Fort Queenscliff

With over 150 years of Australia's heritage on display, Fort Queenscliff is one of Victoria's most important historic sites and one of the largest and best preserved forts in the Australia.

Fort Queenscliff dates from 1860 when an open battery was constructed on Shortland's Bluff to defend the entrance to Port Phillip.

The Fort, which underwent major redevelopment in the late 1870s and 1880s, became the headquarters for an extensive chain of forts around Port Phillip Heads.

Its garrison included volunteer artillery, engineers, infantry and naval militia, and it was manned as a coastal defence installation continuously from 1883 to 1946.

The other fortifications and armaments around the Heads were completed by 1891, and together made Port Phillip one of the most heavily defended harbours in the British Empire.

Coastal Fortress and Museum

Exhibits
The Fort Museum has a number of exhibits that are of special value. The collection includes many artifacts associated with military operations during the 120 years the fort was an active military installation.

Weapons & Ammunition
The Fort Museum has a range of weapons and ammunition on display. The cannon below is the same as a 40 pounder field gun used in the original battery on the fort cliffs in 1860s.

Decorations & Memorials
Military awards and decorations are distinctions given as a mark of honor for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement. The Fort Museum is the custodian for a large range of medals and awards.

Documents
The Army History Unit members and volunteers manage the storage of a large number of historical documents. They undertake research for publications and to satisfy requests for information from the army, the public and other interested organisations. Selected documents are on display in the Fort Museum.

Photographs
The Fort Museum has a selection of its many thousands of photographs on display. Some date back to the 1880's