What do Hell, Harry Potter and Her Majesty have in common?
A Cerberus!
This virtual location will take you to the final resting place of the Her Majesty's Victorian Ship Cerberus, a National Trust heritage site.
Her Story
In 1867 Her Majesty commissioned the construction of a world class warship to defend Victoria and protect the valuable goldfields. The name Cerberus was from the Greek mythological three headed dog Cerberus, who guards the gates of Hell; a similar creature to Fluffy, the three headed dog in the Harry Potter books that guards the Philosopher's Stone.
The HMVS Cerberus, was an innovation marvel for its engineering design, metal materials usage and steam power technology.
- First British naval ship propelled by steam power only (not sails)
- First with gun turrets at both the front and rear
- First armoured warship for Australia
In 1871 after a long journey, the HMVS Cerberus majestically arrived in Victorian waters. During the ceremonial display the guns were fired, and the public were shocked by the powerful blasts that caused damage to the nearby building windows. Fortunately, this was the only time HMVS Cerberus fired her guns. After more than 50 years of patrolling and protecting Port Phillip Bay, the navy no longer required HMVS Cerberus, and she was sold to Black Rock Sailing Club. The HMVS Cerberus was sunk to create a break water and protect the yachts.
The Cache
To log this cache, take a photo of yourself or your geocaching name when you are in the water near the HMVS Cerberus with the yacht club in the background. This is a T5 geocache and you will need to be IN OR ON THE WATER in your photo to meet the requirements. Look in the Gallery for an example. There is no need to contact or wait for the Cache Owner's permission to log this cache.
Danger Warning!
The HMVS Cerberus deck supports and stanchions are rusted, and the structure may collapse at any time.
There is a 100m / 330 feet exclusion zone around the wreck site.
Monitor your position and STAY OUT of the exclusion zone. DO NOT attempt to board the vessel.
Plan your journey!
It is a short paddle from the Black Rock boat ramp and beware of people and boats in the water. The Black Rock Yacht Club have regular sailing and swimming sessions and the schedule is on their website.
Only experienced paddlers should attempt the journey from Rickett's Point Marine Sanctuary. Check the weather and wind forecasts before departing. Strong wind gusts frequently occur and there are limited banks to stop for a rest or retreat from the waves. Believe me it is scary when the wind changes here and the waves come over the top of your kayak!
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.