Nº8 · Williamstown
Williamstown by the water
A seaport village with a timeball tower, a maritime precinct and bay views.
Draft trail. We haven’t walked this one yet to check every detail. Opening days, prices and paths can change, so check before you go.
Before Melbourne had a port, it had Williamstown. The old seaport still has its bluestone Timeball Tower, which once dropped a ball at 1 pm so ships could set their clocks, and the point where Port Phillip narrows towards the city.
- Getting there
- Williamstown line train from Flinders Street to Williamstown station (about 30 minutes), 600 m from the waterfront. In warmer months ferries also run from Southbank; check the operator.
- How long
- About 4 hours, 4 km on foot (2 h 5 min at the stops)
- Cost
- Free
- Best time
- A calm, sunny day; the point is exposed to the wind.
The stops
- 1Commonwealth Reserve · Nature · 20 min
The waterfront green by Nelson Place and the piers.
Directions - 2Seaworks Maritime Precinct · History · 30 min
Old shipyard buildings along the working harbour.
Directions - 3Timeball Tower · History · 15 min
The 1849 bluestone tower that once gave ships the time.
Directions - 4Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park · Nature · 30 min
Grassland on the point, with views across the bay to the city.
Directions - 5Williamstown Botanic Gardens · Nature · 30 min
Victorian-era gardens a block back from the beach.
Directions
On the map
Tips
- Carry a layer: the breeze off the bay is cool even in summer.
- The city skyline across the water is best from Point Gellibrand.
Collect this trail’s stamp in your Passport by checking in at each stop.