Holiday houses in Williamstown

Named after English monarch King William IV, Williamstown is located at the mouth of the Yarra River and was one of Victoria’s first port towns. Today, it’s a thriving suburb southwest of Melbourne’s city centre. The area is best known for its distinctive lighthouse, charming 19th-century architecture, and busy harbour, which sees dinghies, yachts, and ships passing through the estuary daily. In the tradition of historic towns, Williamstown is home to nightly ghost tours and a number of museums focusing on the area’s historical relevance.

Its access to the Yarra River and waterfront location make Williamstown well situated for water sports, especially sailing — you can easily charter a boat or take your own out onto the river or bay. The maritime nature of the town is also evident in the thriving dining scene. Keep an eye out for prawns, mussels, and more fresh seafood on the menus of local eateries, alongside Australian wines and craft beers.

The best time to book accommodation in Williamstown is between the months of January and May, followed by the period between September and December. The temperatures during these times are balmy, with “Mediterranean” being an apt descriptor. The Sail Melbourne International Regatta, held in mid-January, is one of the world’s biggest international sailing events, and often attended by Olympic entrants and other invitees selected specifically for their nautical racing skills. The Melbourne Fringe Festival, from the end of September to mid-October, is an 18-day arts festival celebrating Australian artists, from established professionals to rising stars and new talent. August to October plays host to the Eat Drink Westside festival, held in the greater Hobson Bay Area. This is a celebration of the region’s gastronomy and culinary culture.

Sunrise Balloon Ride

Perhaps one of the most unique ways to enjoy a sunrise is an airborne trip across Melbourne’s cityscape. These early-morning hot-air balloon rides give brave guests a bird’s eye view of the Yarra River, reflecting the day’s first light. Pat yourself on the back afterwards with a champagne breakfast, served safely on the ground.

Williamstown Botanical Gardens

First opened in 1860, the Williamstown Botanical Gardens has hosted a wide variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants over the century and a half of its existence. The varieties of greenery on display range from gargantuan trees that can shade entire families to ferns that have changed little from the time of the dinosaurs.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is situated at Nelson Place, Williamtown’s historical district, where some of the city’s original buildings still stand guard over guests and travellers. The museum proper hosts a variety of nautical artefacts from across the history of the port and city, including model ships, guided exhibitions, and a reconstructed morgue on the property — the oldest surviving building of its kind in the Melbourne area.