Local Area Information
Located along the Maribyrnong River, 5km west of Melbourne, Footscray is one of the city’s most vibrant multicultural suburbs.
The area is characterised by a very diverse, multicultural central shopping area, which reflects the successive waves of immigration experienced by Melbourne, and by Footscray in particular.
It has a rich history of Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, and African communities, reflected in its diverse food scene and cultural institutions. The suburb is undergoing rapid development, with new infrastructure projects revitalising the area. Once a centre for Greek, Italian and former Yugoslavian migrants, the area has become a hub for Vietnamese and East African immigrants in Melbourne.
In addition to major supermarkets and shopping strips, Footscray has its own market, a large indoor fresh produce and seafood market, with approximately 33 food stalls and 50 general stores.
Footscray Market, Victoria University, and the Footscray Community Arts Centre are key landmarks. The suburb is well connected by train, bus, and tram, with Footscray railway station being the busiest non CBD railway station in Melbourne. With its mix of affordability, cultural vibrancy, and proximity to the city, Footscray is a dynamic and evolving community.
There are many sports fields, parks and reserves located in Footscray including the Footscray Community Arts Centre Reserve that features an amphitheatre, outdoor seating, wharf, and public activity space.
Footscray offers a public library and a Community Arts Centre, which is a centre for contemporary arts and community engagement running events, projects, workshops and programs. A bi-annual community arts festival is also run out of Footscray called Big West.
The Western General Hospital is located in Footscray offering acute medical and surgical services. There is also the Western region health centre which provides refugee health services.
If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
- TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 13 2637
- Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 13 2637
- Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 13 2637