Three Queensland families have Christmas ruined by fire

Fire has destroyed two homes and a prized boat in Queensland's south-east, with one blaze believed to be the result of a domestic dispute.

The MV Eagle Star was Victoria's oldest ferry until it sank to the bottom of Port Philip Bay a decade ago.

Former 9NEWS cameraman Ralf Ballschmieter spent six years restoring it only to have it laying in ruin once again.

"Devastating, there's just not enough words to tell you how I feel," he said.

Ms Ballschmieter and his wife managed to flee when the blaze began at around 3am at Hemmant.

A woman and her child were also lucky to escape a blaze at Robertson, believed to be the result of a domestic dispute.

A 36-year-old man is now facing a raft of charges, including attempted murder and assault.

The owner of a property at Cedar Vale was about to enjoy his first Christmas in his new home when it was destroyed by fire overnight.