“Ready, aim, fire!” That’s what they did here. Gun Emplacement 6 stands before you a silent witness to a time of war. This is where the first shot of the British Empire was fired in World War I. Australia’s first shot of World War II also rang out from here.
Fort Nepean played a crucial role in defending Australia. The government wanted to protect Victoria’s goldfields in the late 19th century. Fort Nepean’s strategic position made it an important defense post. Many military fortifications were built. Port Phillip became one of the most heavily defended harbors in Australia.
Imagine the scene. It is World War I. The Royal Australian Garrison Artillery are manning this gun. Tensions are high. Suddenly, the order is given. “Fire!” The gun roars. The first shot of the British Empire echoes across the water.
Now picture World War II. The guns of Gun Emplacement 6 are ready once more. The order is given again. “Fire!” Australia enters the war with a bang. These guns saw action right up until the end of World War II.
The number of men stationed here dropped to only five or six between the world wars. But those numbers quickly grew again with the outbreak of World War II, so additional barracks were built. In a curious repetition of history, the first British shot of World War II was also fired from Gun Emplacement 6.
Take a moment to explore Gun Emplacement 6. Think about the soldiers who served here. Fort Nepean shows the evolution of gun technology. It highlights Australia’s early defense strategies. You can see how important this place was.
Fort Nepean has lots to see. There are gun emplacements. Explore the barracks. Wander through tunnels. Discover ammunition magazines. Even find a bomb-proof room.
Don’t miss the views. Look out over The Rip. This is where Port Phillip Bay meets the Southern Ocean. It is one of the most dangerous sea lanes in the world. Many ships have been lost here.
The end of World War II also brought an end to the life of Fort Nepean. The garrison was removed. Guns were dismantled. The fort was declared redundant.
In 1988, the area opened to the public. It is now part of Point Nepean National Park. You can walk the three-and-a-half-kilometer Fort Nepean walk. It forms part of the Mornington Peninsula Walk.
Gun Emplacement 6 is more than just a historical site. It is a reminder of sacrifice and defense. It stands as a testament to Australia’s military history. Remember the echoes of those first shots. They changed the course of history.