Queenscliff will come alive with maritime history, on-water activity, community storytelling and coastal dining when the Harbour to Horizon Maritime Festival happens in March 2026, featuring the arrival of Australia's historic tall ship Alma Doepel. The Festival brings together Maritime History Week, the centenary of the Lifeboat Queenscliffe and the proud continuing legacy of volunteer rescue, and a vibrant harbour-side weekend. At the heart of the program is Maritime History Week, featuring daily specialist talks exploring ancient creatures of the deep, working boat building, local fishing, culture and history, shipwrecks, sea country, lifeboat rescues, women's maritime stories, and local marine research. The Alma Doepel will sail from Melbourne to Queenscliff, offering a rare opportunity for the public to experience one of Australia's most significant surviving tall ships in an active working harbour. On Friday, the community will gather in the Maritime Museum for a Lifeboat Centenary celebration and the Festival will feature the Tastes of the Sea dining and cocktail trail. The Festival culminates in the Maritime Weekend, based around the Queenscliff Harbour featuring both on-water and displays of timber boats, family activities, music and food. Saturday will commence with the Blessing of the Fleet, followed by a Sail Past led by Coast Guard Queenscliffe. Visit their website for more details.