About
Fort Queenscliff dates from 1860 when an open battery was constructed to defend the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.
The museum highlights the significance of the fort in the local, state and national context, and provides a centre for historical research. The objective of the Fort Queenscliff Museum is to maintain the fort and support the development of a museum. It also allows visitors to tour the fort and inspect a multitude of indoor and outdoor displays.
Opening hours
Access to the fort is by guided tours only. Visitors are requested to arrive 10 minutes before the tour start times as gates are locked promptly at tour start times listed below.
- Monday and Friday, 11 am
- Saturday and Sunday, 11 am and 1:45 pm
- No tours on public holidays.
Group tours on other weekdays can be booked in advance by contacting the museum.
Entry requirements
There are security restrictions that govern access to the museum.
All visitors aged 16 years and older must provide current, non-electronic, government issued photographic identification (driver's licence, passport, proof of age card).
Bookings
An admission fee is charged for entry to the museum. Currently serving Australian Defence Force personnel are required to present their Defence card to gain free entry.
Tours start from the fort gate and run for 1.5 hours. Although advance booking is not required, it is recommended to arrive early as the groups are capped at 35 people per tour.
Special tours with guides experienced with school groups can be arranged. School tours include question and answer sheets tailored for both primary and secondary school students. Organisers can make bookings by contacting the museum.
Exhibitions
Fort Queenscliff Museum has a number of exhibits that are of special value. The collection includes many artefacts associated with military operations during the 120 years the fort was an active military installation.
Weapons and ammunition
The museum has a range of weapons and ammunition on display such as cannon used in the original battery on the fort cliffs in 1860s.
Decorations and memorials
The museum is the custodian for a large range of medals and awards given as a mark of honour for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement.
Documents
The Australian Army History Unit (AAHU) members and volunteers manage the storage of a large number of historical documents, some of which are on display in the museum. The documents are useful in conducting research for publications and satisfying requests for information from the Army, general public and other interested organisations.
Photographs
The museum has a selection of many thousands of photographs on display, some of which date back to the 1880s.
Volunteering and donations
Interested volunteers and donors can find further information on the Volunteering and donation opportunities page.
Members
Membership supports continued access to the fort enclosure and the Fort Museum for tourists and enthusiasts.
Membership includes:
- a complimentary pass to enjoy entertaining tours of Fort Queenscliff and the unique museum within the fort
- 10% discount at the museum shop which carries memorabilia and books about the history of Fort Queenscliff
- regular Friends of the Fort newsletters produced by the Fort Queenscliff Heritage Association (FQHA) and AAHU volunteers
- opportunity to attend the annual general meeting and other exclusive members’ functions organised by the FQHA
- an invitation to the annual dinner organised by the FQHA for the Friends of the Fort and the Tour Guides. Enjoy an entertaining speaker and the opportunity to talk to the tour guides.
Location
Queenscliff VIC 3225