On a recent cold and grey July morning, Pryme Movers program participants headed down to Williamstown for the day. As the bus headed over the West Gate Bridge the clouds started to break which ensured that by arrival, blue sky was all around.
The group led by Aquarena Pryme Movers program coordinators and staff, set off on our historical tour of the local houses, hotels and railway. Participants were suitably impressed with “Tour Guide Trudi's” extensive knowledge of the history of the area (kindly aided by a guide handbook!).
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A large number of the houses in Williamstown date back to the mid- and late-1800's, belonging to sea captains and councilmen and other important founding fathers of the time and area.
Walking along the 'back beach' the group had a beautiful view over the water across the bay, and at the end of the beach enjoyed morning tea and a coffee at Sirens, where some of the ladies even braved the chilly breeze and sat outside to enjoy the coastal view.
The tour moved on through the gorgeous Botanical Gardens, one of the first public gardens established in Victoria, down the palm avenue, and then back to the museum to experience a step back in time to see what the original housing was like, the costumes, and the equipment that has been used by the many who have gone before.
Participants were able to make their own lunch choices at the local suppliers but most ended up at the famous fish and chip shop located near the wharf - and what a delicious lunch it was, with some also trying the famous South Melbourne Market Dim Sims for the first time. Yum!
The group soon had to finish the walk, going past the Titanic sinking restaurant, down to the Time Ball, where the weather finally did cloud over and get a little chilly, so everyone quickly piled back into the bus for the ride home.
It was a fantastic day, and great to see our group of “Ironmen” class participants also coming along on the day and joining in on the fun. Everyone enjoyed experiencing parts of Williamstown that many hadn't realized were there, and many are planning to head back down at another time to see the rest of what the beautiful sea port has to offer.