It may be small in size, but Williamstown is a popular historical coastal village that awaits to be discovered and enjoyed for its rich history, culture and family-like community.
While work is underway on the West Gate Tunnel Project, you can still get to Williamstown via the West Gate Bridge and Williamstown Road if coming from the east, or Kororoit Creek Road if coming from the west.
Have a look at some of the attractions in the area:
Highlighting Williamstown’s maritime background, Melbourne River Cruises is an integral Melbourne icon.
For over 20 years, Melbourne River Cruises takes locals and tourists along the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. Visitors can board the ferry to Williamstown from Berth 2, Southbank Promenade for a cruisy trip and disembark at Gem Pier for Williamstown.
Fifi's By The Beach is another family-run business that exemplifies the village-like feel of Williamstown. Operating since 2022, Fifi’s is a favourite hangout for those who enjoy sampling brunch classics and new favourites with a view of the Williamstown Esplanade.
Nic Lefranc grew up in the countryside of France and together with his family, moved to Williamstown 15 years ago, drawn by its village atmosphere.
"I learned to love cooking traditional dishes from my great-grandmother, and I wanted to share some of these foods and flavours," Nic said.
After years of working in sales and managerial roles around the globe, Nic pursued his culinary passion to train to be a chef. He now calls Williamstown home.
Lost Ark Antiques and Collectables is another beloved local business. It began in 1996 with owners and brothers Michael and James D’Aquino, who operate out of their 5,000-square-foot warehouse on Kororoit Creek Road. Operating seven days a week, Lost Ark specialises in country, industrial and traditional antiques and decorative items.
Michael and James look forward to enjoying the benefits that the West Gate Tunnel Project will bring when it opens in 2025.
“The upgrades to our freeway and Williamstown Road interchange will undoubtedly improve access to Williamstown and the inner-west as a whole. These works will be very important for the community, as it will allow travellers from all over the city and state to visit the area with ease.”
Stephanie agrees, “The increased accessibility can attract more tourists to explore the area, boosting local businesses such as restaurants, shops and attractions.”
More info on these Williamstown gems
Melbourne River Cruises - Gem Pier
(Board the ferry from Berth 3, Southbank Promenade, Southgate and disembark at Gem Pier, Williamstown)
81 Esplanade, Williamstown VIC 3016
Lost Ark Antiques and Collectables
294-296 Kororoit Creek Rd, Williamstown North VIC 3016
Check out the fabulous businesses run by passionate locals at Williamstown.
Making the inner west a better place to live and play
The West Gate Tunnel Project is a city-shaping project that will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing quicker and safer journeys, and taking 9,000 trucks a day off local roads.
The West Gate Freeway is being widened from 8 to 12 through lanes from the ground up. In March, the first new lanes were open between Millers Road and the M80 Ring Road interchange, completing a busy summer campaign of works on the Project. These new dedicated lanes offer direct travel between the West Gate Bridge, Geelong and Ballarat, with dedicated exit lanes at Grieve Parade and Millers Road.
For more information about the Project, visit our Explore the Project pages.
