Attractions - Historical

Williamstown Historic Seaport

Nestled against the backdrop of Melbourne city, the historic seaport of Williamstown is one of Melbourne’s most charming villages.

Williamstown was established in 1837 as the first port for Melbourne, and today retains much of its fascinating maritime history. From stately homes, seaman’s cottages and 150 year old Botanic Gardens, to the intriguing Time Ball Tower.

The old historic buildings of Nelson Place offer some of Melbourne's best waterfront eateries, and there are several walking tours of the town's historic features outlined in brochures available at the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place.

Williamstown has been the home of Melbourne naval shipbuilding since early settlement. One of the most popular examples built at the Williamstown Dockyards is the WW2 HMAS Castlemaine, which today lives a life of retirement at fabulous Gem Pier as a museum.

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.

The Historical Museum is located in the former Mechanics' Institute (c.1860) in Electra Street by the intersection with Parker Street. It is open from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Sundays and by appointment during the week. The museum has a large collection of maritime material, photographs, records and other fascinating artefacts from Williamstown’s past.

The tranquillity of Williamstown is a stone throw away from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne city centre. A leisurely train ride from Flinders Street Station on the Williamstown line, or a ferry ride down the Yarra River from Melbourne’s Southbank to Gem Pier at Commonwealth Reserve will take you to a world of heritage listed buildings, endless shopping opportunities and sensational wining and dining.

A few ideas for your visit...

• ‘People watch’ at waterfront cafes on Nelson Place and enjoy fine food and fantastic water views

• Explore the many galleries that now occupy historic buildings around Nelson Place

• Wander the botanic gardens on the corner of Osborne and Giffard streets

• Pack a picnic and get your feet wet in the shallows of Williamstown Beach

• Watch ships and yachts on their way to and from the Port of Melbourne

• Explore from the air in a seaplane for breathtaking views of Melbourne and the bay

• Take a ferry ride across the bay to St Kilda or down the Yarra River to Southbank

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