Full divestment
Functions
Established in the 1860’s, overlooking the shipping lanes to Melbourne, the fort was built to defend the entrance of Port Phillip Bay. It is now a preserved heritage site used for administration, archiving, historical research and the Fort Queenscliff Museum.
The site provides administrative functions, museum and Cadet training. Government will engage with existing tenants as part of the divestment process.
Address
1 King Street
Fort Queenscliff VIC 3225
Size
7 hectares
Occupants
- Australian Defence Force personnel: <10
- Australian Public Service personnel: 10–50
- Australian Defence Force Reserves: <10
- Cadets: 10–50
People are and will remain Defence's most important capability. The Defence Estate Audit recommendations will enhance Defence work environments, ensuring our estate is a key point of attraction and is fit-for-purpose for both current and future members of the workforce. These improvements will strengthen the overall appeal of working for Defence.
Relocation
Fort Queenscliff personnel can relocate to the proposed new multi-user depot in Geelong, 32 km away, or Defence Plaza Melbourne, 104 km away.
Cadet units will remain in the region and relocate to a new lease at a community venue or school. Defence will engage with potential venues to facilitate this.
History and heritage
The Australian Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections, including museums. Properties on the Commonwealth Heritage List have protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Government has an obligation to protect the Commonwealth Heritage Value of a property as part of any sale. Alternative heritage management options will also be considered.
There is one Commonwealth Heritage Listing for Fort Queenscliff. Many of the buildings and features on the site are in the listing, including the Black Lighthouse, gun emplacements, perimeter walls, the Keep, the Quartermasters
store and much more.
Escorted public tours of Fort Queenscliff, including the museum, are scheduled Monday and Friday at 11:00am, and Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am and 1:45pm. Public access requires an escort and visitor sign-in.
Options will be explored with future owners to manage heritage obligations as a condition of sale.
Subject to the divestment process, the museum would be able to be retained on site as part of the condition of sale. The Government will also explore partnerships with heritage organisations and trusts to support heritage
protection strategies.
By ensuring they remain accessible to the community, we help foster understanding of Defence’s history, recognise the service and sacrifice of our people, and strengthen connection between the Australian Defence Force, the nation it serves, and the local communities we work within.
Community engagement will inform decisions on preserving and enhancing heritage presentation and public access.