HMAS Castlemaine is a restored World War II minesweeper moored at Gem Pier in Williamstown, Melbourne. Built at the local dockyard, it served in waters around Australia and the South Pacific before becoming a floating maritime museum. On board, you can explore the decks, armaments and other spaces used by the crew, with displays about the ship and naval life. Volunteers share its service history, and an escorted visit to the engine room may include a demonstration of a steam engine. Allow time for the steep steps between levels.
A minesweeper built in Williamstown
HMAS Castlemaine was one of a group of 60 Australian-built corvettes commissioned during World War II. Constructed at Williamstown Dockyard, the vessel was launched in 1941 and entered service in 1942. It served in waters around Australia and across the Pacific, including near Timor and New Guinea.
The ship completed nearly 120,000 miles of wartime service. After the war, it was converted into a training ship and remained in that role for two decades. It was later transferred to the Maritime Trust of Australia, which restored the vessel as a museum and naval memorial. HMAS Castlemaine is the only surviving afloat vessel of its kind from the original group.
Spaces and objects on board
The ship’s decks and interior show how a wartime vessel was laid out and how its crew worked and lived. Displays include armaments, technical details and maritime artefacts. They also connect the ship to Victoria’s naval shipbuilding and to the development of coastal trade, with material relating to early steam and sailing vessels.
Move through the ship at your own pace and read the information displayed alongside the objects. Volunteers can answer questions about the vessel’s history, equipment and minesweeping work. The engine room is visited with a volunteer escort; a demonstration may show one of the steam engines operating.
Planning your visit
HMAS Castlemaine is moored at Gem Pier, Syme Street, in Williamstown. The museum is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is paid, and advance ticket booking is recommended; the available information does not specify the ticket price.
Allow about an hour to see the ship and read its displays. Access between levels involves steep steps, so take care as you move around. Nearby public toilets are available. There are paid parking options, and visitor information also notes free parking nearby.
Häufige Fragen
Where is HMAS Castlemaine?
The ship is moored at Gem Pier on Syme Street in Williamstown, Melbourne.
When can you visit HMAS Castlemaine?
It is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the current schedule before travelling.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Advance ticket booking is recommended. Admission is paid, but no ticket price is specified here.
How long should you allow for a visit?
Allow about an hour to explore the ship and read its displays. An escorted engine-room visit may add time.
Is the ship suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
The ship has steep steps between levels, which can make moving around difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
