Williamstown Beach
Williamstown Beach
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4.0
25 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
6
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,535 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The popular Williamstown Beach is an accessible destination for locals and visitors, especially during the warm spring and summer months. Williamstown Beach is a sandy and golden aquatic venue, it's a fine place to sunbathe and take a swim in the Altona Bay water. This beach is wide, there's lots of space to take a break. Williamstown Beach is conveniently located suburb. Near the center of Williamstown, the beach is managed by Life Savers during the swimming season.
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoolBro
20 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
This beach is very nice in summer, great weather, the water a nice temperature and plenty of room. However the sand can be a bit uncomfortable. However it’s still very nice in winter it’s empty (as long as there isn’t a hot day) and while you wouldn’t swim, it’s still nice to have a walk along and you are able to see the ships. It’s a 4 minute walk from Williamstown Beach Station.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mayccm2018
Hong Kong, China1,054 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Convenient location - near Williamstown Beach Station. It is a clean and silent sandy beach. It is nice to walk along even non-swimmer. Comfortable environment.
Written 29 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angeloveskitty
Melbourne, Australia37 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
Good area to have a walk and enjoying the sunset. So many people bring their dogs around here. And you can see a lot of recreational houses around. Pretty view!
Written 23 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JosephPaterniti
Rockingham, Australia145 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
On our way down to Geelong, Torquay and Bells Beach off the M1 Princess Freeway on the western flank of Port Phillip Bay the Poss. and I are passing through beach side suburbs and surf lifesaving clubs.
My three children are all competent swimmers but not strong swimmers, and unless with me I constantly remind them to go swimming with a buddy and if that is not possible to always swim between the flags.
Poss has been frequenting the beach more often of late as she can see the positive affect on her skin (she has had to work this out for herself).
“Dad don’t you get bored from swimming EVERY DAY”? “Poss don’t you get bored from living every day”? plus “I mix it up, I’m not chasing a black line up the middle of the pool evvvvery day”!
So I write with some sadness the continued drownings this side of new year almost daily all over our big nation. And most of these or two in particular in our area could have been avoided with some basic water safety which I outline below.
I feel for the families as I can still remember only too well the look on my Mums face, after coming too, when I was 9, got into trouble and blacked out from swallowing quite a bit of water.
This scare at a young age made me a better person and taught me never again to panic.
It is with this intention that I pass on my trip knowledge to especially International visitors who may not be aware of our local beach and ocean conditions.
It is with further sadness that 2 of the recent drownings were close by the patrolled beaches of Williamstown and Altona which I discuss below. These S.L.S.C’s are patrolled between the popular swimming months of November to March.
Yes the recent drownings were at the Williamstown bell tower and the Altona boat ramp. The authorities did not mention if there may have been alcohol or drugs in the deceased as this makes it absolutely impossible for those carers that come to their aid.
The first beach we locate just south of Footscray on the western flank is the Williamstown Surf Life Saving Club at the corner of Victoria street and the Esplanade. This is an easily accessible beach but approx. 15 mins from central Melbourne. It is best described as a course lime-stoney beach as opposed to our sandy beaches of the west (Western Australia). The beach here is formed by a well sheltered cove (much like at Mornington – on the Eastern flank) so it should appeal to families with children.
There is also an outdoor pool but was in need of repairs when we went through in August 2016 and April2017. It has both M/F change rooms with showers and toilets. It has wheel chair access from the car park to the sand. It has a kiosk for nibblies and refreshments. There is plenty of car parking with some shade from Palm trees, but it is metered parking.
If I had to pick a ‘best beach’, close to the City of Melbourne for general family safety and enjoyment, then this would be the beach.
If you are a visitor from abroad and not a strong swimmer you must choose beaches that are patrolled by Australian Surf Life Savers AND always swim between the Red and Yellow flags!
Most beaches of Australia are very beautiful and pristine most times of the year. Unless you are in a sheltered bay or cove (as I have experienced at Williamstown or Mornington) most beaches will be unforgiving if you get into trouble. As rips, currents and tides are all common occurrences in open water.
Enjoy the beaches and your swimming in the hotter months whilst in Australia, but remember you may have to ‘tread water’ for up to 5 mins if in trouble whilst help arrives. If so, liken yourself to a cork always bopping your head above water. I do it all the time when there is a swell surge.
When you are swallowing water 30sec. becomes too long.
If you get tired then practice floating on your back which is what I did not do as a child. Floating is cool!
Fighting a current, rip or tidal surge and swell is not cool! As you will tire!
And whatever you do try not to panic as help is coming.
Photos to be uploaded.
My three children are all competent swimmers but not strong swimmers, and unless with me I constantly remind them to go swimming with a buddy and if that is not possible to always swim between the flags.
Poss has been frequenting the beach more often of late as she can see the positive affect on her skin (she has had to work this out for herself).
“Dad don’t you get bored from swimming EVERY DAY”? “Poss don’t you get bored from living every day”? plus “I mix it up, I’m not chasing a black line up the middle of the pool evvvvery day”!
So I write with some sadness the continued drownings this side of new year almost daily all over our big nation. And most of these or two in particular in our area could have been avoided with some basic water safety which I outline below.
I feel for the families as I can still remember only too well the look on my Mums face, after coming too, when I was 9, got into trouble and blacked out from swallowing quite a bit of water.
This scare at a young age made me a better person and taught me never again to panic.
It is with this intention that I pass on my trip knowledge to especially International visitors who may not be aware of our local beach and ocean conditions.
It is with further sadness that 2 of the recent drownings were close by the patrolled beaches of Williamstown and Altona which I discuss below. These S.L.S.C’s are patrolled between the popular swimming months of November to March.
Yes the recent drownings were at the Williamstown bell tower and the Altona boat ramp. The authorities did not mention if there may have been alcohol or drugs in the deceased as this makes it absolutely impossible for those carers that come to their aid.
The first beach we locate just south of Footscray on the western flank is the Williamstown Surf Life Saving Club at the corner of Victoria street and the Esplanade. This is an easily accessible beach but approx. 15 mins from central Melbourne. It is best described as a course lime-stoney beach as opposed to our sandy beaches of the west (Western Australia). The beach here is formed by a well sheltered cove (much like at Mornington – on the Eastern flank) so it should appeal to families with children.
There is also an outdoor pool but was in need of repairs when we went through in August 2016 and April2017. It has both M/F change rooms with showers and toilets. It has wheel chair access from the car park to the sand. It has a kiosk for nibblies and refreshments. There is plenty of car parking with some shade from Palm trees, but it is metered parking.
If I had to pick a ‘best beach’, close to the City of Melbourne for general family safety and enjoyment, then this would be the beach.
If you are a visitor from abroad and not a strong swimmer you must choose beaches that are patrolled by Australian Surf Life Savers AND always swim between the Red and Yellow flags!
Most beaches of Australia are very beautiful and pristine most times of the year. Unless you are in a sheltered bay or cove (as I have experienced at Williamstown or Mornington) most beaches will be unforgiving if you get into trouble. As rips, currents and tides are all common occurrences in open water.
Enjoy the beaches and your swimming in the hotter months whilst in Australia, but remember you may have to ‘tread water’ for up to 5 mins if in trouble whilst help arrives. If so, liken yourself to a cork always bopping your head above water. I do it all the time when there is a swell surge.
When you are swallowing water 30sec. becomes too long.
If you get tired then practice floating on your back which is what I did not do as a child. Floating is cool!
Fighting a current, rip or tidal surge and swell is not cool! As you will tire!
And whatever you do try not to panic as help is coming.
Photos to be uploaded.
Written 7 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia29,072 contributions
Oct 2020
Williamstown Beach has not changed much over the years and has been popular as the train line to Williamstown dates back to 1857 or thereabouts and the beach is only a few hundred meters from the train station (Williamstown Beach). In 1836 Govenor Bourke (Sydney) and Captain Lonsdale selected Point Gellibrand as the first settlement in Port Phillip Bay and named it Willams Town after old King William IV. Way back the beach had a diving ptatform , long since gone and the tacky toilets and dressing sheds to the east have been transformed into a restaurant.Interesting to note that there were sea baths at the east end of the beachin 1852 a dressing pavillion was added in 1888 and the current 'mdernist"structure came along in 1930
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,535 contributions
Dec 2019
Williamstown Beach is golden, a safe beach for all the family. In summer, the beach is patrolled by lifesavers. It's one of Melbourne's favourite bay beaches; it's not too big and not too small. You can get a good view towards Melbourne across the Bay. It's not far from the Williamstown Beach railway station. If you just want a placid beach for children to have a splash, it's.ideal.
Written 19 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterhay2018
Melbourne, Australia395 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Close to city of williamstown which has heaps of history and character, great views of melbourne and port phillip bay
Written 6 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas W
Melbourne, Australia22 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Before I go any further I must say I live here. But also I count myself as very lucky because this place is wonderful as it is so close to melbourne. Just a quick 22 minute train ride hopping off at Williamstown station and a two block walk you will find this great space of sand. On a calm day it's great for family's with a big piece of water to play. Go behind the seawall for some great snorkelling. Swim up the western end as this is where the lifesaving club is. Keep an eye out for the seahorses on the corner of the breakwall. On are rough day catch a few small waves. Yes even in the bay surfers will get out with a board. Better for kids though.. plenty of food options both ends of the beach or bring your own. Take away that rubbish and don't leave it on the beach. Have a great time there and enjoy the rest of historic Williamstown will your here
Written 31 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R8118MZmaryp
Melbourne, Australia224 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
This beach is always packed in summer as beach goers enjoy coming here and you have plenty of parking and also food to go and get and there is parks across the street and also has showers and toilets nearby and very enjoyable place to come and relax in summer.
Written 16 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where are the closest public BBQs to Williamstown Beach?
Written 11 March 2020
Is there a place to take showers on or near the beach?
Written 25 December 2018
If you drive from Ferguson Street via Douglas Parade under the West Gate Bridge and continue it will be about 6.5 to 7.0 Kilometers depending on where in Yarravile you intend to go.
Written 26 November 2017
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