Whether it be:
Primary school students studying colonial Australia in the 1800s and the development of Australia as a nation,
OR
Secondary school students studying the modern world and Australia in the 19th and 20th century.
A visit to the Fort provides a unique window in Victoria’s colonial past by allowing them to explore immigration, the growth of Melbourne and the Gold Rush. With the wealth generated by the Gold Rush, Victoria became a prime target for attack — hence the need for Fort Queenscliff.
The Fort Queenscliff Heritage Association is conducting guided tours of historic Fort Queenscliff. The origins of the Fort date back to the gold rush era of the 1850s. Over the following decades, the Fort played a major role in defending Melbourne from attack as it was the main Fort guarding the RIP entrance to Port Phillip Bay. During the 19th century, it made a huge contribution to colonial society and Marvellous Melbourne. The first shot of World War 1 was fired at Nepean after receiving orders from Fort Queenscliff. In World War 2, the fortress complex continued to guard Melbourne from attack by foreign warships.
During World War II, German surface raiders, U-boats, and Japanese submarines conducted attacks along Australia’s east coast and into Bass Strait. The Bellarine Peninsula became a hub of military activity, with over 25,000 men and women serving in various capacities, making it one of Australia’s most heavily defended regions.
Personnel included the Australian Army’s Permanent Garrison Artillery, the Australian Imperial Force, the Citizens Military Force, the Volunteer Defence Corps, the Australian Women’s Army Service, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Australian Air Force. Key military units stationed in the area included the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery’s 2nd Heavy Brigade, with batteries at Queenscliff and Nepean, and the 1st Anti-Aircraft Mobile Searchlight Cadre. Civilian organisations, such as the Victoria Police, air raid wardens, and aircraft spotters, also contributed to the region’s defence.
1 King St., Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia
Email: museum@fortqueenscliff.com.au
Phone: (03) 5258 1488 or 0458551709 (bus. hrs only)
1 King St., Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia
Email: museum@fortqueenscliff.com.au
Phone: (03) 5258 1488 or
0458551709 (bus. hrs only)