Our programs are designed to offer children a variety of fun activities, focused on challenging themselves in a safe environment.

Always pack your bathers! Regardless of the season, we encourage the 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 and surfing. When environmental conditions, like storms, mean we can’t go in the ocean, we try to take the children to the local pool instead.

To take a virtual tour of the Cottage, click play on the video below, then click on the white arrow to enter the Cottage. Use your mouse to explore and look around.

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 the Cottage can vary. The children get up early, watching the sun rise as the fishing boat sails out of Queenscliff Harbour. They fish with rods catching squid, flat head, 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 the 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.

Of course, the best thing is our marvellous Programs Team, they are fun and funny and great to hangout with. Our Chef is amazing!! Children get three healthy, hearty and delicious meals a day. As well as plenty of healthy snacks … and maybe a bit of cake.


The weather in Queenscliff is pretty 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. 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.

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 the Cottage during the day but staff will pass on any messages. Your child may want to write a letter while on camp, so please pack a self-addressed, stamped envelope and we’ll arrange to post it.