Hobsons Bay is situated within Melbourne, and makes up most of the suburbs in the south west which are six to twenty kilometres from downtown Melbourne. The city was founded in 1994 and due to the waterfront, pleasant weather and traffic routes, this makes an excellent holiday destination. Be sure to select minibus charter in Melbourne for a fun and relaxing ride through this city!
About The City Of Hobsons Bay
Hobsons Bay was established as a result of amalgamation among multiple regional councils, including Altona City, South Kingsville, Williamstown and Footscray city. The city is named after the bay nearby, as well as William Hobson, who was a captain who served as the governor of New Zealand. In the decades since its founding Hobsons Bay has become popular due to its maritime weather, low population density and many recreational activities.
Victoria University has a campus here, which specializes in electricity, the fabrication of metal and automotive work. There is also a library which has literature and manuscripts in multiple languages, which is a reflection of the city’s cultural diversity. A number of freeways run through the area, most notable of which are Western Ring Road, Princes and West Gate Freeway. These transport corridors provide easy access to the city center of Melbourne while also making the area a popular destination for charter buses.
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
This beautiful botanical garden is full of rare trees, a palm avenue and is nestled next to the sea. It features an Edwardian lake which is ornamental and one of its most popular attractions. This garden is also one of the oldest in Australia, having first been established in 1860. It is a relaxing location where families can have a picnic or simply stroll through the many pathways with the green lawns. It is located in close proximity to Beach Rail Station at Williamstown, and in the gardens you’ll see gravel paths which provide excellent accessibility. This botanical garden is open throughout the year and is free to the public. Both a beach and other facilities can be found nearby.
The ARHS Railway Station
This is a museum which has an extensive collection of electric, steam and diesel locomotives which have been used in Victoria over the last 150 years. Visitors will also see lots of carriages for merchandise and passengers, along with cranes for railways, signalling and related equipment. One of the most popular exhibits in this museum is the 1950s style O scale railway which is complete will numerous types of Victorian trains that are made by hand. The ARHS Railway Museum’s current schedule is Monday to Saturday, from 12 pm to 5 pm, and on Sunday from 12 to 5 pm during holidays from school. The museum can also be opened during weekdays for group visits such as those from a club or educational institution. Those who visit will find the museum not only to be informative, but exceptionally entertaining, as they will learn about an important part of Victoria’s transportation history.
Scienceworks
Scienceworks is a place that will make science both informative and fun! It features constantly changing programs, exhibits and shows which will entertain visitors of all ages. It is the best attraction for anyone who has a curious mind and active imagination. Some of the most popular exhibits currently include Think Ahead, where you will learn about the scientific aspect of bodily movement, and the Star Journey exhibit which is held at the Planetarium at Melbourne.
Visitors will also learn about lightning and its relationship to electricity, and can witness amazing demonstrations at the Room of Lighting. Guided tours of the Pumping station at Spotswood are also featured, along with a mobile walk tour that will show you how Spotswood has evolved. The Nitty Gritty Exhibition will allow visitors to design their own city. Scienceworks is considered by many to be one of the most popular attractions in the area, particularly among children aged three to eight.
Altona Pier
Altona Pier is heritage listed and was first built in 1888. It is located near Altona Beach, by the intersection of Pier Street and Esplanade and is popular among swimmers who can usually be found on the pier’s eastern side. Over the last 100 years numerous modifications have been made to the original structure, and while the eastern side is primarily used by swimmers, the pier’s west side is reserved for kit surfing. Body boarding is also a popular activity but isn’t performed much as the water here is relatively calm most of the time. There are a number of marine animals that frequent the area, including snappers, seagulls, stingrays, toadfish, black swans and gummy sharks.
Yarra River
The Yarra is a perennial river that can be found in the central eastern part of Victoria. Melbourne was founded on its lower stretches in 1835 and over the centuries has expanded to influence its landscape, particularly near the lower reaches. The river flows 150 miles (242 kilometres) through the valley of Yarra which then opens onto plains as it makes its way into the Greater Melbourne area, finally entering Hobsons Bay.
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, this river was an important food source for the Australian Aborigines, as well as gathering place. European settlers cleared the land and used the river mostly for agricultural purposes, and as expected, the area has changed greatly since that time. In some areas the river has been widened, while in other spots the course has been disrupted. Those who visit the river today will find that it is used for a variety of activities, such as logging, shipping containers and various other industrial activities. You can engage in a variety of recreational activities here including swimming, rowing, kayaking and canoeing – making it a great way to experience the Australian outdoors. The Moomba Festival is held yearly to celebrate this river.