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Park Note: South Channel Fort

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Park Note: South Channel Fort South Channel Fort Visitor Guide South Channel Fort is a unique and highly significant 19th Century s artificial island. Built during the 1880s, it is part of the strategic defence network of Port Phillip. The island contains gun emplacements, a labyrinth of underground passages and magnificent panoramic e views over Port Phillip. It is also a breeding site for the White-faced Storm-Petrel and other important birdlife. t History Exploring the island Why an artificial island? Gun emplacements o It was built as part of the Colony of There are a number of gun emplacements Victoria’s military and naval strategy in whose function was for artillery defence the late 1800s. The triangle of defence of the shipping channel, artillery protection n included Fort Nepean and Fort Queenscliff. and defence against landings. South Channel Fort was constructed to illuminate the South Channel at Underground in the ‘Keep’ night and electronically explode mines k The layout of the underground keep is under attacking ships. As well as gun a labyrinth of passages, small lobbies, emplacements, the island also contains magazines and a kitchen, carefully r an underground keep and the footprint designed to ensure the safe and efficient of a now demolished barracks. handling of ammunition and gunpowder underground. It was constructed with How it was built a red-gum timber and mass concrete. The fort was built within a protecting Beneath the keep is the test room from ring of bluestone rocks which were laid which the minefield in the South Channel as a foundation. Concrete cylinders was controlled and tested. The mines p were then sunk through to the sandstone were placed so that they would explode base rock below. Resting on these is below attacking ships. a thick table of concrete and brick and then on this, the concrete structure of Battery Observation Post the fort. Sand was then placed on top of The post was built to protect the Fort the gun emplacements, its purpose was Commander from gunfire. Constructed to absorb impact from any projectiles. in 1905 it contains a plinth for a range finder and fire control positions. It also Who lived on the island has the best views of the island and In its heyday, from the 1890s to 1916, Port Phillip. around 100 officers lived and worked on the island. They included artillery men and engineers who manned the fort. South Channel Fort Gradually the increased range, rapidity Located adjacent to the South Channel of fire and efficiency of coastal defence in Port Phillip, 6km north-east guns allowed the entrance to Port Phillip of Sorrento and 13km north-west to be protected by gunfire from Fort of Queenscliff. General public Nepean and Queenscliff. This resulted can access by boat or Licenced with South Channel Fort becoming Tour Operator, call 13 1963. redundant and deserted by the military. To find out more about the spectacular South Channel Forts and around the Bay telephone 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au For further information Parks Victoria Information Centre Melbourne Call 13 1963 or visit the Parks Victoria website www.parks.vic.gov.au Port Phillip Fort South Queenscliff Channel Fort Fort Nepean Jetty (dock) 1 6 5 3 4 2 South Channel Fort N metres 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Walking track The Keep (underground) Walking track Port Phillip Gun Emplacements 1–6 Melbourne South Channel Fort Battery Observation Post Lookout Caring for the environment Important refuge Management Help us look after this park by The island plays a critical role in the South Channel Fort has both high remembering these guidelines: protection of the White-faced Storm- environmental and heritage values that – Please take all rubbish home with you Petrel. It is one of only three breeding need to be protected. Recent works – Fires and camping are sites in Victoria and the second largest have been undertaken to clean up the not permitted – Keep to walking tracks of the three known colonies. fort and make it accessible to visitors – Please take care when once again. Works have included swimming due currents The island is used by a number of other removing pest plants, revegetation and undertows species for breeding, offshore feeding – Dogs, cats and other with native species, fuel reduction domestic pets are not allowed and roosting. Species include the Little burning and track maintenance. – All native plants and wildlife Penguin, Black-faced Cormorant and are protected the Australian Fur Seal. Five species – Please don’t throw this park note away. Keep it, recycle of bird that visit the island are under Want to volunteer? it or return it for others to use international migratory bird agreements. If you are interested in lending a hand at South Channel Fort there Be FireReady and stay safe Marine life are opportunities available. Works Many parks and forests are include maintaining the vegetation located in high fire risk areas. Surrounding the island are the waters and general site maintenance. On days of forecast Code Red of Port Phillip. The rocks that make up For further information please Fire Danger this park will be the fort provide a suitable habitat for closed for public safety. call 13 1963. a range of marine organisms including You may not receive a personal warning that the park kelp forests and many invertebrates is closed so check the that attach to the rocks. Colourful sponges Booking a tour latest conditions by calling 13 1963 and soft corals grow amongst the rocks or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au Visitors can access the underground and jetty structures. The small torpedo keep of South Channel Fort through bay supports areas of seagrass and Printed on Australian made a Licenced Tour Operator only. 100% recycled paper many fish can be seen here as well as To find out more please call 13 1963. September 2011 under the pier. .
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