Jan 24
The Williamstown Racetrack circa 1869
My latest pet interest is the history of the Williamstown Racecourse.
Now just a small pile of ruins and one palm tree, it was once Melbourne’s 3rd major track.
“Once” means about 1902. But – even then – the track was over 30 years old. It boasted fine lawns, beautiful gardens and a large grandstand.
Today, it’s 99.8% vanished 
The ruins are off Racecourse Road, Williamstown right near where the Ford crosses the creek. Melways Map 55 C-8.
You can easily see the lone Palm Tree. I think the rubble pile – between the Tree and the Ford – was the Grandstand. It has a few steps visible.
I’ve only just started this project and the people at the local Williamstown Museum have been very helpful. I’ve found at least three books that mention the Racecourse too. More will appear as I discover it…
If you know anything or can point me in the direction of some good resources, please click on the Comments link. That would be great!
May 18th, 2004 at 11:17 am
I wanna here more about this. Sounds interesting.
August 10th, 2004 at 3:39 pm
Those blocks are the steps to teh grandstand. It was demolised in the early seventes i think?? I use to play there when i was a kid (about 40 years ago!)