Williamstown

Melbourne

Williamstown which includes a marina, skyline and sailing
Williamstown featuring a city, a bay or harbour and a high-rise building
Williamstown showing street scenes
Williamstown showing a park, wild flowers and a house
Williamstown showing food and dining out

Spend a day by the sea in Melbourne’s historic port suburb and swimming beach to take in magnificent city views and see heritage Victorian architecture.

Visit the quaint maritime village of Williamstown to see Melbourne’s stunning city skyline through the crosshatching masts of tall yachts adorning the shoreline and the historic pier. Melbourne’s first port was established in 1837, and the city’s European history is exemplified in the beautiful Victorian and gold rush-era architecture of this gorgeous bayside suburb. Go for a dip at sandy Williamstown Beach or relax with a drink on the terrace of a heritage pub.

Begin your day in Williamstown with a visit to Nelson Place, a historic street that runs adjacent to the Hobsons Bay foreshore. Swing by a café to grab some breakfast and a coffee before strolling through the small waterfront park to the pier. Admire the vast collection of tall ships, yachts and boats that speckle the foreshore and check out the Seaworks Maritime Precinct to learn more about these elegant vessels.

Admire artworks and handcrafted items by Melbourne’s local craftspeople at the monthly Craft Market or the galleries that line the foreshore at Nelson Place.

Delve into Williamstown’s heritage at the Historical Museum or see history come to life on the spooky ghost tours that uncover the suburb’s past as a haunt for sailors and convicts. Set sail on a replica of Melbourne’s tall ship Enterprize, the first ship to carry European settlers up the Yarra River. Cruise sails depart from Williamstown once a month.

Stroll 20 minutes southwest from Nelson Place to reach Williamstown Beach. Explore the beach esplanade and swim in the waters of Port Phillip Bay. The beach’s eastern side has a pier, a leafy park and a picnic area, while the western side has the historic Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club.

In the evening, grab a seat at one of the many restaurants and bars lining Nelson Place and take in sweeping views of the city skyline, illuminated by the lights of the high-rise buildings.

Williamstown can be reached within 30 minutes by train from Flinders Street Station in the city centre. There are separate stations for the beach and the village. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from Southgate in the CBD or make the 15-minute journey by car along the West Gate Freeway.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Williamstown

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is €100 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€100
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,549 reviews)
"Everything was perfect: I cannot think of a single thing to complain about."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
The price is €109 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€109
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,428 reviews)
"Convenient , smells nice, cleanliness. The only thing I could suggest is bottled water in the rooms"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Dorsett Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Fully refundable
The price is €82 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€82
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,979 reviews)
"Beds comfortable but sheets too narrow to tuck in"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is €50 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€50
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,207 reviews)
"This was my third stay. Comfort bed, good location, good breakfast and dinner, friendly staff. Definitely coming back next time I come to Melbourne. I would recommend it to family and friends"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
The price is €89 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€89
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"First time we have stayed here. Great location and very quick walk to the city. Nice breakfast and car parking was cheap. Staff are super helpful and friendly. Will definitely stay here next time we are in Melbourne."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
The price is €121 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€121
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (633 reviews)
"Great hotel in central location"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Rydges Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Williamstown

Default Image

South Melbourne

Travellers enjoy South Melbourne for its spas and zoo. Consider checking out South Melbourne Market while you're in the area.

South Melbourne
Default Image

Southbank

Are you interested in stunning river views, first-class casinos and popular shops? A visit to Southbank might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Crown Casino and Melbourne Skydeck.

Southbank
Docklands showing a bay or harbour, a skyscraper and a city

Docklands

Travellers come to Docklands for its waterfront views, and you can see top attractions like Marvel Stadium and Collins Street while you're in town.

Docklands
St. Kilda showing a sandy beach, a coastal town and a city

St Kilda

St Kilda is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Acland Street and Fitzroy Street, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Melbourne.

St Kilda
Melbourne CBD featuring outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(400 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Melbourne Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Melbourne Central and Collins Street, and jump on the metro at Melbourne Central Station or Flagstaff Station to see more of the city.

Melbourne Central Business District
Southbank showing a high-rise building, cbd and a river or creek

Yarra Riverfront

The stunning river views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Yarra Riverfront. Make a stop by Crown Casino or Collins Street while you're exploring the area.

Yarra Riverfront

Williamstown

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: