Category:Has custom banner
The Western suburbs of Melbourne include the areas of Airport West, Caroline Springs, Essendon, Kensington, Flemington, Footscray, Keilor, Melton, Point Cook, Sunshine, Sydenham, Werribee, Williamstown and Yarraville. Many of these suburbs will hold no interest for travellers but a few such as Footscray and Yarraville attract tourists for their restaurants and bars, while Flemington and Moonee Ponds may attract tourists for special events such as horseracing. There are also calm, safe beaches at Williamstown and Altona.
Understand
In Footscray, factories are coming down and apartments are going up-37.798144.8991FootscrayCategory:Has map markers.Formerly known as a dodgy working-class suburb with lots of recently-arrived immigrants, Footscray has reinvented itself. It is well worth a visit, especially if you want to eat well for cheap. It is home to the famous Footscray Market, and many restaurants serving delicious and inexpensive Asian and African cuisine. Footscray is increasingly known for its riverside parks, low-key bars and entertainment.
-37.765144.922Moonee PondsCategory:Has map markers.The heart of Melbourne's comfortable suburbia, Moonee Ponds is the home of Barry Humphries' character Mrs (later Dame) Edna Everage. The local racecourse is one of Melbourne's Big Three, along with Caulfield and Flemington. With a variety of cafes and restaurants, there is enough here to capture the attention of a traveller for an afternoon.(updated Sep 2020)
-37.817144.893YarravilleCategory:Has map markers.An inner suburb with a quaint village atmosphere, known for its restaurants and nightlife. Formerly a rough working-class suburb, Yarraville "village" (near the train station) was the first area in the west to be gentrified when people from the eastern suburbs discovered it in the late 1990s. A visit to the historic Sun Theatre is a must.(updated Sep 2020)
-37.9144.6666674WyndhamCategory:Has map markers.A region and local council in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. It is south-west of the Melbourne CBD. Wyndham comprises a number of suburbs and towns. The seat of the council and primary settlement is Werribee, which holds the largest number of attractions and services. Point Cook, Werribee South, Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham Vale are other significant suburbs in the area. Wyndham is the third fastest growing area in Australia.
Williamstown beach on a quiet day-37.85144.8333335Hobsons BayCategory:Has map markers.A seaside area to the immediate south-west of Melbourne's city centre.
-37.861144.8856WilliamstownCategory:Has map markers.The main tourist destination in Hobsons Bay, a suburb steeped in an impressive history. The town was founded in 1835, before Melbourne, and served as the city's main port until the turn of the century. Today, it's am upmarket seaside suburb with a nautical feel, home to a number of both historic and modern ships and more fish and chip shops than you could wish for! Quaint pubs for locals are hidden gems in the backstreets(updated Mar 2025)
-37.831144.8877SpotswoodCategory:Has map markers.Home to Grazeland, a large gathering of food and drink carts beneath the iconic Westgate Bridge, and nearby, the interactive Scienceworks museum, which sits along its foreshore.(updated Oct 2023)
-37.868144.838AltonaCategory:Has map markers.Another seaside suburb, well-served by the train network, with a big sandy beach, shady foreshore, and Pier Street's restaurants and bars(updated Mar 2025)
Get in
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Map of Melbourne/Western suburbs
Footscray
-37.8016144.90241Footscray StationCategory:Has map markers.The station can be easily reached from Southern Cross Station (on weekday mornings and weekends) or any City Loop station (on weekday afternoons) (in Melbourne's CBD) on the Werribee, Williamstown and Sunbury lines. If the train is not travelling via the City Loop, it is only a 6-minute train ride and most trains run express through the station before it, South Kensington.
A number of frequent bus routes also operate from the CBD to Footscray. The 402 operates every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends from St Vincents Plaza through the inner-north suburb of Carlton to Footscray. The 220 also operates through Queen Street from Gardenvale to Sunshine via Footscray, operating every 15 minutes on weekdays.
While Footscray is not connected directly to the city by tram, the route 82 from Leeds Street, 150 m from the train station, runs to the Moonee Ponds bus and tram interchange on Mount Alexander Road, which connects with trams to the city and north-western suburbs, with buses that run to the north-west and cut across the northern suburbs.
Hobsons Bay
By train
Trains on both the Werribee and Williamstown lines stop at -37.8157144.88992YarravilleCategory:Has map markers, -37.8306144.88593SpotswoodCategory:Has map markers and -37.8424144.88354NewportCategory:Has map markers railway stations. Both lines officially originate at Flinders Street station in the city centre, but most trains come from Frankston. Trains on these lines almost never run through the City Loop, but some trains on the Werribee line run express through Yarraville and Spotswood stations. All trains on the Williamstown line stop at all stations.
At Newport, the lines diverge, with local Werribee trains running through the Altona Loop to Seaholme, Altona and Westona. -37.8671144.82955AltonaCategory:Has map markers station is most likely to be useful to a visitor, as it is located just next to the Altona shops and a very short walk from Altona Beach.
From the city, take the West Gate Freeway. If travelling to Spotswood, Newport or Williamstown, take the Williamstown Road exit (number W6) and turn left (follow signs for Williamstown). If travelling to Altona, take the Millers Road exit (number W7) and turn left (follow signs for Altona).
From Geelong or south-western Victoria, take the Princes Freeway and exit at Kororoit Creek Road (exit 11). Turn left and follow the signs for your destination, as this road connects to multiple suburbs in Hobsons Bay, including both Williamstown and Altona.
By bicycle
There is a bike route from Docklands in the city centre to Altona, and a second from Port Melbourne to Altona. Both go via Spotswood and Williamstown. To ride from Docklands to Williamstown or Altona, start on the bike path on Footscray Road. The cycle path is obvious most of the way, however near the Newport Power Station, there are a few diverging paths. Most of these quickly end or turn into dirt paths, so you'll quickly know if you've gone the wrong way. If in doubt, it can be best to look at a map, although staying right at each fork in the path generally works too.
The route from Port Melbourne is slightly more convoluted and includes a ferry (see below for more details). It could also be easily followed from most eastern bayside suburbs, as the bike path is continuous. From the Bay Trail (which runs along the beach), head east and follow it as it turns up Todd Road, passes under the West Gate Freeway and enters Westgate Park. Within Westgate Park, the path can be difficult to follow, but almost all of the paths form a loop, which means that you should end up in the right place in the end. The correct path goes under the West Gate Freeway again, so looking at a map could be useful at this point. Once out of Westgate Park, the path goes under the West Gate Freeway a third time. About 100 metres beyond the freeway is the Westgate Punt landing jetty. Take the ferry across the Yarra River. The brick building visible ahead is the Pumping Station at Scienceworks. If you're not visiting Scienceworks, turn left on the other side of the pipeline and follow the path. This is the same path as the one from Docklands.
By ferry
-37.8292144.90049Westgate PuntCategory:Has map markers,Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne,☏ +61 419 999 458.M-F 6:30-9:10AM, 3:40-7PM (operates every 20 mins); Sa Su 9AM-5PM (operates on-demand).Ferry service across the Yarra River, connecting Fishermans Bend and Spotswood. The Spotswood landing is straight across the road from Scienceworks. The journey takes about five minutes.M-F: $3 one way, Sa Su: $5 one way.(updated Jun 2023)
-37.8199144.965810Melbourne River CruisesCategory:Has map markers,Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank,☏ +61 3 8610 2600,info@melbcruises.com.au.Melbourne River Cruises operates a cruising ferry service between Southbank in the city centre and Gem Pier in Williamstown. The approximate journey time is one hour.$33 per person one way.(updated Jun 2023)
-37.7667144.924812Moonee Ponds JunctionCategory:Has map markers.The Moonee Ponds tram and bus interchange is at the intersection of Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale Road and Pascoe Vale Road. The route 59 tram stops there, heading south to the city and north to Essendon and Airport West. The 82 tram terminates there, connecting Moonee Ponds and Footscray. Buses from the interchange connect Moonee Ponds to the northern suburbs, to north-western suburbs past Essendon, and to Footscray and Williamstown.
-37.8994144.661114Werribee railway stationCategory:Has map markers.The Werribee railway line terminates at Werribee, with trains direct from the city. A number of other Werribee suburbs also have stations along the line. Check Public Transport Victoria for the latest timetables and service information.
Regional trains on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines call at -37.8322144.694615TarneitCategory:Has map markers and -37.8722144.608416Wyndham ValeCategory:Has map markers stations. Please note that alighting from these services at Footscray and Sunshine station (from Southern Cross Station) is illegal, and ticket inspectors often wait at the V/Line platforms to issue fines. On some VLocity services, the doors will physically lock on the inside.
By bus
Bus route 439 departs from Werribee railway station and goes to Werribee South (which will be of no interest to most visitors) via Werribee Park and the zoo. The service operates roughly hourly in each direction every day of the week, although it is important to note that services leaving Werribee station before about 9AM will not stop at Werribee Park or the zoo. There are also no buses towards Werribee station from Werribee Park or the zoo after about 4:45PM, depending on the day of the week.
By road
The Princes Freeway conveniently connects most Wyndham suburbs to the city centre and Geelong. For the Werribee town centre, get off at the Duncans Road exit-ramp and turn right, about 30 minutes from the city.
See
Royal Hotel at intersection of Barkly, Nicholson, Hopkins and Droop Streets, Footscray
-37.803049144.9069751Footscray Community Arts CentreCategory:Has map markers,45 Moreland Street.Non-stop art exhibitions and an endless list of music gigs and theatre shows. In summer outdoor film screenings take place on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.(updated Sep 2016)
-37.764521144.924032Moonee Ponds Courthouse MuseumCategory:Has map markers,Corner Mount Alexander Road and Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds,esshissoc@mail.com.Su 2-5PM.The former Moonee Ponds Courthouse houses a museum of the local area, run by the Essendon Historical Society. In June 2016, a fire damaged the building and the collection, but it was restored.Free.(updated May 2025)
-37.764618144.9033243Incinerator GalleryCategory:Has map markers,180 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds(catch the 82 tram from Moonee Ponds interchange to Stop 41 at Maribyrnong Park; walk north along the river then turn right into Holmes Street; walk a minute or two along Holmes Street until you reach the gallery, opposite a lawn bowls club),☏ +61 3 8325 1750,incinerator@mvcc.vic.gov.au.Tu-Su 11AM-4PM.Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops.Free.(updated Sep 2016)
-37.9305144.7494RAAF MuseumCategory:Has map markers,RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook Rd, Point Cook,☏ +613 8348 6300,RAAF.MuseumInfo@defence.gov.au.Tu-F 10AM-3PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM.The air-force base is still used for flying and training. Houses authentic aircraft in hangars, as well as numerous exhibitions and displays. Conducts free tours of the museum during weekdays. There are also options for pay joy-rides in old military aircraft.Free.
-37.761444144.9239545Queens ParkCategory:Has map markers,Corner Mount Alexander Road and Kellaway Road, Moonee Ponds.A place to spend a relaxing day. There's a rose garden, a sunken garden, a lake, a cafe, and a 50-m pool open from November to March ($5.70 pool entry). Monuments include a cenotaph remembering Australia's dead in World War One, and a cairn marking the spot where the doomed Burke and Wills expedition camped on its first night heading out of Melbourne in 1860. There's a children's playground and an island rotunda, and if you follow the website link there's a brochure for a free self-guided local heritage walk starting and ending at the park.(updated Sep 2016)
-37.93057144.670926Werribee MansionCategory:Has map markers,Gate 2, K Road, Werribee,☏ +613 8734 5100,bookingswerribee@parks.vic.gov.au.Nov-Apr: daily 10AM-5:30PM; May-Oct: M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM.An Italianate mansion from the 1870s, built by famous Scottish landlords Thomas and Andrew Chirnside. The building and its 60 rooms have been restored, and an audio tour is available. A café is available nearby. Paid tours depart Su-F at 11:30AM.Adult: $7, student/concession/child: $5, family (two adults and two children): $22.
-37.9311144.677Werribee ParkCategory:Has map markers,K Road, Werribee.A 10-acre park that used to be pastoral farmland. Includes fruit orchards, flower gardens, sculptures and wide open spaces. Contains many attractions, including Werribee Mansion and Zoo.Free.
Altona beach and the Esplanade-37.9229144.6671Werribee Open Range ZooCategory:Has map markers,K Rd(take Werribee Sth exit from Princes Freeway).Daily (including Christmas Day and all public holidays) 9AM-5PM, entry closes at 3:30PM. Sa Su during Jan-Feb open till 9PM. Safari bus tours (50 minute) begin 10:30AM-3:40PM (Jan Feb: Sa Su until 7:40PM).An open range park with animals from the grasslands of Africa, Asia, North America and Australia.$24.80 adult, $12.40 4-15 years.
-37.766788144.9273232Moonee Valley RacecourseCategory:Has map markers,McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds,toll-free: 1300 843 825Category:Listing with phone missing country codeCountry code missing,customerservice@mvrc.net.au.See website for race meeting dates and times.One of Melbourne's Big Three horse racing venues, there are several race meetings a month in the busy season from September to March. The famous Cox Plate weight-for-age race is run here in late October each year.Most general admission tickets $20, GA for Cox Plate $55.(updated Sep 2016)
-37.87093144.830274Altona BeachCategory:Has map markers.On the "wrong" side of the bay in terms of famous Melbourne beaches, Altona Beach is a strictly locals-only affair. However, because it is a very long, clean, sandy beach, with plenty of parking, it is known as the best beach in Melbourne's west. Altona has a thriving restaurant and cafe district nearby, centred around Pier St. There's even a big new (2024) jetty, and the esplanade is lined with mature trees which provide some shade. Accessible by train and bus, too.(updated Oct 2023)
Buy
The Footscray Market building is famously ugly but is the cheapest place to buy fresh food in Melbourne
Downtown Footscray has a great community feel, with a dozen streets filled with small businesses. As well as the listings below, Footscray has a number of interesting shops selling traditional African clothing, art and hair products.
-37.80104144.9019481Footscray MarketCategory:Has map markers,18 Irving Street,☏ +61 3 9687 1205,footscraymarket@bigpond.com.Tu W 7AM-4PM, Th 7AM-6PM, F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-5PM; closed Su M.Footscray Market is a fresh produce, meat, poultry and seafood market, catering particularly to the various ethnicities and local restaurants. There's also eateries, nut and coffee stalls, tobacconists and a few variety shops. It has the reputation as one of the cheapest places in Melbourne to shop so if you're cooking for yourself it's definitely worth a look. Or just wander around and enjoy the sights and sounds of business going on around you.(updated Sep 2016)
-37.802168144.8980562Konjo African CraftCategory:Has map markers,87 Irving Street,☏ +61 3 9689 8185.Store selling Ethiopian food and crafts: spices, flours, raw and roasted coffee, pots, wood craft, clothing and jewellery. Also has a cafe.(updated Sep 2016)
-37.8752144.67973Pacific WerribeeCategory:Has map markers(formerly Werribee Plaza)(on the corner of Heaths and Derrimut Road in Hoppers Crossing, approximately 30 minutes from the Central Business District).A variety of specialty item stores including mens and ladies fashion, banks, beauty and food stores. Has over 150 stores including a 10-screen cinema.
-37.79723144.87714Bharat TradersCategory:Has map markers,580 Barkly St West Footscray,☏ +61 396876071.10AM-9PM daily.A go-to shop for Indian ingredients, spices, food, homewares and other accoutrements.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.79746144.879055Chestnut Tree BookshopCategory:Has map markers,542 Barkly St West Footscray.Tu-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su M 9AM-4PM.A new bookshop and hangout space with all the trimmings, including coffee and vinyl.(updated Oct 2024)
Eat
Barkly St is Footscray's main drag
The inner western suburbs, in particular Footscray and Flemington, are emerging as major players on Melbourne's food scene. In addition to a strong history of Vietnamese restaurants and noodle shops, particularly on Hopkins Street in Footscray, the inner west is emerging as Melbourne's African (Ethiopian in particular) food hub. Ethiopian cuisine, despite the tired old jokes, is an increasingly popular niche in the West due to its combination of approachability and uniqueness; the food is characterized by stews and curries, many vegetarian or vegan, eaten with a slightly sour flatbread known as injera. The many Ethiopian options available throughout western Melbourne are universally inexpensive, generously portioned, and tasty. Many are buffets, all have extensive vegetarian/vegan options, and some are exclusively vegan.
-37.80213144.8979871Cafe LalibelaCategory:Has map markers,91 Irving Street,☏ +61 3 9687 0300.Daily 11AM-10PM.Probably the best Ethiopian cuisine in the area, and not a main course over $12. Served in the traditional custom of sharing, the food is poured on layers of injera (flat, sour bread) covering one big plate to be shared by all at the table.
-37.802045144.8992992African Town CafeCategory:Has map markers,161 Nicholson Street,☏ +61 3 9689 9660.More Ethiopian cuisine, while local regulars pop in and out for a chat over excellent $2 Ethiopian coffee. All main courses $10.
-37.800061144.8996383Ras DashenCategory:Has map markers,121 Nicholson Street,☏ +61 3 9687 3293.M-F 11:30AM-8:30PM, Sa Su 12:30PM- 8:30PM.A whole baked fish for $13, beans and egg in a mild stew for $8, nice dark "Amber Beer" from Ethiopia like a porter or mild stout.(updated Sep 2016)
-37.79957144.896745Bar ThymeCategory:Has map markers,227 Barkly St Footscray.W-Sa 5-11PM, Su 1-10PM.Outstanding slightly fancy French fusion food with a romantic ambience. You'd never guess you were in Footscray.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.80127144.900826Kariton SorbetesCategory:Has map markers,50 Leeds St Footscray.Filipino gelato with ever-changing, outlandish, delicious flavours. Once you try it, you'll wonder why they haven't taken over the world yet. They do take-away treats too. Worth waiting in line for.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.79731144.877837Harley & RoseCategory:Has map markers,572 Barkly St West Footscray.WeFo's finest wood-fired pizza place. Unpretentious and delicious, good for families. Dining out front, inside and in courtyard.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.79943144.899278Ollie's DeliCategory:Has map markers,Shop 7/158 Barkly St, Footscray,☏ +61 391347995.M-F 8AM-3PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-3PM.If you're ever in Footscray and feel like a gourmet sandwich that isn't a Banh Mi, this place is for you. They're so big you can easily share them, particularly the chicken schnitty and reuben sangers.Huge sandwiches $17.(updated Nov 2022)
Category:Eat listing with no coordinatesCafe SunshineCategory:Has map markers(Salamatea كافه سلامتى),21 Dickson St Sunshine,☏ +61 476038689.Daily 9AM-4PM, and F-Su 5:30-10PM.When the airport rail link is built through Sunshine, more tourists will have a reason to experience this suburb. This is a nice cafe with great coffee, food and service. It is particularly known for its Persian food. This cafe is also a social organisation which employs and trains people of refugee backgrounds.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.81648144.890219GojeCategory:Has map markers,38 Anderson St, Yarraville,☏ +61 396875264.Su-Th 2-9:30PM, F Sa 2-10PM.Popular plant-based DIY frozen yoghurt place in the middle of the lively Yarraville restaurant and shopping strip. If coming by car, park a few streets away.Weigh-and-pay. Around $5 a serving if you don't go crazy - but it is hard not to!.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.78784144.9296110Laksa KingCategory:Has map markers,6-12 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington(near Newmarket Station),☏ +61 393726383.11:30AM-2:45PM & 5-8:30PM daily.Supremely busy laksa place in the lively Newmarket shopping strip. Discount if paying by cash.Most laksas $12.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.68234144.5838611Latin Foods and WinesCategory:Has map markers,10 Wallace Square, Melton,☏ +61 387464676.M-Sa 9AM-4PM.Yes it is out in Melton, but if you're in the area, this is one of the best Latino restaurants in Melbourne. Expect the usual South American fare, plus regional specialties like Papusas and Arepas, all delicious.Lunch for two around $60.(updated Oct 2025)
Drink
West Footscray was one of the first places in Melbourne's West to gentrify-37.804542144.9015911The Station HotelCategory:Has map markers,59 Napier St,☏ +61 3 9810 0085.Daily 11AM to late.Footscray - Opposite the Town Hall. Casual bar, indoor and outdoor seating, coffee. One of the "Top five places to eat steak" as judged by The Age Good Food Guide Dining Companion 2010.
-37.79927144.894322Bar JosephineCategory:Has map markers,295 Barkly St Footscray.daily 1PM-1AM.Casual, cosy, tucked-away bar with interesting beers (including a beer lucky dip!) with board games and repurposed bus seats.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.80053144.899273Mr WestCategory:Has map markers,106 Nicholson St Mall Footscray.Bar (upstairs) and bottle shop (downstairs) with a humongous number of beers on tap, plus wine and fancy spirits. Order pizza from the place across the street using QR codes at your table, or BYO food. Seating out front or upstairs. You can choose from the larger bottle shop selection and drink there as well.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.80218144.892784The Victoria HotelCategory:Has map markers,43 Victoria St, Footscray(near Middle Footscray Station),☏ +61 383200315.M-Th 4-11PM, F-Su noon-midnight.Lovingly restored old pub with great food, dining areas inside, in courtyard, or outside.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.79033144.935075Bonehead BrewingCategory:Has map markers,86 Parsons St Kensington,☏ +61 490334892.F 4-11PM, Sa 1-11PM, Su 1-10PM.On-site independent brewery with comfortable drinking area with open fireplace. There's usually food trucks out front.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.79725144.877296West Footscray WinesCategory:Has map markers,578 Barkly St West Footscray,☏ +61 370645859.Th - Sa 2-10PM, Su 2-7PM, W 2-9PM.As WeFo gentrifies, outstanding little wine bars like this one are now possible. Get the staff to recommend you a bottle. Charcuterie and nibbles also available.(updated Nov 2022)
-37.81005144.904087Hop Nation BrewingCategory:Has map markers,6/107-109 Whitehall St, Footscray,☏ +61 450973644.Th 3-7PM, F 2-9PM, Sa noon-9PM, Su noon-6PM.A hidden brewery worth making a trip for. Easily reached by the bike and pedestrian Maribyrnong River Trail. they also have outstanding pizza.(updated Nov 2022)
Sleep
-37.799192144.8928781Plough HotelCategory:Has map markers,333 Barkly Street (Corner Barkly St and Geelong Rd),☏ +61 3 96872070.Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM.Above a large pub.$120-165 per night.(updated Sep 2016)
Although the western suburbs are gentrifying fast, they have long had a bad reputation in terms of crime. Now, the western suburbs are generally as safe as anywhere else in Melbourne. Use normal common-sense precautions as in any other large city. Drug users do tend to congregate in Footscray, especially near the station, but if you ignore them, they will ignore you.
The inner west suffers from increasing road traffic and congestion. Use Google Maps to find bike lanes if you intend to cycle: new ones are popping up constantly.
This district travel guide to Western suburbsis a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
