Williamstown and Hobsons Bay

1 Williamstown and Hobsons Bay H I S TO R I C S E A P O RT. AND WETLANDS. w w w. v i s i t h o b s o n s b a y. c o m . a u A LT O N A , L A V E R T O N , N E W P O R T A N D W I L L I A M S T O W N. Situated between the Princes Freeway and the western curve of Port Phillip Bay, Hobsons Bay is a picturesque seaside municipality. Here you can find a peaceful natural environment, clean beaches, wide streets, heritage buildings and a diverse choice of restaurants, caf s and shops, connected by bike paths and only 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the City. Hobsons Bay offers breathtaking views of the City skyline; a perfect accompaniment to alfresco dining, leisurely caf atmosphere or a family outing. Hobsons Bay offers a great variety of attractions in a small area, from hands on interactive science, to maritime and rail history.

2 It's family friendly and won't break the budget so you can come back again to discover more of what we have to offer. ALTONA. Altona is a traditional strip shopping centre framed by parks and a wide sweeping beach. Its relaxed urban character, personality and charm and weekly Tuesday market is worth exploring. LAVERTON. Just off the Princes Freeway, Laverton offers a great variety of products; serviced by rail and road. Laverton has affordable accommodation, shops and eateries that won't stretch the budget. NEWPORT. Capturing a multicultural flavour and the artistic talents of the locals, Newport is a great place for coffee, traditional Lebanese breads and treats. Newport makes a great base for a visit to the Railway Museum, Newport Lakes Park and the Substation arts precinct. Williamstown . Originally Melbourne's first sea port, Williamstown has developed into a fashionable maritime village, with many historical buildings, cafes, restaurants and a vibrant area that locals and visitors love.

3 It's surrounded by water, with the northern and eastern coastline dotted with piers, gardens and remnants of Williamstown 's maritime history. GETTING THERE. One of the real charms of getting to Hobsons Bay is just that, getting there! Travel by ferry from the City, get on your bike and ride, take the train or travel across the West Gate Bridge. Which ever way you come, your adventure starts the moment you leave home. Williamstown Beach Hobsons Bay Visitor . Information Centre. The Visitor Information Centre can assist you with brochures and information on Hobsons Bay and Williamstown to help you get the most from your visit to our area. Located in Commonwealth Reserve (on the corner of Nelson Place and Syme Street), the Visitor Information Centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The Visitor MAIN RETAIL AREA. Information Centre can be contacted by: DOUGLAS PDE.

4 Phone: 03 9932 4310 Fax: 03 9399 8650. FERGUSON ST. Email: Web: NELSON PL. Enjoy the shops, cafes and fine restaurants in Williamstown Copyright: Hobsons Bay City Council. Produced by Great Southern Destinations Marketing Pty Ltd JN 8701. 02/09. Ph 5222 5685 Cartography: Country Cartographics. This map may not be reproduced in full or part thereof without written permission from all parties concerned. What to See w w w. v i s i t h o b s o n s b a y. c o m . a u Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail w w w. v i s i t h o b s o n s b a y. c o m . a u Get a grasp of science at Scienceworks! This 23km cycling and walking trail links many of the 100 Steps to Federation Enjoy one of the many hands-on exhibitions and natural and cultural features of Hobsons Bay. Most of Take in the view of Port Phillip Bay and Cheetham activities.

5 It's a great day out for curious minds the trail is through parkland. Along the trail you'll find Wetlands, a migratory bird habitat, from the top and active bodies. Discover the historic Sewerage a series of markers, designed like channel markers, of the grand basalt staircase and enjoy the picnic Pump and visit the only digital planetarium in the which provide directions and information. facilities in Truganina Park. Southern Hemisphere. Facilities include caf , Stony Creek Backwash Skeleton Creek BBQ and souvenir shop. At the northern end of the trail, the estuary of Stony At the western-most point of the trail, the lagoon Creek includes an extensive boardwalk, mangrove on Skeleton Creek is a great place to see swans Scienceworks at Spotswood revegetation and a memorial park to the workers and pelicans. who lost their lives in the West Gate Bridge disaster.

6 Timeball Tower TIPS FOR HEALTHY RIDING. At Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, the copper AND WALKING. ball atop the tower was dropped at a set time each To GEELONG and THE BELLARINE. day to allow ships to adjust their chronometers. Williamstown Botanic Gardens Wear sunscreen in all seasons; UV rays can burn skin on dull days as well as sunny days Williamstown Botanic Gardens Take a water bottle and drink before you feel thirsty If you're looking for a seaside escape with a Officially opened in 1860 and listed on the Register Half an hour of exercise each day is good for the Watch the ships go by at Greenwich Bay To WERRIBEE PARK. and RAAF MUSEUM. difference, consider taking a drive along the Bay of the National Estate, the gardens provide a green heart, the bones and the mind! Greenwich Bay is home to Williamstown 's number West Trail.

7 Covering 55km the trail takes you past and tranquil respite. one address, The Strand. The area incorporates some of Victoria's premier attractions, from Jawbone Reserve and Altona Coastal Park sporting clubs, playgrounds and a habitat area, and museums and historic sites to places of natural The trail provides access to important salt marsh- offers breathtaking views of the City. The bay is also mangrove habitat; Altona Coastal Park includes the beauty and environmental significance. famous for its close up glimpses of container ships remnants of the former Williamstown racecourse travelling the Yarra River, a sure winner with young and old. Altona Pier Adjacent to historic Logan Reserve, and with a Explore Williamstown Military aviation - now boarding series of bronze sculptures of marine creatures in Williamstown is famous for its village ambience The RAAF Museum offers you an insight into its forecourt, the pier is a great place to set out for and rich maritime heritage.

8 Come and enjoy the the history of military aviation in Australia. The a walk and is an easy-to-identify point for meeting Pelicans roam the foreshore Cycling along The Strand, Williamstown fine restaurants, shops and caf s or explore the museum tells the history of the Australian airforce up with friends. Williamstown Craft Market held on the third and the most exciting machines ever built and Sunday of every month. Weekends in Williamstown the fascinating stories of the daring men who are bustling with people and activity. flew them. Entry is free. Weekday tours are Enjoy a walk or three in and available by arrangement. around Williamstown A place of peace and beauty While in Williamstown take one of the self-guided The Victoria State Rose Garden is located at The Mansion at Werribee Park Heritage Walks. The three walks can be taken Werribee Park.

9 Set in the shape of a Tudor rose, separately or together and take you through the garden features over 4,000 rose bushes in a some of the most picturesque corners of this Flock to Jawbone Reserve spectacular display that changes throughout the historic seaport. Pick up a brochure at the Jawbone Reserve is one of the few Saltmarsh Mangrove habitats remaining in Melbourne. year. The impressive Heritage Border features Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre in A boardwalk enables you to explore this richly unusual and historic roses from around the Commonwealth Reserve in Williamstown . textured area without disturbing the natural world. The blooms are in their glory from A 'gem' of a pier vegetation. This is a rare opportunity to observe November to May. Gem Pier is the gateway to Williamstown from pelicans and migratory wading birds in abundance.

10 The bay; you can catch a ferry to Southgate, go The sounds of Africa in the middle of Werribee for a sail on the Enterprize or take a scenic cruise Cherry-ripe' all year round! Get up close and personal to magnificent around the bay. The adjacent Commonwealth Cherry Lake is a popular destination for families, grassland animals from Africa, Asia and Australia Reserve also offers a great venue for picnics. cyclists, walkers, windsurfers and rollerbladers. at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Rhinos range Gem Pier is also home to the HMAS Castlemaine, A multi purpose track around the lake suits land- free with giraffe, zebra and antelopes, while the a historic warship (1942) museum. Visitors can based recreational pursuits while windsurfers, hippos wallow in a nearby waterhole and the inspect a fascinating collection of nautical model boat owners and anglers enjoy the inland vervet monkeys chatter.