Williamstown

Metered parking is free across Hobsons Bay from 2 July to 31 August (time restrictions still apply, check signage when you park).

Be prepared to spend the day enjoying the convenience of village shopping throughout Douglas Parade, Ferguson Street and waterfront Nelson Place.

All three of these strips are within walking distance from each other and each bustling with charm and character. From specialty plant stores & homewares to designer boutiques, you never know what you might find around the next corner. The selection of retail is split between an eclectic mix of owner operated boutiques and brand name franchises offering the best of both worlds.

In addition to retail you will find all the services you’d expect from a high street, including specialty and destination stores, supermarkets and health providers.

Whilst shopping, you will be sure to work up an appetite and along your journey will find many interesting places to eat, drink and relax. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Centre in Commonwealth Reserve for recommendations on where to eat and other attractions of interest.

Experience Williamstown Guide

Click on the image below to download a guide to Williamstown.

(PDF, 1MB)

Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre

To find out more about things to see and do, where to stay, places to eat as well as lots of other fantastic insights about visiting the region, contacting the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre is a must.

Williamstown Beach

Williamstown Beach is one of Melbourne's finer seaside locations. With gorgeous views across Port Phillip Bay, a clean and wide sandy beach and lifeguards on patrol during the summer months, Williamstown has become a destination for both visitors and locals alike.

Williamstown Botanic Gardens

Officially opened in 1860t, these small but exquisite gardens are one of the earliest intact botanic gardens in Victoria.

The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail

This 24 kilometer trail is for both cyclists and pedestrians and includes wetlands, lakes, piers, beaches, artworks and remarkable historic buildings.

Commonwealth Reserve

Commonwealth Reserve is located in the heart of historic Williamstown, on the foreshore adjacent to Gem Pier. the park provides great views across a row of yacht masts to the City of Melbourne.

Nelson Place and the Strand

Nelson Place, named after Lord Nelson, is home to shops, hotels, and restaurants, as well as some magnificent public buildings; and The Strand is a street of lovely houses.

Gem Pier

Gem Pier is the perfect starting point for exploring early Victoria's maritime history as well as the many attractions, dining establishments and outdoor activities on offer in Williamstown.

HMAS Castlemaine

Located at Gem Pier in the heart of Williamstown, the HMAS Castlemaine is a fascinating collection of nautical exhibits and memorabilia of the past, recording important aspects of Australia's heritage.

Seaworks Maritime Precinct

Seaworks is an active and vibrant maritime site nestled in the heart of Victoria's historic seaport of Williamstown.

Melbourne Seaplanes

Melbourne Seaplanes offer scenic tours of Melbourne's skyline from the seat of a seaplane. Taking off and landing on the water, a flight will give you a vantage point of Melbourne that is tough to rival.

Enterprize, Melbourne Tallship

The Enterprize is a not-for-profit organisation keeping Melbourne's maritime past living by providing 1830's sailing experiences.

Lantern Ghost Tours

Visit abandoned morgues, forgotten burial grounds and hidden laneways in Victoria's most historic seaport.

Williamstown Historical Museum

The Williamstown Historical Museum was founded in 1941 to preserve and to promote knowledge of the town's history.

St John Museum

Discover the rich history of St John Ambulance in Victoria from the perspective of the many generous volunteers who are the backbone of the organisation. View displays from 1900 to today of First Aid equipment, uniforms, photographs and more.

Jawbone Flora & Fauna Reserve

Jawbone Flora & Fauna Reserve consists of open grasslands for passive recreation, two wetland lakes, the salt marsh and mangrove conservation area, Wader Beah and the Kororoit Creek.

Port Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park

Point Gellibrand was the landing place for Victoria's first white settlers and Williamstown's first burial ground.

Timeball Tower

The Williamstown tower was built in 1849 of local bluestone. It was originally a lighthouse, and later served as a timeball tower from 1861 to 1926.

Blunt's Boatyard

Since 1858, C. Blunt Boat Builder has seen five generations of boat builders building and restoring all manner of craft, from ship repair timberwork to small classic rowing boats. Still proudly owned and operated by the Blunt family, this historical business is situated on Nelson Place, Williamstown and backs onto Hobsons Bay.