Top Things to do in Williamstown
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10 Things to do in Williamstown That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Williamstown, Australia including Newport Railway Museum, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Commonwealth Reserve Williamstown, Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Seaworks Maritime Museum and Discovery Centre, Point Gellibrand Heritage Park, St Mary's Catholic Church, Williamstown Beach, Gem Pier, Williamstown Bay and River Cruises.
Restaurants in Williamstown
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. 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.
6. Point Gellibrand Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 42 reviews
Point Gellibrand has a rich history. It was the site of Victoria’s first permanent settlement and seaport and was crucial to the initial growth of the state. Immerse yourself in Victoria’s colonial past, retrace Ned Kelly’s steps along Battery Road, marvel at the ingenuity of early mariners at Timeball Tower or step back to a time when Point Gellibrand’s piers were the only gateway to a new colony. For the keen bird watcher or nature enthusiast 'The Bay trail' provides a safe and accessible means by which to view this rich landscape by foot or bicycle. There are BBQs, toilet and playground facilities available.
Reviewed By FionaM946 - Williamstown, Australia
This park right on Port Philip Bay is well worth taking a tour. It is un sign posted (sometimes the locals like it not so busy I suspect??) There is a world heritage listed Volcanic Blister just in at the shore. A grave sits waterside of the road - the last remnant of the original Williamstown Cemetery- moved decades ago - rumoured that Ned Kelly as a prisoner built the bluestone walls here. Work at the Seagulls Football ground uncovered an armory battery (for us civilians that's where the cannon balls and ammunition were stored) It has since been buried up as no-one could decide what to do with it. Finally the time ball tower used to drop the ball so people knew it was mid-day. Judging by the number of fishermen along the wall on any given day - the fishing is pretty good here. Abalone poachers can be spotted with torches aglow at night -always something happening in Melbournes oldest Suburb -Willi as the locals fondly call it
7. St Mary's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
8. Williamstown Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Williamstown Beach is golden, a safe beach for all the family. In summer, the beach is patrolled by lifesavers. It's one of Melbourne's favourite bay beaches; it's not too big and not too small. You can get a good view towards Melbourne across the Bay. It's not far from the Williamstown Beach railway station. If you just want a placid beach for children to have a splash, it's.ideal.
9. Gem Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Gem Pier is one of Williamstown's highlights. It's virtually in the centre of town. You can take a ferry to Southbank or St Kilda, or you can take a stroll and inspect the veteran warship. HMAS Castlemaine, built during World War II at the Williamstwon Naval Dockyard. HMAS Castlemaine is a corvette, it had a varied career, now it's back close to where it was constructed. This small ship is open for inspection -- check for opening times. Anyone who loves the sea will be fascinated by this naval relic of times past. By the way, you can get a good view across Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne from the end of the pier.
10. Williamstown Bay and River Cruises
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 105 reviews
We are now located just downstream of the Evan Walker Walkbridge on Southbank. If you are walking over the walkbridge from the back of Flinders st Station, look to the right. From the bottom of Southgate Ave, facing the walkbridge, we are on the left. Look for our attendant who is there to assist you.
Reviewed By HappyWanderor
We took this day trip with extended family from interstate and had a fantastic time. The staff were friendly and helpful and the smaller boat meant a more personalised experience. They were very flexible and accommodating when we wanted to change our return journey time at the last minute (poor weather was coming). Booking online was easy and efficient.
