Williamstown Heritage Walk (Waterfront)
This 1.6km walk, with optional 1.1km extension to Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, covers the historic Williamstown waterfront area.
Begin at the Anchor in Commonwealth Reserve.
1.1 Commonwealth Reserve.
Known originally as 'The Mud Flats' the reserve was created by Habour Trust dredging of shipping channels, between 1880 and 1930. In the reserve are remnants of Williamstown's maritime past: the Tide Gauge House, built in 1860 and removed from Breakwater Pier and the anchor from the Victorian naval ship Nelson.
1.2 Gem Pier.
First jetty here was completed in 1839. The pier is named after the 'Gem' Ferry which took passengers between Williamstown and Port Melbourne.
1.3 Memorial Drinking Fountain.
[Corner Syme Street and Nelson Place].
Named after Rev George Wilkinson, a strict teetotaller, and first vicar at Holy Trinity Church, Nelson Place.
1.4 Customs House.
Built in 1874-1875 and designed by William Wardell. The Port Phillip Pilot Service, formed 1852, had offices at the rear of the Customs House.
Cross Syme Street.
1.5 Nelson Place Shops.
First land sales here were in 1837, however most buildings date from 1870 onwards.
1.6 139 Nelson Place.
Former E.S. and A Bank designed by Leonard Terry and built in 1873 in the Gothic (church-like) Revival style.
1.7 Craigantina Building.
Built in 1886 for J.H. Craig, a local stationery seller.
Walk east along Nelson Place.
1.8 Former Royal Hotel, 85 Nelson Place.
The first hotel here was the Royal Oak, built in 1852. The present building was constructed in 1893 in what was then the popular Queen Anne or Jacobean styling identifiable by combination of red brick and cream or white details.
Turn left into Ann Street.
1.9 Williamstown Morgue.
The first inquests into drowning etc were held in pubs. After several publicans objected, the morgue was constructed in 1859.It was moved here in 1873 and closed in 1925.
1.10 Former Port of Melbourne Authority Piers and Workshops.
The Port of Melbourne Authority took over the duties of the old Melbourne Harbour Trust which was formed in 1877 and was responsible for managing and maintaining the port, harbour lights and shipping channels.
Walk Extension
You can continue directly with this walk by returning to Ann Street and crossing Nelson Place to the continuation of Ann Street
OR
you can take a detour along Nelson Place to Time Ball Tower, Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park.
1.11 Telegraph Hotel.
The first hotel here was built in 1858 destroyed by fire in 1861, and replaced in 1862.
Continue to the intersection of Cecil and Ann Streets.
1.12 Stag's Head Hotel.
Built in 1887 replacing an earlier Stag's Head built in 1866.
1.13 43 Cecil Street.
Two-storey wooden house built in 1850's.
1.13B 75 Cecil Street.
Presbyterian Manse and later school teachers house built 1853/4
1.14 St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 85-89 Cecil Street.
First section completed in 1871, belfry added in 1934. Blue building at rear is oldest school built in Williamstown.
1.15 George Hotel, 82 Cecil Street.
Built in 1888, delicensed in the 1920s.
Continue to the corner of Cole and Cecil Streets, turn to the right.
1.16 Steam Packet Hotel, 11-13 Cole Street.
Built in 1863 to replace an earlier Ship Inn. The Williamstown Racing Club was formed here.
1.17 Former Bank o f Australasia, 189 Nelson Place.
The first branch opened here in 1854, but this building dates from 1876 and was designed by Reed and Barnes.
Location
130 Nelson Place, Williamstown 3016 Map
