HMAS Cerberus

Can you imagine a place where thousands of sailors have taken their first steps towards a life at sea? This is HMAS Cerberus, the Royal Australian Navy’s primary training establishment. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, HMAS Cerberus has been shaping the lives of sailors since 1921. But its story began in 1911 when the land was purchased for Flinders Naval Depot. The base was officially opened in 1920. And just a year later, it was recommissioned as HMAS Cerberus, dedicated to training naval personnel. HMAS Cerberus is more than just a base. It’s a place where ordinary people are transformed into skilled sailors, ready to face the challenges of the sea. Here, recruits learn everything from basic seamanship to damage control and weapons training. Did you know that HMAS Cerberus is also home to the ADF Dental Training School? That’s right, even dentists for the Australian Defence Force are trained here! Today, HMAS Cerberus continues to evolve, embracing tri-service training and preparing personnel from all branches of the military. As you stand before this sprawling base, remember the thousands of sailors who have walked these grounds before you. Each one of them carrying a piece of HMAS Cerberus with them, a symbol of their dedication to serving their country.