Fort Nepean - Heritage Icons Project
Project status
The above timeline is a current projection and will be subject to assessments, permits, and on-ground and construction industry conditions.
- Heritage consultants have completed initial investigations to assess the condition of the concrete forts and options to conserve the site. The comprehensive report is being reviewed by Parks Victoria and will inform the scope of conservation works required.
Last updated: April 2024
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The project
This project is being delivered on the Traditional Lands of the Bunurong people. Evidence of their settlement of the area dates back 40,000 years. There are 70 registered Aboriginal archaeological sites within the Point Nepean National Park and the area is of important Aboriginal cultural significance.
Sitting at the very tip of Point Nepean National Park, the fortifications were built to protect Melbourne during World War I and played an important part of Victoria’s defences from the 1880s to 1945.
Perched atop a cliff overlooking Port Phillip and the Southern Ocean, the forts have a long and rich history - with the very first shot of the British Empire of WWI and the first Australian shot of WWII being fired from the site.
Exploring the large and unique concrete structures provide a glimpse into military tactics of the day – with the forts housing gun emplacements, barracks, tunnels, an engine house and even a bomb-proof room.
The project at Fort Nepean will help to remedy structural issues, and conserve and repair concrete structures across the site. Works will also help to reopen several areas of the fort that are currently closed to the public – ensuring this important part of Victoria’s history is conserved for many years to come.
Project benefits
Visitors and community
This project will restore safe access to Fort Nepean, helping to reactivate the site and keep it open to the community for many years to come.
Economy
The Heritage Icons projects are expected to create around 80 jobs over four years, many in specialist trades. Works will also support Victoria’s tourism industry by preserving and protecting and re-opening key elements of this historical site for visitors.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing $6 million to help conserve Fort Nepean.
Environment and cultural heritage management
Parks Victoria will undertake relevant assessments during this project to identify and protect environmental and cultural values. Necessary permits and approvals will be sought before any works commence.
Who are we working with?
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
Point Nepean Advisory Group
Heritage Victoria
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Access changes
There are no current access changes to the site. Parks Victoria will provide ample notice of any impacts to the public prior to construction commencing.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.
Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.
When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Related information
Community update: Point Nepean National Park Community update April 2024
News December 2023: Discover even more at Point Nepean National Park
News August 2023: Historic lightstations, forts and mansions to get a new lease on life
Heritage Icons Projects
Fort Nepean
Point Nepean National Park