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Melbourne Military History Tour
Highlights
- Explore Melbourne's military past by visiting key fortifications and munitions factories that shaped the region's defence.
- Discover the impact of the Victorian Gold Rush on local military strategies through engaging storytelling and historical insights.
- Wander through strategic sites around Port Phillip Bay, gaining a deeper understanding of Melbourne's role in military history.
- Join a small group tour for a personalised experience, allowing for intimate discussions and shared discoveries of the city's heritage.
Since separating from New South Wales and becoming a British Colony in 1851, Victoria has had a strong military history.
The Victorian Gold Rush heightened paranoia in the Colony as the wealth continued to build and with the British involved in foreign wars, Victoria took defence into its own hands.
Fortifications, Munitions Factories, and Bases were all developed and built in key strategic points around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.
On this tour, they show you the different eras of Melbourne’s Military History.
Itinerary highlights
Shrine of Remembrance
First opened in 1928 as a public memorial for the lost soldiers of World War 1, it was built entirely from public donations. It has since developed into a must see in any visit to Melbourne
RAAF Museum
RAAF Museum is the official museum of the Royal Australian Air Force located at RAAF Williams Point Cook, Victoria. The museum displays aircraft of significance to the RAAF from its inception as the Australian Flying Corps to the present
Fort Queenscliff
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.
Fort Nepean
We take the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula to go and explore Fort Nepean.
Fort Nepean is one of the fortifications that protected Melbourne during World War I and II. Located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, where the calm waters of Port Phillip meet the wild waves of the Southern Ocean, explore the extensive tunnel complex which connects the historic gun emplacements.
HMVS Cerberus
HMVS Cerberus dates back about 150 years to when the Colony of Victoria had its own navy. This monitor ship was placed here in 1926 as a breakwater and is a great throwback to a bygone Naval era.
Tour details
- On demand
This business does not currently offer accessible facilities.
Operation information
Victorian Bus Charters
Victorian Bus Charters is a locally owned and operated bus hire company who love showing off the state.
The fleet of premium buses and professional drivers are matched to suit you. From wine tours to school groups, they can cater for any occasion.
Victorian Bus Charters want to make it easier for you to arrange to get you wherever you need to be.
Whether you want one of their pre-made itineraries or a completely customised trip, their transport and travel team are here to help.
Accreditations
-
Quality Tourism Accreditation
-
Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Victoria Tourism Industry Council
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