Our History

A Brief History of the Steam Packet Hotel, Williamstown

1839
On 7th January 1839, James Fawns took out a license for the Ship Inn which became Williamstown’s first hotel.
1840s
In the mid 1940’s, the Ship Inn was serving as a boarding house and a bakery run by Mr Jennings.
1850
In 1850 Mr Jennings took out a license for the building, originally wanting to call it the Governor Arthur after the paddle steamer which provided a passenger and goods service between Melbourne and Williamstown.

Rumour has it that Jennings changed his mind as another Governor Arthur was quite unpopular in Victoria at the time and decided to keep the original name.
1861
Fire destroyed several shops and the Old Ship Inn.
1863
The building of the replacement venue was completed two years later.

The Steam Packet Hotel was born.
1920s
The Crews family took over the hotel in the 1920s.
1978
On the death of Dick Crews in 1978, the pub was sold for $256,000.
1981
In 1981 plans were drawn up to convert the pub into six story hotel complex, this was met with strong resistance from locals and the plans were scrapped.

Eventually an alternate plan to build apartments where the beer garden and drive through bottle shop were approved and they were subsequently built.
2020
In 2020, the Steam Packet underwent renovations, creating a refreshed atmosphere whilst maintaining the timeless charm of one of Melbourne's oldest pubs.
2024
The Good Food Guide lists the Steam Packet Hotel as one of Melbourne's Top 20 Pubs for 2025.
Architecturally, the Steam Packet Hotel is in the conservative Classical style and is notable for its detailing. Constructed on stone plinth, the stuccoed structure has a string course and parapet with cornice. Other distinctive features include the angled corner, window and door frames and the prominent chimneys.

The oldest part of the building is the cellar which dates from the times of the original Ship inn and therefore outdates the rest of the building by almost 20 years.

The Packet is still going strong, more than 150 years after it was built. It has a strong presence in the local community and is also a destination for good food and drink for any visitors to Williamstown.

Come in and ask our staff about our resident ghost or look at some of the pictures around the walls (see if you can spot the donkey).
Location
13 Cole Street,
Williamstown,
Victoria, 3016
(03) 7073 3270
(03) 9399 9600
Opening Hours
12pm til late
kitchen Hours
Weekdays: 12-3pm & 5 til Late
Weekends: 12pm til late
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We acknowledge the Bunurong People as the rightful custodians of the land where the Steam Packet Hotel resides. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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