Shenandoah Society
PO Box 61
Williamstown VIC 3016
Ph: 1300 722 172
Fax: 03 9397 2937
Williamstown Heritage Boat Show at the Cradle of Melbourne
The Friends of the Shenandoah Society are proud sponsors of this major Heritage Boat Show, recognising the pioneer settlers who sailed their small craft into Hobsons Bay and who, on reaching the mouth of the Yarra, had only the pioneering spirit prompting them to remain.
It was John Batman who crossed Bass Strait in his small boat Rebecca, entering the Heads in 1835 and skirting the coast before reaching the scrubland where now lies Williamstown with its natural deep water anchorage. John Pascoe Fawkner, on hearing of Batman's discovery, fitted out a small schooner, the Enterprize, eventually establishing the first permanent colony here.
The fast-growing settlement of Melbourne was totally reliant on the magnificent ships that set sail from all parts of the world, so it is appropriate that this Heritage Boat Show is to be held at the cradle of Melbourne at Williamstown, where our forebears first set foot on land so many years ago.
This fascinating seaport has been synonymous with wooden boats and boatbuilders who plied their trade here, and many fine examples of their craftmanship will be on display, along with a replica of Fawkner's schooner Enterprize.
We could not have picked a more appropriate site to hold the show than the old Boilermakers Shed located in the former Harbour Trust site in Nelson Place. It was here that William Ibister established the first patent slip in 1855, and the site has maintained its maritime heritage ever since.
Great entertainment, from live music to continuous maritime heritage movie shows, trade stalls and displays, steam boats and much more, will ensure a truly vibrant, entertaining and rewarding weekend to all that visit us on the 27th and 28th March 2004.
The show can be accessed by way of the many ferries operating from Southgate, as well as Port Melbourne and St Kilda. Please contact us with any enquiries on 1300 722 172.
Welcome aboard!
The Friends of the Shenandoah Society