Nautical charms
The Age
Saturday September 12, 2009
Its historic seaport is the jewel of a suburb with gorgeous views and vibrant leisure pursuits, writes Kate Robertson. IT WOULD be hard to believe that Williamstown, or Willi, as it is known by locals, is only eight kilometres from the city if it wasn't for its stunning views of the CBD and West Gate Bridge.Now the home of many a million-dollar-plus residence, it has become well and truly the jewel of the western suburbs, although locals do still have to rub shoulders with an astonishing number of oversized trucks on the overcrowded Melbourne Road.Soothing water views serve as a backdrop and the constant tourist presence has encouraged a vibrant and high-quality food and entertainment scene. While there are new housing developments, the town has maintained its historic seaport look with many historic buildings still in use €“ such as the former Customs House, which is now a popular hotel that offers live music, karaoke and trivia nights.TOP TEN SPOTS1Liston Tennis Club, Commonwealth Reserve. This tennis club, which has six floodlit courts and club rooms, has been a focus of community activities for more than 100 years. Its location enables parents to watch their children's serve improve while they enjoy a coffee across the road.2Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Esplanade. The 4.5-hectare gardens were opened officially in 1860 and offer a botanical oasis with stunning views of the sea down the avenue of palms. The ornamental lake and shady pine reserve are popular picnic areas.3Williamstown Beach, Esplanade. The wide beachfront is packed in the warmer months, with families enjoying the relatively shallow waters and facilities such as barbecues, a kiosk and playground. The surf lifesaving club patrols at weekends and public holidays from November to Easter Monday.4Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail. The 23-kilometre trail, which is sealed and mostly flat, hugs the coastline from Altona to Footscray, where it connects with the Maribyrnong River Trail. It offers cyclists and pedestrians stunning views as it takes in parkland, the foreshore and Williamstown's tourist precinct.5Breizoz Creperie, 139 Nelson Place. Housed in a beautiful and historic former bank, the creperie's delicious sweet and savoury crepes have earned it a place in the The Age's 2009 Cheap Eats Guide.6Craft market, Commonwealth Reserve. The market has been a Williamstown institution for 25 years. It showcases handmade or home-grown produce, with food and live music, third Sunday of each month from 10am to 4pm.7Local entertainment. Williamstown has two local community production groups, the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company, which puts on two productions a year, and the Williamstown Little Theatre, which puts on five shows a year in a converted bakery with seating for 69 patrons. The sociable Historical Film Society meets on the last Wednesday of the month to view old movies at the Mechanics Institute.8All things nautical. Williamstown is home to the Williamstown Sailing Club, Hobson's Bay Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club and boat building and repair businesses. It also has a surf lifesaving club and Sea Scouts troop.9Sangam Tandoori, 135 Nelson Place. This Indian restaurant has an extensive take-away and eat-in menu, including three banquet choices, at very reasonable prices.10Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place. The reserve, which houses the tourist information centre, serves as the Federation Square of Willi. It is well used year round and has a bandstand and playground. Picnickers bring their own supplies or grab a takeaway from the extensive range available across the road and enjoy ball games or the great bay view, with yachts bobbing in the foreground.
© 2009 The Age
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