Williamstown, VIC 3016

4.2(22 reviews)

Ranked 212th best suburb by locals in Melbourne (Greater) Region, VIC

Great for

  • Safe and sound
  • Resale or rental value
  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Parks and recreation
  • Clean & green

Not great for

    No ratings yet

Who lives here?

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  • Retirees
  • Singles
  • Beach Lovers

Reviews of Williamstown, VIC

3rd July 2023

"Williamstown, the jewel of the WEST!"

Williamstown, is a fantastic historic port city.
It reminds me of an old country town with a beach and a mariner. Williamstown is special as it is surrounded by water on 3 sides, the coastal beach, the Strand where the mariner is, and the back beach.
It has so many historical buildings that give it that old world charm. Great place to raise a family as well as a great retirement place.
I believe Williamstown hasn’t got one traffic light. It doesn’t get the passing traffic as it’s a dead end city. It only gets the local traffic and traffic of visitors coming to visit. In summer the town buzzes. Great place for walks, has an excellent shopping strip where you can buy almost anything from groceries to homewares and even the formal attire. Many tourists come to stay as there are many Air BnB’s around. Lots to do and see. I recommend to take a tourist walk with one of the volunteers at the information centre. So much history here it’s incredible.
For the families it has excellent schools and is a safe place to live.

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  • Families with kids
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18th December 2022

"Queenslander in Willy"

Very expensive property, it's okay if your only two but for young families relocating from Queensland, forget it. Won't find anything big enough for under $1.2m.

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"Brighton of The West"

I lived here for three years. There is perhaps no nicer place to live in all of Victoria. Beach, greenery, shopping, proximity to city, quiet and peaceful streets, no crime, no noise pollution, plenty of public transport options. Enough said!!

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"Amazing but the Port is killing the suburb"

Williamstown used to be so peaceful but ever since the Port of Melbourne started expanding Webb Dock, it has become an incredibly loud and industrial place to live. The mega container ships (350m long x 50m wide) and oil tankers entering the port make it really hard to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Look out for the northerly wind nights, as the entire suburb hums with these huge ships idling in Port - sound travels brilliantly across water. Oh and don't forget the sounds of the metal containters dropping on each other, as their operations are entirely automated and run 24/7 every day of the year. It's a shame the VicGov sold the Port, as nothing can be done to stop the private company running the Port into the ground - without a care for residents. There is a reason why ports of this size in any other part of Australia or the world are not built so close to residential areas. Ports, by their nature are extremely loud, reduce air quality and significantly pollute waterways. So think twice before you fork up excessive amounts of cash to live within a stone's throw of the largest port in the southern hemisphere.

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  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
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"Traffic is horrendous."

This suburb is perfect if you never have to leave it. We moved here and can’t wait to get out. Yes it’s only 8km to the city, but the traffic build up and poor infrastructure means traffic and traveling out, forget about it. It’s also busy with traffic and cars with many dangerous roads and crossings. Nice to visit but even better to leave. Wouldn’t recommend.

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bend27

Really - it's an end point so typically only local traffic compared to surrounding suburbs. Go live in the South East & see what traffic's really like. If you take Footscray Rd into the CBD you get a clear run all the way to Docklands & then of course you'll have congestion in the CBD proper. I've driven every day for 10 years. Add to that buses and a great train network at Williamstown & North Williamstown station which are both close to all residents. I wonder if you don't know where you live & not actually in Williamstown Victoria????

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Rentals in Williamstown

"most beautifull subrub i seen"

is just shortreview and as a many time visitor this one is one of my most favourite subrubs of entire meloburne subrubs has amazing beach view u can see far at city and other places also williamstown reserve on another side is one in summer this one is busy honestly if i ever can afford il one day go and live there my favourite subrub i fall in love as i seen first time was many times close to everything and has everything i finded this one most beautifull of entire melbourne subrubs i seen and worked and visited

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  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
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"Close to the city"

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  • Singles
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"Wonderful Williamstown"

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"Everything at your door step"

Much has already been said. Williamstown is one of the few suburbs that gives you a bit of everything at your door step: city views, gardens, beaches, history, cafes, shopping, etc etc. The list goes on.

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  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
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"Melbourne's WORST KEPT SECRET!"

I've lived in Williamstown for three years and thank God I am leaving!

Don't get me wrong, it's an amazing suburb with a fantastic location close to the heart of Melbourne, and it has some decent transport links too. Plus, good schools and it's own unique history and charm, blah blah blah..

But Williamstown is Melbourne's WORST KEPT SECRET!

This is NOT a suburb you'd go to if you want to be able to go down to your local and enjoy a sneaky morning coffee before work or want to unwind by the marina because hundreds of other Melburnians from neighbouring suburbs have thought of the same thing. Nelson Place and Ferguson Street can be packed before 7am with patrons and that's during the WEEKDAYS! Weekends are worse!

To add to my frustration, the "busy-ness" of Williamstown is hideously inconsistent so you'll definitely miss out on once in a blue moon opportunities to truly experience this overrated suburb for what it's worth. Especially if you work full-time like I do.

You'll be very lucky to get a good spot at Williamstown Beach during a nice day because again, nearly all of western Melbourne will be there. Furthermore, I wouldn't risk swimming at the local beach because I have seen plenty of dead marine life floating around, and also its close to the contaminated Altona Beach. True, I haven't heard reports of people falling ill and developing skin rashes after swimming but why take the chance?

Don't think Williamstown is immune from the problems that inhabit lower socioeconomic suburbs. There are TWO housing commission buildings in Williamstown that are ravaged with drugs. Have encountered a lot of those residents off their heads running down Nelson Place and at Williamstown station screaming and swearing which is not pleasant.

Finally, the hoons. You'll hear a lot of loud (unless you're rich enough to soundproof your house or unit) and annoying motorcycles, mini-bikes and hot rods fanging it around the suburb all the time. My neighbours who all have babies have expressed their frustration with the noises waking up their children, and inevitably every single dog in Williamstown, late at night. Yes, the latest I've heard these noises was ten at night. If you're a light sleeper like I am, don't even think of living in Williamstown.

Oh, and be prepared to visit your mechanic a lot because the roads are freaking shocking around here! They aren't well maintained at all!

Don't go near Osbourne Street unless you have a death wish! There are always cars parked on the side which reduces the size of the street to one lane, making you play a game of chicken with the oncoming vehicle. Buses travel down this section of Osbourne Street too.

Unfortunately, NOTHING has improved at all!

In fact, it's getting worse! If you can put up with what I've mentioned above and can afford to shell out a lot of money to live in a glorified part of Melbourne then go for it. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

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Virginia Voysest
Virginia Voysest

So, did you move? Where did you go?

peterp34

Sounds like a review from a long-time resident who doesn't want anyone "new" in "old Williamstown. *Note the mix of past and present tense used. As a resident of Williamstown, believe me when I say this is conflated BS!

missv1

Wish I read this, exactly how we feel moving here. Looking forward to getting out.

bend27

Few 'Karen' comments here. Not many places in Melbourne you get such a community feel, water at your doorstep, it's flat (great for walks, bike riding etc), has every ammenity you can think of & the list goes on. North of Melb - nothing, East - hilly as hell but has nice trees, south-east - probably the only comparable places to Willy but do you have enough $$ to live in Elwood/Brighton & surrounds (which would have the same issues you've listed against Willy).

robync36

Peter I couldnt agree with you more - mrbrucehaines wants to keep Williamstown to himself. My husband and I are semi retired now and moved from the eastern suburbs to Williamstown 3 years ago. We feel so blessed to to live here and feel like were on holidays every day! Its such a vibrant beautiful place to live. We can walk everywhere from the strand to the shops, the beach, monthly farmers market, monthly craft markets, botanical gardens and great cafes & restaurants. Oh the amazing views of the city from the strand and sunsets at the beach! If you cannot live the good life here..I dont know where you could in Melbourne 10/10

meril1

Heard that Williamstown has more pubs than any other suburb in Melbourne! Not the soulless,big pokie venues - rather the small neighbourhood ones, where she can get to know your locals . Also big assortment of sporting clubs /golf/beach /bike . Going to scope it out ;)

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"Absolutely perfect"

The positives are the restaurants, schools and beach. It has a great community feel and is just a stunning town. It is also close to the cbd which you can see from Williamstown. This is my dream town and I hope to move there one day. The only negative would be the cost of housing.

Great for

  • Community spirit and local feel
  • Very little traffic and travel at lower speeds
  • Stunning Botanic Gardens.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
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katiel4

Hi im am moving to Australia with my young son and parents in the next year or 2. We are looking at renting in Williamstown or Altona, can you give me you opinion on both? Thanks Katie

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"Williamstown- An Amazing part of the world"

Williamstown is an amazing part of Victoria. It is beautifully positioned to be close to the water, with the added upside of being only minutes from the CBD. Unlike the east, you do feel like you really are in a beautiful, resort type getaway, and with the train running direct in to the city, you can be in the city in a matter of minutes. It has become a desired destination and really is an amazing upmarket part that you would be lucky to be able to live in. People have cottoned on to its amazing offerings with house prices soaring, but if I had the chance to live there I definitely would!

Great for

  • Amazing waterside location
  • A desired destination with lots of people wanting to be there.
  • Community spirit and local feel
  • Very little traffic and travel at lower speeds
  • Stunning Botanic Gardens.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
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"Williamstown a village with Pelicans."

Willy isn't like anywhere else I have lived. It is like a village that has everything close by. The people are friendly, and the streets are pretty. Pelicans hang out at the waters edge on a Tuesday morning waiting for the fishermen to throw them scraps. It is so peaceful and serene you wouldn't believe that the city is so close. It is undervalued, so get in while you can!

Great for

  • Stunning Botanic Gardens.
  • Great Birdlife
  • Wide Leafy Streets
  • Community spirit and local feel
  • Expanding and updated shopping and restraunt scene
  • Position, Prestige, Pretty Women
  • Very little traffic and travel at lower speeds

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
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"Williamstown - Heaven by the Bay"

I've lived in Willi for over 11 years now and love it. Plenty to do, especially the restaurants, pubs and yacht clubs all walking distance. You feel safe too as it is not a suburb people drive through, they drive to or from...

Own Police Station, hospitals for people and pets, plenty of primary and secondary schools, but a low stress lifestyle. Bike paths to City or Altona, Botanic Gardens look great and are well used as is the public park on Nelson place for free night movies, bands, markets, lots of things. Great for family living. Parks are well maintained and clean, beach is groomed and cleaned too. Lots of sporting venues from Footy, Lacross, fishing clubs, yacht clubs, swimming centre in Newport or cold water baths beside the beach and gyms at north and western locations.

Only a short drive to city of 12 to 20 minutes of easy driving over the bridge (which now is flowing again) yet get sea breezes that make it a bit cooler in Summer. Train service is great too with regular trains without much noise as usually only two or three carriage trains. My daughter, who lives in Altona, drives to Newport to catch Williamstown line as it has much less problems or cancellations than the dreaded Altona/Werribee line and she gets a seat! Train stations are close to everywhere with THREE stops in Williamstown - near Koroit Creek Rd, Near Hospital and Botanic Gardens, and then turn around point at end close to Nelson Place (bit of a walk there), so everyone walks to train stops, no need to catch a bus from most of Willi.

Great place to live.

Great for

  • Very little traffic and travel at lower speeds
  • Community spirit and local feel
  • Expanding and updated shopping and restraunt scene
  • Position, Prestige, Pretty Women

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
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"Summer hoons"

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Byrnecore
Byrnecore

Good pick up. While I think there are hoons that cruise with loud music and engines, I dont think this is the case all the time and everywhere.

I would certainly try and not get the hoons mixed up with the genuine car enthusiasts that choose Williamstown for a very enjoyable cruises. These cars can have loud engines and are often in the form of Hot Rods, but absolutely add to the feel of the area. Not to mention bring beautiful examples of historic cars to the scenery of the already beautiful Williamstown.

On the other hand, if you choose to hang around the Coast, specifically the beach, you will find that hoons that play loud music and rev there unsightly hotted up cars. While this can be annoying, I do think it is somewhat a byproduct of an area that is privileged to have a beach. I doubt that the likes of Ocean Grove, Torquay, Altona, Brighton Beach and the like would be clean of such hoons.

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"Ahh yes, good ol willy"

Living in a nearby suburb all my life, williamstown has always been a little bit too much for me to move into but so it should be, keeping riff raff like myself out is what makes williamstown relatively prestigeous. I think williamstown is grossly undervalued if potential means anything, just look at it on a map and compare suburbs in similar positions anywhere else in the western world, live in willy? lucky buggers :)

Great for

  • Position, Prestige, Pretty Women
  • Community spirit and local feel
  • Expanding and updated shopping and restraunt scene

Not great for

  • I can't afford it

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Lifestyle by the bay"

Williamstown is a unique township that benefits from being close to the CBD, but is surrounded by water on three sides, so it has no through roads and few traffic problems. It can get a little gnarly getting onto the westgate in peak hour, but a direct train line to the city gets you around that problem. Williamstown has a fun atmosphere on weekends, with day trippers revelling in the cafes and parklands, and locals enjoying the good local shopping centre, community based sports activities and amenities.

Great for

  • Community spirit and local feel
  • Expanding and updated shopping and restraunt scene

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Beach Lovers
1
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Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
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"Up and coming part of Williamstown, without the high prices but with better facilities and close to CBD"

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
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"family friendly area close to the CBD without the traffic or arrogance of snobby neighbors"

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  • Families with kids
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"Hannan Street best in williamstown"

Hannan Street has everything Williamstown has to offer from the beach at the Paris end to the shops and railway station at the top end. It is quiet and only serves neighbourhood traffic making it the ideal family street. The ambiance shared by neighbours is truly a special one. The Heritage overlay protects the streets unique charm making it the perfect place to live.

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  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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"At the river mouth there is a lot on offer"

Across the river from the CBD to the west sits a lovely seaside suburb of Williamstown.
Williamstown is a short train ride to the city making it great for those that work in the CBD. It’s a shorter walk to the beach. This makes it an ideal spot for those that love runs, walks or rides along the beach. If you don't want to go to the beach and prefer the green side of things then the Botanic gardens a there.
This is a great family area with a wonderful neighbourly vibe.
There are plenty of shops around to service your needs so you won't have to go far. But further afield there are plenty of more places.
There are some nice restaurants in the area so a meal out is easy.

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  • Retirees
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