🔍

Altona

VIC 3018 • Greater Melbourne

11,490
Population (2021)
$94,952
Median Household Income
16.74 km²
Area
$385/wk
Median Rent
BaysideBeach LifestyleVillage FeelWestern Suburbs

About Altona

Altona is a genuine bayside suburb in Melbourne's west, 14 kilometres from the CBD along the Werribee line. The suburb centres on Pier Street and the beach foreshore, offering a village atmosphere distinct from the industrial neighbours. Altona Beach is popular for swimming and the annual Altona Beach Festival.

This is the western suburbs' best-kept secret—genuine beach lifestyle, heritage pier, and village character at fraction of eastern bayside prices. The community maintains strong local identity, with the beach, cafes, and Altona Homestead forming social anchors. Altona attracts families and professionals seeking bayside living without the price tag.

Altona falls under postcode 3018 and is governed by Hobsons Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Williamstown (Western Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3018
Urban Area
Altona
LGA / Council
Hobsons Bay
Federal Electorate
Gellibrand
State Electorate
Williamstown (Western Metropolitan)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.86°, 144.82°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
16.74 km²
Elevation
6m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Altona for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$1.17M
46 sales · ▼ 1.1% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$690K
38 sales · ▲ 8.7% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$385
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,197
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
42 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Altona
0.5 km
~6 min
Seaholme
1.2 km
~15 min
Westona
2 km
~25 min

Bus Services

  • 411,412 — Laverton / Newport / Williamstown ~15–25 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
13 km
By Train
~40–55 min (Altona Station via Altona Loop and Werribee Line)
By Bus
No direct bus to CBD
By Car (Peak)
~30–45 min via Princes Freeway / Westgate Freeway
By Car (Off-Peak)
~20–30 min

🛣️ Altona Station sits on the Altona Loop, a shuttle branch connecting to the main Werribee Line at Laverton. The West Gate Freeway provides a fast car route to the CBD, though peak-hour congestion can be significant.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Central Altona around the station and Pier Street shops is comfortably walkable. The beachfront and coastal trail add to the suburban walking experience, though outer residential areas are more car-reliant for shopping and services.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Pier Street & Queen Street Altona 3018 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Hobsons Bay Local Government Area, which contains Altona. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
321 / 100k
2yr Up 32.6% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
427.3 / 100k
2yr Up 180.1% 10yr Up 69.2%
Non-FV assault
262.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 34.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.2 / 100k
2yr Up 190.3% 10yr Up 189.4%
Steal from vehicle
1,317.1 / 100k
2yr Up 64.4% 10yr Up 23.3%
View all offence subgroups for Hobsons Bay →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,762
Census 2021
11,490
▲ 6.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$38,064
Personal Income 2021
$49,244
▲ 29.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$49,244 / yr
$947/wk
Household
$94,952 / yr
$1826/wk
Family
$126,880 / yr
$2440/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 7,732
Born Overseas 3,253

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 556
  • 2. New Zealand 290
  • 3. Malta 209
  • 4. India 156
  • 5. China 134
  • 6. Vietnam 124
  • 7. Italy 121
  • 8. Germany 106
  • 9. Scotland 101
  • 10. Philippines 94

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,691
Australian 3,146
Irish 1,373
Scottish 1,070
Italian 847
Maltese 685
German 490
Chinese 398
Greek 335
Indian 221

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,664
Both parents born in Australia
4,667
Both parents born overseas
1,622
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
45.9%
No Religion
43.0%
Islam
1.8%
Buddhism
1.5%
Hinduism
1.1%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
679 (5.9%)
5-14 years
1,331 (11.6%)
15-19 years
472 (4.1%)
20-24 years
447 (3.9%)
25-34 years
1,376 (12.0%)
35-44 years
1,919 (16.7%)
45-54 years
1,683 (14.6%)
55-64 years
1,357 (11.8%)
65-74 years
1,135 (9.9%)
75-84 years
750 (6.5%)
85+ years
345 (3.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Altona known for? +

Altona is a genuine bayside suburb in Melbourne's west, 14 kilometres from the CBD along the Werribee line. This is the western suburbs' best-kept secret—genuine beach lifestyle, heritage pier, and village character at fraction of eastern bayside prices.

How far is Altona from Melbourne CBD? +

Altona is approximately 14 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 17-25 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Altona have public transport? +

Altona is served by PTV (Public Transport Victoria) bus services and is within reach of the Melbourne Metro rail network. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for current route and timetable information.

What is the population of Altona? +

According to the 2021 Census, Altona has a population of approximately 11,490 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Hobsons Bay (City) local government area.

Is Altona a good place to live? +

Altona offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Altona? +

The postcode for Altona, VIC is 3018. This postcode covers Altona and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Altona? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Altona is about $947 per week (around $49,200 per year). The median household income is $1,826 per week and the median family income is $2,440 per week.

What is the median house price in Altona? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $1,168,000, down 1.1% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $690,000, up 8.7% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Altona? +

The median age in Altona is 42. The largest age group is 35–44 (1,919 residents, around 17%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Altona a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Altona is part of the Hobsons Bay LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Altona? +

In Altona, the median weekly rent is $385, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,197 (2021 Census).