Fort Queenscliff Historical Facts and Pictures

Situated on Shortland’s Bluff, Fort Queenscliff was built in 1860 to protect the entrance to Port Phillip. It became headquarter of a wide-ranging string of forts around Port Phillip in the late 19^th century and its heavy fortifications and armaments  transformed Port Phillip into one of the most heavily-guarded harbors during that time. It was under the command of Fort Queenscliff that the guns at Fort Nepean fired the first allied shots in World War I.

Fort Queenscliff Pictures

Fort Queenscliff

Fortification and Defense

Located about 106 km. from Melbourne, in the Borough of Queenscliffe, the Fort encompasses an area of 6.7 hectares.  The fort exemplifies impressive defensive systems with high-caliber cannons around the Australian coastline.

Fort Queenscliff Images

Fort Queenscliff Photos

The Lighthouse

Located within this historic fort, the famous Black Lighthouse is among the only three lighthouses in the world, which were constructed by unpainted Blackstone. The tower was first built in 1843 from sandstone, while the present building  was constructed in 1862 from Melbourne bluestone.

Light House Fort Queenscliff

Queenscliff Light House

The fort has been revived many times in the history with new additions and structures, and the present red brick buildings are constructed after the demolitions of all previous old barracks. Withstanding all these architectural changes the Fort still maintains its 1889 look.

Disappearing Gun Inside the Queenscliff Fort

Queenscliff Fort Inside View