The Williamstown Ferry

Visitors to Williamstown can jump aboard a ferry and take a scenic journey from Melbourne’s Southgate through Southbank, Docklands, the Port of Melbourne and under the Westgate Bridge. Ferries operate every day of the year (except Christmas Day) and travel to and from Scienceworks in Spotswood and Gem Pier in Williamstown to Southgate in Melbourne.

 

Ferries have a long history operating in and around Williamstown. The ferry first began operation in 1873 and was replaced by a second ferry in 1907. The ferry carried passengers across the Yarra River near the Newport Power Station, saving a much longer journey around the peninsula. In December 1931 this ferry ran for the last time. The next ferry bore the somewhat unromantic name of Newport Steam Ferry No. 3. and carried passengers and cars between Port Melbourne and Williamstown. In the 1970s the further terminus of the ferry had to be changed, and the new manoeuvres for the craft caused wear and tear which eventually led to a breakdown on January 29 1974. It was docked at Newport, and after two years eventually sank in May 1976.