Fort Pearce Ancillary Gunnery Bunker c early 1900's - Point Nepean National Park, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Strolling along Defence Road towards Fort Nepean, increasing evidence of the military occupation of this peninsula becomes apparent.

Looking up – perched high upon the hill is a relatively large Gunnery Bunker which faces out towards Bass Strait.  Looking down – at the base of the relatively steep descent to the surf beach two smaller gunnery bunkers emerge, each nestled on a rocky outcrop – bravely defying surf, sun and sea . . .

Being so exposed, one can only imagine that these bunkers were only effective whilst the threat came from the sea – as developments in air travel increased in the early 20th century, the military defence regime had to be quickly modified.  Though there is no signage to confirm the actual build date of the ocean bunkers, one can only assume that the construction would coincide with the time-frame of Eagles Nest and Fort Pearce.  Access to these ‘ancillary’ bunkers is not possible due to the risk of unexploded bombs still being present amidst the landscape.

Helpful Hints:

– Located approximately 5.9 km from the Portsea Town Centre – obtain Directions here

– Viewed from Defence Road

– Located within Point Nepean National Park

– Parking at Gunners Cottage Car Park

– Other Historical POI’s Nearby

– Also at Eagles Nest:

– Eagles Nest Lookout

– Eagles Nest

Discover Portsea:

– Points of Interest

– Things to Do

– Dining Out

– Shopping

– Places to Stay

– Facilities available at Portsea include:

– Picnic Tables

– Sheltered Pavilions

– Barbecues

– Public Toilets