Just under 2 km via the Defence Road route from the Gunners Cottage Car Park, a number of historical points of interest are revealed, coupled with magnificent views across both Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay. A short deviation off Defence Road leads to a Gunnery Bunker, Lookout, a modern Radar and ‘Eagles Nest’.
” . . . Tenders were yesterday received by the Public Works department for the construction of a gun-pit and magazine at Eagle’s Nest, near the Point Nepean fort. The recently imported 10 in. breech-loading cannon will be placed in position at this point. It will be mounted on a disappearing carriage, and will be at such a height above sea level that it will be able to fire either seawards over Point Nepean into Port Phillip Heads, or into Port Phillip Bay. The tenders have been referred to the inspector-general of public works (Mr. W. H. Steel) for report . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘Argus’ – Article “Friday, July 6, 1888” – published 6th July 1888
Weighing in at 26,000 kg, this massive disappearing canon was 8.5 m long and sported a 10 in (25.4 cm) diameter barrel. It was first discharged on Monday 11th August 1890:
It was, at the time, the largest of its kind in Australia. It could fire to a distance of 9.9 km and penetrate armour of 53 cm in thickness. The unique bunker in which it was housed allowed for a 270º firing range. It was loaded within the relative safety of the bunker, hydraulically raised into position, and fired . . .
The network of tunnels and complexity of the bunker structure is astonishing, especially when one realises that it was all built, by hand, so long ago . . .
‘Eagles Nest’ was abandoned c 1911 – with the introduction of the ‘6 in Mark VII’ guns.
Helpful Hints:
– Located approximately 5.7 km from the Portsea Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– Accessed from Defence Road
– Located within Point Nepean National Park
– Parking at Gunners Cottage Car Park
– Other Historical POI’s Nearby
– Also at Eagles Nest:
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