HMAS Castlemaine, Maritime museum ship at Gem Pier, Williamstown, Australia
The HMAS Castlemaine is a Bathurst-class naval vessel moored at Gem Pier in Williamstown. The ship retains its original engines and equipment, which can be explored from inside the hull.
The vessel was built in 1941 at a local shipyard and served the Australian Navy during World War II. It carried out rescue missions and defended Australian waters throughout the conflict.
The ship displays exhibitions about the role of the Australian Navy in conflicts and the experiences of crew members who served aboard. Visitors can see personal items and accounts from sailors who worked on this vessel.
Access to the ship is on foot and the site is easily reached from the waterfront area. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the stairs and passages inside are narrow and steep.
The engine room system was modified to run on compressed air, allowing visitors to watch the actual machinery move as it did during wartime operations. This working display brings the engineering achievements of that era to life in a hands-on way.
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