Earlier in June we boarded the mini-bus and returned to Scienceworks to complete the guided tours that we missed first time around. First stop was a great little Cafe in Williamstown, called Tick Tok. A leg stretch rewarded with great coffee’s, well worth the stop.
Visiting one of the many storage warehouses for all of Museums Victoria was our first stop, so understandably the security for “The Store” was tight. While we did get to see only a small collection of the 45,000+ items, artefacts, etc., in storage, what was available, was quite exceptional. No cameras allowed, so no happy snaps from this section.😏
Off to the Steam Packet Hotel for lunch, which was enjoyed by all. Highly recommend this place if you’re ever visiting the Williamstown area.
Back to Scienceworks for our Pumping Station tour. Well, this was certainly a highlight, as our guide’s knowledge was broad and extensive. He pointed out many things that we missed out on last time, and to see the steam operated pump in operation was absolutely fantastic. For such a large bore pump, which was designed to move huge quantities of human waste, operating so quietly and smoothly, and also with 20 cent pieces balanced on parts of the pump during operation, was just remarkable.
Leaving Scienceworks behind, we returned to Tick Tok for another Coffee, with some beautiful Cake on the side. Back on the bus, and home we went. Great day out, enjoyed by everyone who came along.
The two pumping stations at Scienceworks as well as a working pump engine. Check out the video below of the engine running
A video of the Pumping Engine. Just imagine, they are more than 100 years old