers! Regardless of the season, we encourage visiting children to get into the ocean.
We have warm wetsuits for the children to wear, so they can be comfortable all year round. Ocean activities may include playing in the sea, having a swim, boogie-boarding, snorkelling and surfing. When environmental conditions such as a storm mean we can’t go in the ocean, we try to take the children to the local pool instead.
Children get out walking, exploring nature and the many local sites of interest around Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Typically, they will visit the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre, the Queenscliff Marina and the Observation Tower.
Some lucky children also get to go on a fishing charter. These trips are funded by individual philanthropists, so the number of trips available to Cottage can vary. The children get up early, watching the sun rise as the fishing boat sails out of one of our local harbours. They fish with rods catching squid, flathead, whiting, snapper and shark (to name just a few!). The children get to watch, and even help, clean the fish. When they bring the haul back to Cottage, they help crumb the fish before our Chef cooks up a feast for everyone to enjoy!
There is plenty of time for free play and team games within the Cottage grounds. We have a spectacular adventure playground, basketball court, low-ropes course and a sports shed full of fun equipment. Inside is a cosy nook for reading and playing quietly, an arts and crafts room and even a TV space for watching movies in the evening.
Cottage by the Sea staff
Our Programs team works directly with visiting children and are fun, supportive, and great to spend time with.
They bring a diverse range of skills and qualifications to create a safe, engaging environment. All staff hold current Working With Children Checks, police checks, and first aid certificates, with many trained in wilderness and remote first aid, as well as asthma and anaphylaxis management.
Many team members also have surf lifesaving and outdoor activity qualifications, and our bus drivers are trained in defensive driving to ensure every journey is safe.
Our team comes from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including youth work, teaching, mental health, outdoor education, paramedicine, and more – helping us provide meaningful experiences for every young person who attends Cottage.
And of course, our amazing chef prepares three healthy, hearty meals each day, along with plenty of snacks… and maybe a little cake too.
Weather conditions
The weather in Queenscliff is changeable. It can get cold, even in summer, so make sure you pack warm clothes. We have a clothing list that goes home to all children before they attend a program. Click here to double check what you need to bring.
Cottage by the Sea staff abide by the Sun Smart Victoria policy and encourage all children to apply their own sunscreen, however for some children it can be difficult and staff may be required to assist. Cottage by the Sea provides a range of sunscreens and insect repellents. If you child requires a specific brand, please supply it in a clearly named and labelled container. Children will be expected to wear hats when outside and shoulders must be covered at all times.
Contacting a child at Cottage
If parents or carers need to contact their children while at Cottage by the Sea, they can ring the office between 9.00am–5.00pm (5258 1663). The children are often away from Cottage during the day, but staff will pass on any messages.
Your child may want to write a letter while at Cottage, so please pack a self-addressed, stamped envelope and we will arrange to post it.