//
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
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.
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.
Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops.
Performing arts centre including drama, dance, music performances and movie screenings.
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.
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.