HMAS Cerberus Open Day

It’s on again! HMAS Cerberus, or the Cradle of the Navy, will be open to the public on Sunday 6 April 2025 showcasing the great job they do in educating and training the next generation of Navy’s officers and sailors.

There will be lots to see and do, with most schools open and offering special displays of their training activities, (e.g. small boats and seamanship, survival at sea, damage control demonstrations, interactive training simulators and much more). You’ll get the chance to mingle with staff and trainees and ask questions about their life in today’s Navy. In addition, there will be aircraft flyovers, ADF vehicles and weapons on display, precision drill demonstrations and Navy band performances.

The Open Day will run from 10.00 – 4.00pm. It is a ticketed event and Navy encourages you to book as soon as possible after tickets go on sale on or around 03 March 2025.

We suggest you Monitor the HMAS Cerberus Facebook page for more information.

For Navy veterans and their families, there are a few special treats being offered.

The Commanding Officer will ensure that the first demonstration at the Survival at Sea Facility will be at 10.15 or shortly thereafter. This is sure to be one of the most popular displays during the day so please take advantage of this opportunity for preferential access.

Following this demonstration, at 11.00am in the Wardroom there will be a special morning tea offered and a welcome by the Commanding Officer, Captain Ben Favelle. The morning tea is being funded by the Melbourne Naval Committee (MNC) who are in their 80th year of supporting ‘shipmates’ in Victoria.

During the day be sure to visit the Ex-Navy Associations marquee located on the main oval. You will be able to find out about the activities of the Melbourne Navy Committee, the Navy Victoria Network, the Navy Historical Society, the Naval Association of Australia, the Naval Officers Club, ex-WRANS and Navy Women’s Association etc. We’d love to see you on the day.

And another not to be missed stop is the recently upgraded Navy Heritage and Learning Centre (formerly known as the Cerberus Museum). It will be well worth the look.

Group Bookings
If you are one of the several Naval Associations and Ex Service organisations planning to attend in groups on buses, your entry arrangements are being coordinated by the MNC President David Garnock (dgarnock@outlook.com).

Could those groups please ensure your details are passed to David, so we can confirm: a point of contact on the bus (mobile number), an approximate arrival time, final numbers on the bus and any special mobility requirements.
On arrival, your bus will be met and provided with escorts for the duration of your visit.

Conditions of Entry:

1. Individual Entry Tickets are required to be ordered for all attendees over the age of 2 years old.
2. Entry tickets are to be presented upon entry (Printed, Email or Smartphone)
3. Travelling around the base is limited to pedestrian foot traffic only – no bicycles or scooters will be permitted to enter the establishment.
4. No alcohol is permitted to be brought on base .
5. Bag searches may be conducted on entry.
6. No domestic dogs allowed – Certified Assistance / Carer dogs only (Verification required to be presented)

With thanks to The Navy Victoria Network.