Perhaps a gentle sea breeze whispers tales of industry. This is Altona. It sits 13 km south-west of Melbourne’s Central Business District. Altona’s story is one of transformation. It evolved from a seaside settlement to a vibrant suburb.
Altona’s history stretches back long before European settlers arrived. The Kurung-Jang-Balluk people called this area home. They were part of the Woiwurrung clan.
Permanent settlement began in 1842. Alfred Langhorne built The Homestead. It is now known as Altona Homestead. The name “Altona” first appeared on maps in 1861. Frederick Taegtow, a German, named it after Altona near Hamburg. He hoped to find coal here.
In 1881, Taegtow formed the Williamstown Prospecting Company. Housing estates were sold from 1886. By 1901, the Victorian Government owned an explosives reserve in western Altona.
Altona was a pioneer in Australian aviation. On February 20, 1911, J. J. Hammond flew from Altona Bay to Geelong. This was the first cross-country flight between towns in Australia. On February 23, he made the first powered passenger flight in Australia also at Altona Bay.
Coal mining was important to Altona from 1908 to 1919. Open cut mining in the Latrobe Valley ended it in 1930. Altona’s Post Office opened on January 14, 1918. By then the population was sufficient to justify it.
After World War II, Altona welcomed many immigrants. They came from the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the Middle East.
Altona was part of the Shire of Werribee from 1862. In 1957, it became the City of Altona. This included Altona, Altona North and Altona Meadows. In 1994, it merged into the City of Hobsons Bay. This was under the Kennett government’s local government amalgamations.
On June 24, 2010, Altona became home to Australia’s first female Prime Minister. Julia Gillard lived here. She was elected by the Australian Labor Party to replace Kevin Rudd.
Altona has significant parks and gardens. These include environmental conservation areas and wetlands. They line the shores of Port Phillip. A long promenade stretches along the bay.
The Altona Beach Festival is a free annual event. It promotes Hobsons Bay and the western suburbs. It features a street parade, beach market and fireworks.
Altona is home to many sporting clubs. These include Australian rules football, soccer, hockey and cricket. Melbourne Ballpark is located in the west of Altona. It is a baseball complex.
Altona has two railway stations. Altona and Westona are both on the Altona Loop.
Local industry includes petrochemical storage. The Altona Petrochemical Complex opened in the early 1960s. It became the largest petrochemical installation in the southern hemisphere.
Altona’s story is etched in its streets. It is reflected in its industries. Altona’s heart beats with the rhythm of the bay. Its spirit soars with the memory of early aviation.