Top Things to do in Hobsons Bay
Top Hotels in Hobsons Bay
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Hobsons Bay That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Hobsons Bay, Australia including Newport Railway Museum, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Commonwealth Reserve Williamstown, Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Cherry Lake Altona, Newport Lakes Reserve, Scienceworks, Altona Beach, Seaworks Maritime Museum and Discovery Centre, The Wilkinson Memorial Drinking Fountain.
Restaurants in Hobsons Bay
1. Newport Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The Railway Museum has a large collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives spanning over 100 years of Victoria's railway history, as well as a variety of passenger and goods carriages, several railway cranes, signalling and other equipment. It also features a 1950s O scale model railway with hand-made models of various Victorian Railways trains. We are currently open 12 to 5pm every Saturday, and also open 12 to 5pm on Sundays during school holidays. We are also able to open the museum during the week for group bookings such as school excursions or club visits.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
I can still vaguely remember visiting my Grandma in the country in a train pulled by a steam engine. Working steam trains are rare these days. You can relive those days in the Railway Museum, where the engines range from minnows to leviathams of the Steam Age. You can scramble around by yourself, check opening times before you go as it is not often open. The Museum is a short walk from the North Williamstown railway station.
2. Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Nestled by the sea, complete with rare trees, a formal palm avenue and a charming Edwardian ornamental lake amongst its many attractions, the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, opened in 1860, is a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic, stroll the intricate pathways or relax and daydream on the green lawns. A few minutes from the Williamstown Beach Railway Station, the gardens have gravel paths providing good accessibility. Open all year. Beach and facilities nearby. Free.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Williamstown is on Hobsons Bay; it is one of the earliest Melbourne suburbs. The Williamstown Botanic Gardens are well established, with many mature European trees. The Williamstown Botanic Gardens are on of the oldest planned gardens in Melbourne. The trees and architectural features make it a favorite venue for photography, in particular wedding photos in spring when the weather is clement
3. Commonwealth Reserve Williamstown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Williamstown lives by the sea, and the Commonwealth Reserve is right by Hobson's Bay Commonweath Reserve hosts the Hobson's Bay Visitors Centre, and leads to Gem Pier, where the ferries from Melbourne pull in. HMAS Castlemaine, a corvette dating frorm World War II, is also docked at Gem Pier. Commonwealth Reserve has ample space for an al fresco picnic meal. Many eateries are located nearby. Williamstown was one of Victoria's first settlements and it was the colony's principal port, until sidelined by Melbourne.
4. Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By 999Edwina - Warlingham, United Kingdom
Centrally located near Gem Pier staff are extremely helpful with lots of information to take away eg map, routes for suggested walks. We joined the free walking tour and the lady guide, dressed for the part was outstanding. Knowledgeable, interesting with keys to give access to the old mortuary and the base of the Timeball Tower. Wonderful!
5. Cherry Lake Altona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By urbandrifter - Melbourne, Australia
What a fabulous oasis in Altona and nice and close to the beach. Habitat to many birds and other wildlife, I found the walking circuit around the lake to be just the right distance. Located on Miller’s Road not far from Seaholme Station, there is a large carpark, plenty of tables, shelters, bbq’s, a couple of playgrounds, a lot of fitness equipment, toilet blocks, water fountains and a track for bikes or walking. This lake was made in the early 1960’s designed for a flood retention basin for residential expansion in Altona and Brooklyn. However, it did have another life prior to this as a motor racing circuit, constructed in 1954. Certainly a valuable addition to the area. Wheelchair accessible. Plenty of open spaces for activities and kids play. Dogs welcome but please pick up their waste and keep on lead. Fishing allowed - but read the signs.
6. Newport Lakes Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Newport Lakes Reserve is a remnant of native bushland in the middle of Altona. It makes a very pleasant walk, and the lakes are very picturesque. It's a great place for a ramble. It's open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (9:00 pm in daylight saving time). The only practical approach by car is via Lakes Drive, running off Mason St. Parking is available. Visitors are requested not to feed the birds. A Ranger is on duty at all times. By the way, several signs say prominently "No Dogs" and "Watch Out for Snakes." It's a big park, paths can be followed by visitors, but the gate out at the top of the park is hard to find.
7. Scienceworks
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 693 reviews
Scienceworks makes science an adventure! Through our changing exhibitions, programs and shows, Scienceworks is the perfect day out for curious minds and active bodies! Inside: Imagine tomorrow today in the interactive and innovative Think Ahead exhibition; Take the sporting challenge and learn about the science behind moving your body; Designed especially for 3 - 8 year olds create your own city in Nitty Gritty Super City exhibition; Journey to the stars and beyond at the Melbourne Planetarium; Learn about electricity and lightning through spectacular demonstrations in the Lightning Room; Go on a guided tour of the historic Spotswood Pumping Station; Discover the evolution of Spotswood in the Spotswood Industrial Heritage Walk (mobile tour), and that's just start!
Reviewed By lgsweetman - Adelaide, Australia
School holidays and so many visitors to the Scienceworks handled well. Yes a line up to get in. You can buy on line and miss this bit. A busy day went so well with my 6 year old charge. We moved around easily and we didn’t wait to use the interactive displays. Time spent in the pump house building and meeting the challenge of no sticky tape. Great fun.
8. Altona Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By urbandrifter - Melbourne, Australia
I like this beach and it’s kept very clean by the council. Over the years it’s become more and more popular, particularly with kite surfers who entertain me when the wind is up. The pier is great and although shallow around it, still worth walking to the end and if you’re into fishing, drop a line in. Access is pretty good and the beach stretches quite some way. Birdlife at the west end is fabulous. Walking/cycling paths are shared. Close to shops I’d you need anything, I’d recommend Altona beach. Good parking. Wheelchair accessible pathways. Kid friendly. Dog friendly.
9. Seaworks Maritime Museum and Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Baci09
Wow, impressive! I visited the Maritime Museum with my niece and her two boys aged 11 and 9. On arrival two gentlemen working on a new display case were most welcoming. The volunteer guides are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, best of all, are happy to take you on a tour or be guided by items/displays in any order that may excite accompanying children in particular! They are very flexible and on hand to assist at any time. I was particularly taken by the breadth of the displayed items, there is something for everyone. The Museum also engages in the history of Melbourne that visitors may not be aware of, ie the partial collapse of the Westgate Bridge during construction. Such historical photos, charts and texts lead into further useful discussions long after a visit. We learnt so much and will definitely return. An absolute highlight was meeting Alf and his wife. Alf spent his working life as a deep sea diver, be it ocean work , lakes or the Yarra River - possibly called in for police work. He explained all facets of coping with the heavy suit and bell, breathing underwater, the associated pressure and how returning from such depths needed to be handled carefully (decompression). Thank you both for your generosity! Just one small point, the 'Maritime Museum' sign is quite small and we nearly missed it in the window. A gem of a Museum indeed.
10. The Wilkinson Memorial Drinking Fountain
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Temperance movements had great influence in the latter part of the 19th Century. They wanted to ban the demon drink. Rev. George Wilkinson, of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, decided that he would sponsor a water fountain so people could drink water, not grog.This is a fine example of Victorian public architecture, said to be the first memorial water fountian in Melbourne. It is a handsome structure, well worth a look. It's in Nelson Place, not far frorm Gem Pier.
