Historic Williamstown

Historic Williamstown created by Dottie

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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.

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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.

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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.

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