South Channel Fort

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South Channel Fort in Port Phillip Bay
South Channel Fort in Port Phillip Bay


South Channel Fort 38°18′24″S, 144°48′5″E is a 0.7 ha artificial island in southern Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia, 6 km north-east of the town of Sorrento. It is 122 m long, 76 m wide, and is 6.4 m above sea-level. It was built on a shoal, close to the main shipping channel of the bay, with 14,000 tonnes of bluestone boulders, concrete and sand. It was constructed during the 1880s as part of a defensive strategy to protect and control access by sea to Port Phillip Bay and the cities of Melbourne and Geelong. It still contains remnants of its original military equipment, including disappearing guns. [1]

The mount for an 8-inch (20 cm) disappearing gun at South Channel Fort.
The mount for an 8-inch (20 cm) disappearing gun at South Channel Fort.

South Channel Fort has been listed on the Register of the National Estate both for its historic significance and its conservation importance as a breeding site for the White-faced Storm-petrel. Other species visiting the island include Little Penguins , Black-faced Cormorants and Australian Fur Seals. Since 1995 it has been managed as part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Public access is permitted during daylight hours and it is a popular diving site.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Parks Victoria: South Channel Fort – Victoria’s only artificial island downloaded 29 November 2007

[edit] See also


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