Museum of HMAS Cerberus
As you would be aware, the Australian Government, like other governments around the world, is having to adjust a range of plans and commitments as we work to contribute to the Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19. To that end we have taken the decision to temporary close the RAN Heritage Museum Network until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience. We will advise via our websites when the Museums will reopen. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Navy Heritage at navy.heritage@defence.gov.au.
The Museum of HMAS Cerberus opened in 1980 in the building that was first built in 1925 as the New Entry Study Block, firstly occupying one room. The collection has grown from its humble beginnings to be one of the largest of Royal Australian Naval memorabilia.
The Museum grew through the dedication of ex-naval personnel giving of their time and various skills. In 2005 the collection came under the umbrella of the Naval Heritage Centre, and in a short time has seen many changes, taking on a more modern approach but still managing to keep the old style charm that has made the 'Cradle of the Navy' collection unique.
The primary theme for the displays is centered around HMAS Cerberus, the premier training establishment of the Royal Australian Navy, with the secondary theme of the Victorian and Colonial Navies.
Our archives and library are extensive and continue to grow through the generosity of ex-naval personnel and their families.
The best source for information on the service records of ex-members is held by the Australian National Archives, and the best information on ships' histories is held by the Navy History Directorate at Navy's Sea Power Centre - Australia (SPC-A) in Canberra, which can be contacted via the SPC-A website.
General information
Museum of HMAS Cerberus.
Contact us
| Museum Manager | CMDR John Goss AM, RANR |
| Postal Address | Museum of HMAS Cerberus Nelson Road HMAS Cerberus, Vic 3920 |
| Manager Landline | 03 5931 5678 |
| navy.heritage@defence.gov.au |
Opening times
| Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 2:00pm | Visits by appointment only with 24 hours prior notice is required |
Entry fees
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Adult | $4.50 |
Facilities & services
- Research
- The shop
- The Navy in Vietnam room
- Memorial churches and gardens of HMAS Cerberus
- The exhibition
Location & access
Coming from Hastings on the Frankston Flinders Road, drive through Bittern, turn left down Disney Street, turn right at first roundabout South Beach Road. Take the next left at the HMAS Cerberus gates where you will then be required to show photo identification at the Access Control Point. All visitors are to be escorted to the museum.
Escorted access
The RAN Museum of HMAS Cerberus is located within the Public Access Precinct of HMAS Cerberus. The Museum is housed in a heritage listed building, The New Entry Study Block (1925).
The Public Access Precinct is itself of heritage significance and includes a Memorial Chapel and gardens.
Private vehicles
Private vehicles visiting the RAN Museum of HMAS Cerberus are permitted transit through the HMAS Cerberus depot in their own vehicles directly to the Museum. All visitors will need photo identification.
Bus tours
Bus tour groups that visit the RAN Museum of HMAS Cerberus are permitted escorted transit through the HMAS Cerberus depot in their own bus directly to the Museum. A list of names of passengers on the bus is to be handed in at the Main Access Point on arrival.
There is no bus transport provided by Navy. Additional directions and maps are available from Google Maps.
Disabled access
The RAN Museum of HMAS Cerberus and the Public Access Precinct have been designed to allow full access to the disabled.
