Historic Williamstown

1 Syme Street, Williamstown VIC 3016, Australia

Historic Williamstown

1 Syme Street, Williamstown VIC 3016, Australia

1 h 1 m
4.11 km
Easy

Walking from Gem Pier, through Commonwealth Reserve to the Botanical Gardens, along Williamstown beach towards the Williamstown Cricket Club oval, through Point Gellibrand Coastal Park and back.

Historic Williamstown

Report improper content
Rate this walk

Summary

Walking from Gem Pier, through Commonwealth Reserve to the Botanical Gardens, along Williamstown beach towards the Williamstown Cricket Club oval, through Point Gellibrand Coastal Park and back.

Description

The ferry from Melbourne, up the Yarra River, dropped us at Gem Pier in Syme St. From there we wandered through Commonwealth Reserve (past the old tide gauge house) and up Cole St to the Williamstown Botanic Gardens on the corner of Giffard and Osborne Streets. The gardens opened in 1860 and boast a formal palm avenue and a charming Edwardian ornamental pond amongst its many attractions. Through the gardens it is an easy walk to Williamstown Beach. We then strolled around the foreshore, past Williamstown Cricket Ground and into Point Gellibrand Heritage Park. This was the site of Victoria's first permanent settlement and seaport. It is where the Timeball Tower is located and where the piers were the only entrance to the new colony. Along Battery Road, then Nelson Place, past the former Williamstown dockyards and back to Commonwealth Reserve where we started.

Rate this walk

12343 Views


Points of Interest

1. Williamstown Botanic Gardens

The Williamstown Botanic Gardens opened in 1860 and boasts a formal palm avenue and charming Edwardian ornamental pond.

2. Commonwealth Reserve

The Visitor Information Centre is located in Commonwealth Reserve as well as several heritage attractions including the Tide Gauge House and the Wilkinson Drinking Fountain.

Find out more

3. Timeball Tower

The Timeball Tower was a means whereby ships could accurately set their chronometers, since accuracy was essential for successful navigation on long ocean voyages.

Find out more

4. Battery Road

View over Hobsons Bay

5. Williamstown Beach

View of Williamstown Beach looking toward the Lifesaving Pavilion


Features

Public Transport Public Transport
Playground Playground
Picnic spot Picnic spot
Drinking water available Drinking water available
Seating available Seating available
Dog off-leash area Dog off-leash area
Public toilets Public toilets
Historical interest Historical interest
Lake, creek, river Lake, creek, river
Park / Garden Park / Garden