Historical information

Demonstrating cutting edge maritime military technology, the Cerberus patrolled the waters in and around Melbourne, protecting it and its rich gold resources from attack. The Victorian gold rush coincided with growing instability in Europe. Britain and Russia prepared to face each other in battle as the threat of a second Crimean War grew.

Significance

The HMVS Cerberus was one of only three vessels of its exact type ever built, and is the only surviving example of this type of vessel in the world. It is also the only substantially intact warship of Australia’s pre-Federation colonial navies. This shipwreck rests in shallow waters at Black Rock, Melbourne.

Physical description

HAnd built timber model of the HMVS Cerberus

Inscriptions & markings

Cerberus