HMAS Castlemaine

HMAS Castlemaine was one of sixty Australian Minesweepers (commonly known as corvettes) built during World War II.

As part of the Commonwealth Government's wartime shipbuilding program, the Castlemaine was constructed at Williamstown Naval Dockyard at a cost of £250,000 and laid down on 17th of February 1941.   The HMAS Castlemaine is now located at Gem Pier in the heart of Williamstown, close to cafes, playgrounds and parks. Although the ship is no longer operational, they have converted the inside to a museum and the engine room runs compressed air to display the mechanical operations.   Visitors can also inspect what was the crew's mess - a fascinating collection of nautical exhibits and memorabilia of the past, recording important aspects of Australia's heritage.

Supporting media

Watch video | A 42-minute in-depth tour of the HMAS Castlemaine by Naval Histographer Drachinfel. 

Open Hours

HMAS Castlemaine is open from 11am to 4pm on weekends and public holidays. * closed on days of extreme heat (over 36°C).

Location

Gem Pier, Williamstown

 

Contact

P: (03) 9397 2363 – Tuesdays, weekends, and public holidays

E: hmascastlemaine@dodo.com.au

W: www.hmascastlemaine.org.au 

History: www.navy.gov.au/hmas-castlemaine