Jump on a ferry and cross to Williamstown, a quiet waterfront suburb that offers a relaxing alternative to the bustle of city life. Enjoy a sumptuous meal by the water at Nelson Place and stunning views of Melbourne's city skyline through the masts of moored boats.
It's hard to pull yourself away from Nelson Place, with its range of arts, crafts and other speciality shops in historic buildings. You'll find everything from galleries to classic vinyl and CD shops and don't miss the craft market on the third Sunday of each month.
Discover the history of Williamstown, which was established in 1837 as Melbourne's first port. Explore the interior of the replica of the Enterprize, which was the first vessel to carry European settlers up the Yarra and into Melbourne. You can even charter the vessel on weekends.
For another touch of history, stop off at Gem Pier and take a look at the HMAS Castlemaine, a World War II minesweeper converted into a maritime museum. Pause at the Time Ball Tower on Point Gellibrand, built by convicts in the mid-1800s to tell ships the time. It's still in use today.
There are activities for the whole family in Williamstown. Scienceworks offers an exciting, interactive science experience for the whole family. Grab your bucket, pack a picnic and paddle in the shallows at the lovely Williamstown bay beach. Take a ferry ride across the bay to St Kilda or down the Yarra River to Southbank.
Williamstown is approximately 15 minutes from Melbourne via the West Gate Freeway. Ferries from Southgate run every two hours from 11am daily and take about an hour, or take the half hour ferry ride from St Kilda Pier weekends. Williamstown is a 30-minute train journey from Flinders Street Station.
