HMAS Castlemaine has been a much-loved fixture of Williamstown’s waterfront for decades, sitting proudly at Gem Pier and making for a pretty special piece of local history. If you’re looking for something a little different to do with the kids, this floating museum is a great chance to step back in time and explore a real WWII-era ship.

Built in 1942 during World War II at the Williamstown Dockyard, HMAS Castlemaine was used as an escort vessel and for mine-sweeping during its service. Today, it’s been transformed into a floating museum, packed with wartime memorabilia, historic artefacts and plenty of stories about life aboard the ship.

Open for weekend tours, you can climb aboard and explore the mess hall, crew quarters and decks while taking in the views across the water. The volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the ship, so don’t be afraid to ask questions as you make your way around. Mamma says the engine room is particularly interesting - and you definitely need to check out the very old-school diving suit!

A little heads up for families: there’s lots of climbing involved, with narrow metal stairs and steep ladders throughout the ship. Little legs might need a helping hand (or a Mamma lift!), so keep this in mind if your kids aren’t confident on stairs. Otherwise, it’s a fun, hands-on way to experience a slice of Williamstown history that the whole family can explore together.