Hobsons Bay

There’s No Place Like Nelson Place Williamstown from Archivist Media on Vimeo.

It’s easy to turn your back on the bustle of city life when you can keep an eye on it with breathtaking views from over your shoulder in the beautiful waterfront suburb of Williamstown, just minutes from the CBD. Here’s some suggestions for things to do when you visit us:

Wayfarers and seafarers
Appreciate the proud maritime history of Williamstown, which was established in 1837 as Melbourne’s first port. Visit the Williamstown Maritime Museum at Gem Pier, and set sail on the Enterprise, the first vessel to carry European settlers up the Yarra.

The old and the new
Explore the diverse range of arts, crafts and other speciality shops around historic Nelson Place. Dine out in the waterfront eateries housed in the beautiful old buildings with photogenic views of the city skyline.

Popular attractions
Relax over picnics and paddling in the shallows at Williamstown Beach,

Enjoy the peace and beauty of Williamstown Botanic Gardens

Unlock the secrets of this historic seaport by joining one of the Lantern Ghost Tours every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.

Ride your bike along the foreshore from Williamstown Beach to Altona Beach.

Take a walk on the HMAS Castlemaine – a restored former war ship with loads of fascinating memorabilia.

Visit the Williamstown Historical Society – only open Sundays 2.00pm-5.00pm.

Relax in the stunningly tranquil Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Visit the Railway Museum which has on display the largest collection of Victorian Railways steam locomotives. There are more than 15 different locomotives, ranging from the diminutive F class up to the H class, the largest locomotive to operate in Victoria. Come and see the evolution of steam power on the railways. 

Take a bird’s eye view of Melbourne with Melbourne Seaplanes which operate from the water at Williamstown.

Pit your science know-how against the kids with the interactive exhibits at Scienceworks. 

How to get there 
Car – Williamstown is approximately 15 minutes from Melbourne via the West Gate Freeway.

Ferries – leave from berth 1, Southgate and depart daily at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
The trip takes approximately 1 hour.

Train – Williamstown is a 30-minute train journey from Flinders Street Station, the last station on the Williamstown line. Williamstown North Station is a 9 minute walk from the festival venue. From Williamstown North station walk down Ferguson Street to the Town Hall and Library.
(You may be required to change trains at Footscray or Newport Station.)

Bus – The 472 bus from Footscray will also take you to Williamstown North

Visitor Information

Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown 

(close to where the ferries arrive at Gem Pier)Open 9.00am to 5.00pm every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Contact us for assistance in planning your visit, including information on timetables and accommodation.

Phone (03) 9932 4310

Email visitorinformation@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au