HMVS Cerberus VIC

Immediate risk of deterioration and destruction – Solution agreed but not implemented

HMVS Cerberus is of great significance to Australia and also internationally, being one of the world’s first ‘Monitor’ style warships, and the last remaining with essentially intact superstructure.  Purpose-built in 1870 to protect Melbourne gold, she served for over 50 years from 1871 to 1924, was the flagship of the Victorian Colonial Navy prior to Federation and was an inaugural unit of the Royal Australian Navy on its formation in 1911. Although sold and scuttled in 1926 to be a breakwater at Black Rock, Victoria, the full length of the timber deck, armoured breastwork, armoured hull plating, turrets and guns remain intact and in situ. However the deck which has remained above water most of the 20^th century is largely submerged now.

Despite the removal of the heavy guns and listing on the National Heritage List in December 2005 the hull remains under imminent threat of collapse, as the funding promised to ensure its stabilisation and interpretation has not eventuated yet.

Victoria Nomination

Media Contact

The National Heritage listing of HMVS Cerberus was featured in an article in the National Magazine Trust News, Vol 34, no 3, February 2006, p9