Boom. The first Allied shots of World War I echoed across Port Phillip Bay. The orders came from here from Fort Queenscliff.
Fort Queenscliff stands proudly on Shortland’s Bluff. It’s more than just a fort. It’s a testament to Australia’s history a symbol of its defence. Built starting in 1860 it defended the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. This strategic position was vital protecting Melbourne and Geelong.
The initial construction involved a simple open battery. Later major redevelopments in the 1870s and 1880s transformed it. Fort Queenscliff became the command centre for a network of forts guarding the bay. Its garrison consisted of volunteers artillery engineers infantry and naval militia. It served continuously as a coastal defence from 1883 to 1946. By 1891 the surrounding fortifications and armaments were complete. Port Phillip became one of the most heavily defended harbours in the British Empire.
Interestingly the very same gun that fired the first Allied shots of WWI also fired the first Australian artillery shot of WWII albeit with a different barrel. Think about that for a moment. One gun spanning two world wars. It is a remarkable feat.
After 1946 coastal artillery became obsolete. The fort housed the Army’s Staff College. Then in 2001 it became the base for the Army’s Soldier Career Management Agency.
The fort covers 6.7 hectares. It’s a superb example of coastal defences from colonial times to the end of WWII. Significant restoration has taken place recovering and refurbishing original guns restoring historic buildings and creating a museum and archives.
Fort Queenscliff has been classified by the National Trust and is on the Register of the National Estate. A museum opened in 1982 showcasing its local state and national importance. This museum is a treasure trove of history. You can see the original guns explore the historic buildings.
Fort Queenscliff. More than just bricks and mortar. It is a living piece of history. It tells a captivating story of defence and resilience. A story worth remembering.