Welcome to Hobsons Bay
Welcome to The Weekend in Hobsons Bay–there’s so much to see and do, here’s hoping you can squeeze it all in!
On Friday evening, art lovers will enjoy insight into the work of Australian modernist artist Ian Graham Bow at an evening presentation led by PhD candidate Heather Lee at Altona Civic Centre.
The Substation was established over a century ago to power Melbourne’s rail system, and today is an international destination for contemporary and experimental arts. Join a guided tour and learn more about the site’s history, the building’s restoration, and learn more about its place in the contemporary art world.
It might sound a little macabre, but the Former Williamstown Morgue is an intriguing spot to take a look. Significant both for its architecture and the essential, if morbid, role it played for the local community, you’ll be fascinated by this glimpse into our past.
Likewise, a self-guided tour of the nearby Williamstown Town Hall is a step back in time, and is an original example of interwar municipal architecture.
In between tours head to the coast. The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail is a great way to explore this beautiful area. Keep an eye out for Cargo by Mick Nicholls and Jonathan Leahey at Point Gellibrand.
While you’re in the area, families will love an exploration of the nearby Scienceworks Seaworks and Newport Lakes Reserve. And for lunch, try Grazeland (you’ll be seriously spoiled for choice!) or local favourite Tick Tok Café, or have an afternoon drink at Bath Tub Gin Co or the Stag’s Head Hotel. Wander Nelson Place and The Strand for historic buildings, shops, hotels and restaurants.
Altona Homestead, set just back from Altona Beach, was built in the 1840s as a residential home and now houses a dazzling collection of objects, pictures and paintings which tell the story of daily life in the 19th Century. In contrast, while you’re in the area don’t miss the thoroughly modern Altona Pier, opened earlier this year and reaching more than 300 metres into the Bay.
If you’re following the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, head east to Jawbone Reserve a beautiful flora and fauna conservation and wetlands area with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, Point Cook and the Bellarine Peninsula.
A little further from the coast, A Forest for Australia and Altona Treatment Plant brings together the unlikely combination of wastewater treatment and world-renowned art, including 3,700 trees planted by land artist Agnes Denes to create five circular spirals over eight acres of land. Guided tours are on offer for adults and older children.
Back along the Coastal Trail, soak up the atmosphere at Truganina Explosive Reserve with its unique industrial history and conservation significance. Join a guided tour through the reserve.
Nearby in the Truganina Costal Park, the 100 Steps to Federation gives great views and a chance to look closely at Time Beacon, a public art installation by artist Cameron Robbins. A little further along the Coastal Trail, you’ll find another piece of public art, H20 Stint Map by artist David Murphy.
There’s so much to see and do over The Weekend in the City of Hobsons Bay. To engage with the precinct into the future, head to the Hobsons Bay What’s On page.
