A short break in Melbourne made for time to explore this history seeped area of Victoria. So much to see, never enough time, however we started with an area near the city, encompassing Williamstown & Newport.

The waterfront at Williamstown has wonderfully restored historic buildings overlooking the marina. Melbourne City and the Port of Melbourne provide a hazy backdrop of cranes and highrises, behind the berths of marine vessels, located near the mouth of the Yarra River. HMAS Castlemaine, the last of the Bathurst Class corvette still afloat, has been restored to a wartime museum, occupying a permanent marina berth. HMAS Castlemaine served in World War II, and is now open to the public on weekends to give you an insight into life on board as experienced by wartime crews.

Families enjoyed the beauty of this particular sunny winter day, strolling around the park area, wharf, some feeding ravenous seagulls.

We drove a little further down the road and stumbled across a themed Titanic restaurant. Looks intriguing so we will keep that one in mind for our next visit!

Lunch stop was at the Newport bowls Club with an onsite bistro, bar and an entertainment calendar. Drinks and menu are all affordable, as was the music on this particular day.

Drinks and menu are all affordable, as was the music on this day, $15 per non-member or $10 for members.Order and pay for your meals at the kitchen, which will then be delivered to your table when ready.

All the food was real food, delicious, filling, as well as warming on chilly winters day. Highly recommend stopping by for chilled beer or tasty meal. This is a place where you will feel at home, receive friendly service, and not break the bank.

If you’re in the area on a Sunday, enjoy your music, why not extend your stay with a visit to the Newport RSL sub-branch. This small RSL hosts an open mic evening on Sundays, starting at 3pm and including the option of an affordable $5 meal, where you fill your plate with delicious home cooked meat and salad. Enjoy a meal and drink whilst you listen to the talent on hand. Patrons pick up guitars, play drums or sing, with some being regulars, others just visiting. Join in or simply sit back and relax in the chilled out atmosphere. Drop by if you’re in the area, Newport &Williamstown area has a lot to offer, with plenty to see.

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