DESTINATION: Williamstown

Williamstown

This quiet waterfront suburb boasts a proud maritime history and is just minutes from the city, offering a relaxing alternative to the bustle of city life. The old historic buildings of Nelson Place offer some of Melbourne's best waterfront eateries where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Melbourne's city skyline through the masts of bobbing boats on the foreshore.

Take some time to explore the diverse range of arts, crafts and other speciality shops around Nelson Place. You'll find everything from galleries to classic vinyl and CD shops and don't miss the craft market on the third Sunday of each month.

Discover the history of Williamstown, which was established in 1837 as Melbourne's first port. The Enterprize was the first vessel to carry European Settlers up the Yarra and into Melbourne and a timber replica is now available for chartered trips on weekends with tours of the interior always available.

How to get there
Williamstown is approximately 15 minutes from Melbourne via the West Gate Freeway. Ferries from Southgate run at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm daily and take approximately 1 hour, whilst a 30 minute ferry ride can be taken from St Kilda Pier to Williamstown on weekends. Williamstown is a 30-minute train journey from Flinders Street Station.


Main Attractions

  • Dine al fresco at waterfront eateries on Nelson Place and enjoy fine food and spectacular views
  • Explore the new galleries that have sprung up in historic buildings around Nelson Place
  • Explore the botanic gardens on the corner of Osborne and Giffard streets
  • Take a picnic and enjoy a paddle in the shallows of Williamstown beach
  • Watch boats and yachts on their way to the Port of Melbourne
  • Take a ferry ride across the bay to St Kilda or down the Yarra River to Southbank
  • Take to the air in a seaplane for breathtaking views of Melbourne and the bay
  • Take sail on board the Enterprize – a timber replica of the schooner that carried the first European settlers to Melbourne
  • Discover maritime heritage at the Williamstown Maritime Museum at Gem Pier
  • Enjoy family fun at Scienceworks, an interactive science museum and planetarium.

    • Major events

    • Commonwealth Reserve craft market – third Sunday of each month

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    Nearby attractions

    For another touch of history, stop off at Gem Pier and take a look at the HMAS Castlemaine, a World War II minesweeper that has been converted into a maritime museum where visitors can view the various nautical exhibits and historical memorabilia that the town has to offer. The Time Ball Tower is another interesting sight. Built on Point Gellibrand sometime between 1846 and 1852, the tower was constructed by convicts for the purpose of telling ships the time and is still used today for the same purpose.

    Scienceworks is another popular attraction offering an exciting, interactive science experience for the whole family. If you are looking to relax, the lovely Williamstown bay beach is perfect for picnics and paddling in the shallows.

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    Copyright 2007, by the Contributing Authors. Cite/attribute Resource. cmsadmin. (2005, May 20). Williamstown. Retrieved December 04, 2008, from Plan Book Travel Australia Web site: http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/australia/vic/williamstown. This work is licensed under a Universal Publishers. Universal Publishers

    Region: Melbourne

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    Melbourne, Victoria. Main attractions: Australian Football League (AFL), Lygon Street, Old Melbourne Gaol, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne's Shopping Districts and Cafe Culture, Southgate, Yarra River Cruises, The Crown Casino and Melbourne Docklands. Popular suburbs of Melbourne include St Kilda, Richmond, South Yarra, Fitzroy, Port Melbourne and Williamstown. more

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    Melbourne Visitor Centre

    Corner Flinders Street and St Kilda Road

    Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia

    Ph +61 3 9658 9658

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