The inaugural
Williamstown Seaport Festival will be staged over 7-days from Thursday 27th February to Wednesday 4th March celebrating the cities unique sea-going heritage and lifestyle.
As Melbourne's original seaport Williamstown has been hosting tall-ships for almost 200 years. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
The event will kick-off in spectacular style with the arrival of the tall-ships ENTERPRIZE, YOUNG ENDEAVOUR and JAMES CRAIG on Thursday 27th February. All three ships will be available for public viewing on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th March.
Melbourne's own tall-ship ENTERPRIZE will play a leading role in the inaugural Williamstown Seaport Festival. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Visitors to the festival will be able to visit the
SEAWORKS Maritime Museum, enjoy a ghoulish tour of the old morgue, go aboard the former Sea Shepherd anti-whaling vessel the STEVE IRWIN, explore normally restricted areas of Williamstown's historic waterfront, enjoy an Open Day at Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, visit a boat show or partake in a Seafood Festival.
Ye Olde Pirates Tavern is just one of the many attractions you'll find at SEAWORKS, Williamstown. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Following the Festival the JAMES CRAIG will conduct public sailing days from Williamstown from Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th March.
Tickets cost Adults $155, Children 12 to 16 years $65, Concession $140 and a Family (2A 2C) $375. On-line bookings can be made at
www.shf.rezdy.com
And if you've always wanted to sail a 19th–Century square-rigged ship you can book to be one of 12 passengers on the ships 10-day return voyage to Sydney, departing Williamstown on Tuesday 17th March and arriving in Sydney on Wednesday 25th March.
Tickets cost $2,500 and include accommodation, all meals and the opportunity to be part of the crew on this grand old lady of the sea. Bookings for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity may also be made at
www.shf.rezdy.com
A visit to Williamstown by the Confederate warship CSS SHENANDOAH in 1865 placed Australia on the brink of war with Russia and the Union States of America. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
There's far too much happening at Williamstown Seaport Festival to list it all here so make sure you visit the website
www.williamstownseaportfestival.com.au for a full list of events and costings where appropriate.
Initially considered as the site for the city of Melbourne, Williamstown instead became Victoria's first seaport. The Williamstown Seaport Festival promises to be a great family day out experiencing the history and heritage of this great part of our State.
Williamstown's Gem Pier is home to the museum ship HMAS CASTLEMAINE. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Williamstown is 15-Kilometres southwest of Melbourne CBD, about a 25-minute drive via the M1 and Williamstown Road.
Alternatively
METRO Trains run very frequent services between the city and Williamstown with a travel time of 43-minutes.
Williamstown Ferries also operate regular services between Southbank and Williamstown's Gem Pier.
Get yourself and the family down to Williamstown for the inaugural Seaport Festival from Thursday 27th February to Wednesday 4th March. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
