Top Things to do in Williamstown
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Williamstown, Victoria
Discover the best top things to do in Williamstown, Australia including Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Commonwealth Reserve Williamstown, Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, The Wilkinson Memorial Drinking Fountain, John E. Morley Reserve, Point Gellibrand Heritage Park, St Mary's Catholic Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church Williamstown, Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, Williamstown Beach.
Restaurants in Williamstown
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. John E. Morley Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Morley Reserve has several interesting features, the prime object being the World War I War Memorial. This Cenotaph is a fitting memorail to the local men - all volunteers -- who perished in WWI. Continuing the military theme, there are several mussle loaded cannons on display, all in very good condition. There's a rather elderly toilet block, and you can take a wander down Ferguson Pier. Morley Reserve is also a good place to catch the seabrease off Hobson's Bay in the afternoon. There;s a playground for the ankle biters. Nearby is the Famine Memorial, commemorating the two million Irish people who starved or emmigrated during the disasterous potato famine 1845 - 52.
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. Holy Trinity Anglican Church Williamstown
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
9. Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By SusanC4948 - Melbourne, Australia
The Bay trail between Williamstown and Altona takes you along the northern edge of the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve. There is lots of open space and good views of the wetlands. Near the lakes the Bay trail takes you to a bird hide to view the lake birds. Pedestrian access to the southern section is limited. There is a short boardwalk off the Bay Trail which takes you to a view of the bay, mangroves and provides access for snorkelers wishing to explore the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary. It also provides you with a wander through some native flora which has been labelled with ground plaques. That ended up being quite interesting as you often see the plants without knowing what they actually are.
10. 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.
