The Timeball Tower

 The Timeball Tower was a means whereby ships could set their chronometers with accuracy being essential for successful navigation on long ocean voyages. At precisely 1.00pm each day, the ball at the top of the tower would descend slowly down its shaft.

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.

Many such towers were built, but they have not survived to anything like the degree that historic lighthouses have. Today, working Timeball towers are extremely rare. In addition to the one located at Point Gellibrand, there is a working Timeball tower at Greenwich in London, and only three others in the world. It is undoubtedly the jewel of historic Williamstown.