Where We Found the Treasure

The morning began like most good sea tales do, a little uncertain, a little grey, the kind of sky that makes you wonder if you chose the right day to set sail. The boats bobbed quietly on Port Phillip Bay as young pirates gathered at Williamstown Boat Day, pulling on life jackets like armour and setting their sights on treasure.

The first crews set off under a light drizzle, chasing rumours of gold and bracing for trouble. And sure enough, the pirates came. Water balloons flew like cannon fire, chaos and laughter, no one left dry, and no one wanting to be.

By midday, the sun broke through, warm and well timed, as if the story had turned a page. New crews boarded, the battles resumed, Energy reset. The adventure started again – only this time with sun on their backs and a clearer view of what they were chasing.

Back on shore, the final hunt began. Easter eggs hidden like secrets, kids scattering to find them, pockets filling fast.

After the Easter egg hunt, with pockets full and chocolate already half unwrapped, everyone drifted back together. The smell of the barbecue carried through, drawing people in, easing the day from adventure into something softer, warmer, a shared exhale after all the chasing.

And as it all wound down, there was that easy feeling of a day well spent. Boats back in, shoes a little wetter than they started, and just enough tiredness to know it had been a good one.

Turns out the treasure was never really out at sea, it was right there with each other the whole time.