HMAS Cerberus Heritage and Learning Centre

Focus and intent

The HMAS Cerberus Heritage and Learning Centre features a large naval heritage collection of artefacts, photographs and memorabilia which steps you through the period of Victorian and Colonial Navies and through the history of the Royal Australian Navy.

Visiting the Museum

The HMAS Cerberus Heritage and Learning Centre (Museum) is open to the public by appointment only. 

All visitors are required to pre-register at least two working days prior to their visit, which will enable the necessary access to be arranged through the Base Security Check Point.

Registration

Please contact the HMAS Cerberus Heritage and Learning Centre Manager via email at: navy.history@defence.gov.au with the preferred date/time for your visit and the following details for every visitor over the age of 16 years old:

• Full name as it appears on Government issued photographic identification (ID)
• Contact mobile telephone number
• Vehicle registration, make and model

Please remember to bring your Government issued photographic identification (e.g. passport, driver’s licence) on the day of your visit as Base Security Staff are responsible for checking the ID of all visitors to HMAS Cerberus.

Our story

The building of the HMAS Cerberus Heritage and Learning Centre was built in 1925 and opened as a Museum in 1980. While the collection and displays have taken on a modern approach in presentation the old style charm of the building has been maintained.

One of the items of particular interest on display is the story of the battle of Bita Paka and the capture of the German Wireless Station on 11 September 1914 by the Australian Naval and Military Expedition Force is shown through a display of memorabilia, including the captured German Flag.

History of the building

The building was firstly used as a New Entry Study Block and later as both as a training centre for Supply and Secretarial personnel and an office and supporting facility for the base Paymaster.

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday, 9:30AM - 2:30PM

Location

Located at HMAS Cerberus, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Please note restricted access, by appointment only.

Contact us