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HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group
Crib Point, MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE

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Statement of Significance

The central ceremonial area and the buildings that encircle it are the focus of HMAS Cerberus. Planned in 1913, the central area is one of the largest military ceremonial grounds in Australia. The form is representative of early twentieth century planning with its strict rectangular plan bisected by north-south and east-west axes which are punctuated by significant buildings. The shorter east-west axis is the more strongly defined by buildings, plantings and a roadway. The definition of the area is assisted by the encircling buildings, the southern end enclosure being stronger because of the larger buildings at this end. The use of mature plantings has greatly enhanced the qualities of the area by defining its boundaries and the east-west axis. The contribution of each building varies: the buildings on axes being most significant (senior sailors' accommodation (190), drill hall (111), wardroom (151) and grant block (197); and other buildings which enclose the area being of some significance, especially the imposing accommodation blocks A, B and C (187, 188 and 189). The buildings variously reflect the simplified Classical Revival architecture of their time. Groups of buildings achieve unity in the use of materials from red brick with terracotta tile, or timber with corrugated iron, or stone with slate and tile. Overall unity is achieved between some groups of buildings through the sympathetic use of scale, massing, detailing and (original) colours. HMAS Cerberus is historically significant in the development of the Royal Australian Navy and for its association with important Australian naval figures. Cerberus was the first, the largest and the longest serving Australian naval training establishment. Cerberus is also historically associated with the important Commonwealth architect J. S. Murdoch who was responsible for the early buildings and site planning of Cerberus.
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    • Physical Description 1

      HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group - Physical Description 1

      A group of buildings planned around a central ceremonial area with the principal building on each axis. Significant buildings include: the wardroom (151), A block (187), B block (188), C block (189), senior sailors' accommodation (190), gunroom (194), grant block (197), gunnery administration (110), drill hall (111), the gunnery school (106/108), hospital administration (161) and the Memorial Chapels (113 and 114). The parade ground, landscaping and street furniture are of note.

      Comprising the Central Ceremonial Area, bounded by Cook, Nelson, Bass and Dampier Roads (excluding Building No 196), and including Buildings 106, 108, 110-112, 116, 151, 161, 187-190, 194 and 197, HMAS Cerberus, Cribb Point.

      Historical Australian Themes

      HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group - Historical Australian Themes

      Providing administrative structures and authorities - defence

      Physical Conditions

      HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group - Physical Conditions

      The area is generally in good condition although the condition of individual elements varies considerably. The perimeter planting around the ceremonial area is not continuous but the overall effect is still maintained. The intrusion of Building 196 onto the ceremonial area is most unfortunate.

      Usage/Former Usage

      HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group - Usage/Former Usage

      Defence use

      Veterans Description for Public

      HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group - Veterans Description for Public

      Planned in 1913, the HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group is one of the largest military ceremonial grounds in Australia. The form is representative of early twentieth century planning with its strict rectangular plan bisected by north-south and east-west axes which are punctuated by significant buildings. The Central Area Group consists of a group of buildings planned around a central ceremonial area with the principal building on each axis. Significant buildings include: the wardroom (151), A block (187), B block (188), C block (189), senior sailors' accommodation (190), gunroom (194), grant block (197), gunnery administration (110), drill hall (111), the gunnery school (106/108), hospital administration (161) and the Memorial Chapels (113 and 114). The parade ground, landscaping and street furniture are of note.

      The buildings variously reflect the simplified Classical Revival architecture of their time. Groups of buildings achieve unity in the use of materials from red brick with terracotta tile, or timber with corrugated iron, or stone with slate and tile. Overall unity is achieved between some groups of buildings through the sympathetic use of scale, massing, detailing and (original) colours. HMAS Cerberus is historically significant in the development of the Royal Australian Navy and for its association with important Australian naval figures. Cerberus was the first, the largest and the longest serving Australian naval training establishment. Cerberus is also historically associated with the important Commonwealth architect J. S. Murdoch who was responsible for the early buildings and site planning of Cerberus.

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
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