The port of William’s Town was officially named on 29 March 1837. Williamstown was a naval centre, and the point of disembarkment for many diggers bound for the Victorian goldfields. The old expression “a pub on every corner” was very close to the truth for this booming town.
In the first 70 years of Williamstown’s history there were over 500 licences issued for local hotels, as well as 85 name and site changes. There were never more than 40 open at any one time, and many of these were very small with only a few rooms available for lodgers.
Today many of the old pubs are still standing, yet only a few are still operating.
We invite you to join us for parma night in historic Williamstown, at a pub that is still operating — yes, they do exist!
Where: Steam Packet Hotel, 13 Cole Street, Williamstown
When: Monday 28 July 2025
Start: 5.30pm
End: 6.45pm
Food and drink purchases are optional. You can view the menu on the Steam Packet Hotel website at https://www.thesphotel.com.au/
Feel free to stay for dinner, drinks, conversation, or just stop by to sign the log.
RSVP: Please include the number of people in your team as part of your Will Attend (@2@) by Thursday 24 July (7.30pm) so we can notify the venue of our seating requirements.
Transport/Parking options:
- Free on-street parking available on Cole Street
- 471 or 472 bus from Newport Station (10 minutes).
- 700 metres (10 minute walk) from Williamstown Train Station.
- 800 metres (11 minute walk) from Williamstown Beach Train Station.