One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. HMS Belfast played a leading part in the destruction of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst, and also the Normandy Landings. In service with the Royal Navy until 1965, she was saved for the nation in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain’s naval heritage.
Launch! Shipbuilding Through the Ages
This new family-orientated exhibition will use hands-on and computerised interactive displays and engaging film and footage to demonstrate techniques of shipbuilding, from the ‘age of sail’ to modern prefabrication methods. The exhibition will focus on the science, engineering and social history of shipbuilding in Great Britain, and the interactive elements of the exhibition will allow children of all ages to get involved and experience this history.
Explore
‘What shall we give in return for so much?’ One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. Serving Britain for 32 years, she played an important role in both the Second World War and the Korean War as well as performing peacekeeping duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Saved from destruction in 1971, HMS Belfast is now part of the Imperial War Museum and is the first ship to be preserved for the nation since Nelson’s Victory. Through its team of staff and volunteers – many of whom are veteran crew – the Imperial War Museum is dedicated to making sure that HMS Belfast still has a role to play in reminding visitors of her unique place in Britain’s maritime heritage.
History of HMS Belfast
The term 'cruiser' goes back to the days of sailing ships when large frigates could be detached from the main fleet to cruise independently. The sailing cruiser, like her twentieth-century counterpart, was sufficiently powerful and fast to attack and destroy enemy commerce raiders. During the nineteenth century when sail gave way to steam and wooden ships were replaced by those built of iron, and later of steel, the cruiser evolved into a powerful warship which was used to patrol the Empire trade routes and protect friendly merchant shipping. After the First World War (1914-1918) a single category of cruiser emerged whose size was indicated by the size of its guns; thus, HMS Belfast is a 6-inch cruiser, designed for the protection of trade, for offensive action, and as a powerful support for amphibious operations.
Please note: children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please allow 1½ - 2 hours for your visit.
What is Included
1 x light breakfast (Day 2)
Accommodation at The Island Accommodation in Phillip Island.
All park entrance fees including 3 PARKS PASS
Friendly & informative tour guide
Two day wildlife adventure of the Gippsland region will bring you back to nature’s wonders. On the first day you will meet some of Australia’s most famous native animals at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park such where you learn about the conservation of these loveable native animals. Discover native animals in their natural habitat including Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, brilliantly coloured birds and rare and endangered species. From there travel to the Nobbies and take a stroll along the clifftop boardwalk offering breathtaking views of Phillip island's wild south coast. The witness Victoria's largest colony of little penguins in the nightly Penguin Parade. As dusk falls, hundreds of little penguins splash out of the water on to the beach, making their way to their burrows. They feed at sea, and return to their burrow to mate, care for their young and moult. Drop off at The Island Accommodation (Budget Style Accommodation) for your overnight stay.
On the second day you are transferred to the meeting point where you will travel towards the most southerly region of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory or “the Prom”. This National Park is one of Victoria’s most loved and cherished natural attractions and is home to many marsupials,such as kangaroos and wombats, native birds and other native animals. With a little luck you are able to see up close. The best way to explore the Prom is on foot so you will no doubt enjoy our hike along some spectacular tracks.
YOU SHOULD BRING (ADVISABLE)
Good shoes / boots for walking
Appropriate clothing for warm and cold conditions
Towel & toiletries
Sunscreen, hat, water bottle
Bathers for swimming (time permitted)
Recorded commentary in English, Arabic, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin
Live Guided Tour in English on the Magical Night Tour Journey
CITY TOUR
Explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the iconic Louvre and the Emirates Palace. Visit a wide variety of museums, a Souk, dhow boats, a fort and a historic district.
Tour Highlights
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Emirates Palace
Louvre Museum (UC)
Al Hosn Fort
Etihad Museum
Capital Leaning Tower
Heritage Village
Mangroves
Corniche
Royal Palace
Etihad Towers
WTC Souk
YAS TOUR
Enter the action—packed entertainment zone Yas Island, an island like no other! Visit Ferrari World, a F1 Racing Circuit, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina & Warner Bros. Theme Park.
Tour Highlights:
Ferrari World
F1 Marina Circuit
Drag Racing Strip
Racing School
Karting Track
Yas Waterworld
Yas Mall
Warner Bros
Viceroy
Beach
Yas Marina
DHOW CRUISE
Jump onboard an Arabian Dhow and glide down the Abu Dhabi coastline. Enjoy stunning views of the capital’s skyline, palaces, an island and the Marina Creek.
Tour Highlights
Corniche
Marina Eye
Lulu Island
Beaches
UAE Flag Pole
Marina Creek
Emirates Palace
Fishing Village
Abu Dhabi Skyline
Bab Al Bahr hotel
The participants are received at the meeting point, at the end of the seating area of the dolphinarium, by a guide. He/She will welcome the participants and introduce the activity. The participants have to shower and change in the prepared facilities at the meeting point. There are lockers and ladies’/gents’ changing rooms and in which they may leave their belongings. After showering and putting on the wet suit, the participants will have to wash their hands with a disinfectant (clorhexidine). Upon entering the dolphinarium platform each participant will go through a footbath that will contain water and a disinfectant product for footwear (clorhexidine). The group approaches the pool while the trainers bring the dolphins to be able to give an educational talk about morphology and characteristics. Once the talk is finished, the visitors sit at the edge of the pool with their feet in the water, having the chance to interact with the dolphins by means of signals under the trainers’ instructions. Then the group of visitors will enter the pool that has been prepared for the activity and each participant has a moment’s individual Encounter, the chance to interact with the dolphins and has the chance briefly to touch a dolphin [strictly under the instruction and supervision of a qualified trainer]. Upon finishing, the group of visitors will be accompanied to the Meeting area where each participant will have to shower/change and collect his/her belongings. The group is bid farewell with a message about conservation and protection of the environment.
A truly wonderful unforgettable experience!
