Enjoy the Beauty of the Sea and Sand at Williamstown Beach

Discover the beauty of Williamstown Beach and plan your perfect vacation by the sea today!
Traveloka Accomodation
05 Sep 2023 - 7 min read

If you're planning a vacation to Melbourne, consider visiting the capital city of the Australian state of Victoria. In 2011, this city was voted the best city in the world, making it a popular destination for tourists.

One of the highlights of Melbourne is the beauty of Williamstown Beach, also known as Willy Beach by the locals. Although relatively small, this beach offers a lot of natural beauty and is conveniently located near the city.

The area now known as Williamstown was originally inhabited by the Wurundjeri Aboriginal people, who lived there for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. In 1803, the first European expedition led by Lieutenant James Grant landed on what is now Williamstown Beach. However, a permanent settlement wasn't established until 1835 by John Batman, a British businessman, and explorer, who bought part of the area from the Wurundjeri Aborigines and founded a settlement known as the Port Phillip Association.

During World War II, Williamstown played a significant role in the war by repairing and maintaining warships, as it was an important Australian naval base.

Over time, Williamstown and Williamstown Beach have changed, shifting the focus from the maritime industry to tourism. Williamstown Beach is now a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists, offering beautiful beaches, water activities, restaurants, and shops.

Location and Directions

Williamstown Beach is located in Williamstown, a small town on the west coast of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This beach is known for its beauty and provides various recreational activities for visitors.

There are several public transportation options to reach this beautiful beach:

1.
Train: Take the Werribee Line train from Melbourne city center to Williamstown Station. From there, the beach is within walking distance, approximately 1.5 km from the station.
2.
Ferry: Take the ferry from downtown Melbourne to Williamstown Beach. Williamstown ferries operate from Southgate Pier and Victoria Harbor Pier, offering great views on the way and docking at Williamstown Harbour, which is a short distance from Williamstown Beach.

If you choose to drive to Williamstown Beach, here are general directions from downtown Melbourne:

Follow the West Gate Freeway (M1) west of Melbourne city center.
Take the Williamstown Road exit and follow the signs for Williamstown.
After crossing Williamstown Road, turn left at Nelson Place and continue on.
Follow Nelson Place through downtown Williamstown.
After passing through downtown, follow the Esplanade to reach Williamstown Beach.

The best time to visit Williamstown Beach is during the Australian summer, from December to February. At this time of year, temperatures in and around Melbourne tend to be warm to hot, making it very comfortable to enjoy the beach.

Summer temperatures around Williamstown Beach range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. This is ideal for swimming, sunbathing on the beach, or engaging in other water activities. You can also enjoy the beauty of the spectacular sunsets on the beach.

However, remember that summer is also a popular time for tourists and locals to visit the beach, so it can be busier on weekends or holidays. If you're looking for a quieter setting, visiting the beach on a weekday or off-peak might be a better option.

Beach Features and Facilities

Williamstown Beach offers beautiful scenery, with fine white sand and clear waters. Although it is a small beach, visitors can enjoy various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, walking, boating, and sailing in the surrounding waters.

Public toilets and bathing facilities are available at Williamstown Beach to ensure visitors' cleanliness and comfort during their stay.

Additionally, there are various facilities surrounding Williamstown Beach such as restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling food and drinks. Visitors can also indulge in the fresh seafood that the area is famous for.

Apart from the beach, Williamstown itself is an exciting area to explore. Many well-preserved historic buildings, including an old port with a distinctly maritime feel. An interesting maritime museum that depicts Australia's maritime history is also nearby.

For families with children, there is a children's play area equipped with play equipment, such as swings, slides, and other playgrounds. Williamstown Beach is a family-friendly place where kids can play and have fun.

Large picnic areas with tables and chairs are also available around Williamstown Beach. Visitors can relax, enjoy snacks, and have picnics with beautiful beach views.

As a popular tourist spot, Williamstown Beach also offers various sports facilities, including a large area for playing beach volleyball, sailing, and windsurfing. Visitors can also cycle along the provided paths or swim in the clear waters.

Dining and Accommodation Options

Several cafes, restaurants, and bars around Williamstown Beach offer stunning views of the beach. Here are some places you can visit:

1. Sebastian Beach Grill & Bar

Located on Nelson Place, Sebastian Beach Grill & Bar offers direct views of Williamstown Beach. This place is known for its fresh seafood and a good selection of wines. You can enjoy delicious seafood while taking in the beautiful beach view.

2. The Strand

The Strand is an area along Williamstown Beach filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars. You'll find various culinary options here, from Australian to international cuisine. Popular eateries on The Strand include the Italian Bar, Thai Yarraville, and the Beachcomber Cafe.

3. Pier Farm

Pier Farm is a restaurant located on Pier Street in Williamstown. This restaurant offers fresh seafood and a fine selection of wines. With direct views of the Williamstown harbor, guests can enjoy delicious food in the serene beach atmosphere.

4. D'Lish Fish

If you're looking for delicious fast-food seafood, D'Lish Fish is a recommended place. Located on Nelson Place, they offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes such as fish and chips, grilled fish, and other seafood.

As for accommodation options around Williamstown Beach, here are a few you can check out:

1. Quest Williamstown North

Location: 115-119 Kororoit Creek Road, Hobsons Bay, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3016

Price: Starting from AU$228.02 per room per night

Located at 115 Kororoit Creek Road, Quest Williamstown North is a comfortable apartment with a variety of amenities. They offer different apartments with fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and free Wi-Fi access. This inn is suitable for those seeking self-catering accommodation.

Quest Williamstown North

115-119 Kororoit Creek...

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2. Punthill Williamstown

Location: 4-18 Ferguson St, Hobsons Bay, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3016

Price: Starting from AU$205.00 per room per night

Punthill Williamstown is an apartment hotel located at 4-18 Ferguson Street. They offer various types of spacious apartments equipped with kitchens and modern amenities. The hotel also has a swimming pool and fitness center.

Punthill Williamstown

4-18 Ferguson St

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3. Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne

Location: 649 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3121

Price: Starting from AU$192.14 per room per night

Located at 649 Bridge Road in Richmond, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation with panoramic views of the river. The hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne

649 Bridge Road

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4. The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

Location: 215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3000

Price: Starting from AU$115.25 per room per night

Located at 215 Little Collins Street in Melbourne, this hotel enjoys a strategic location in the center of Melbourne. The hotel offers various types of comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and meeting facilities.

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

8.8/10

215 Little Collins Str...

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5. The Langham, Melbourne

Location: One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3006

Price: Starting from AU$340.68 per room per night

Located at 1 Southgate Avenue in Southbank, this luxury hotel offers five-star accommodations with views of the Yarra River. This hotel features elegant rooms, a fine restaurant, a spa, a swimming pool, and many other facilities.

The Langham, Melbourne

8.5/10

One Southgate Avenue

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Water Sports and Activities

Williamstown Beach offers a variety of water sports and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some popular options:

1.
Stand-up Paddleboarding: Rent a paddleboard and explore the surrounding waters of Williamstown Beach.
2.
Kayaking: Renting a kayak is a great way to explore the coast and surrounding waters and exercise simultaneously.
3.
Fishing: Williamstown Beach is a popular spot for fishing. Catch King George Whiting, Flathead, and Bream, among other species.
4.
Boating: If you have access to a boat, you can launch it at Williamstown Harbor and enjoy sailing the calm waters.

Beach Safety

Safety is important to prioritize at Williamstown Beach so visitors can enjoy the beach safely. Here are some water safety and first aid tips to keep in mind:

Water Safety Tips:

1.
Watch for Warning Signs: Follow directions and warning signs given by local authorities, including warnings about strong currents, dangerous water conditions, or no swimming.
2.
Supervise Children: Do not allow children to swim or play on the beach without proper supervision.
3.
Avoid Swimming in Unsafe Areas: If there is a warning about strong currents or dangerous water conditions, avoid swimming in the area.
4.
Know Your Limits: Know your swimming limits and stay within the shore if you are unsure of your abilities.
5.
Swim with Others: Swimming with friends or family is better than swimming alone.

First Aid

1.
Learn Basic First Aid: It's a good idea to have basic knowledge of first aid, such as CPR, and how to treat minor injuries or other incidents that may occur at the beach.
2.
Bring First Aid Equipment: Bring first aid equipment to the beach, such as bandages, plasters, cold compresses, and other kits.
3.
Call for Emergency Help If Needed: In case of an emergency or serious injury, call for medical help immediately or call your local emergency number.

Always prioritize your own safety and that of others while at Williamstown Beach. Follow the rules and instructions, and if you need clarification, ask the officer or staff in charge at the beach.

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