Footscray

VIC 3011

Footscray is an inner-city suburb located 5 km west of Melbourne's Central Business District. It is known for its diverse and multicultural community, as reflected in its central shopping area, which offers a wide range of international cuisine, bars, and nightlife. The suburb has a rich history, with its name derived from Foots Cray in London, England. It was built on the traditional lands of the Kulin nation and was a meeting place for various Indigenous clans. The first European visitor to the area was Charles Grimes in 1803. Footscray experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century, becoming an industrial zone. However, the manufacturing industry declined in the 1960s and 70s. Today, Footscray is undergoing rapid development and gentrification. It is predicted to experience a population boom, with the number of residents more than doubling by 2031. The suburb offers a range of amenities and services, including a diverse array of restaurants, a large fresh produce market, and cultural institutions like the Footscray Community Arts Centre. Footscray is also known for its vibrant arts and music scene. It has been the setting of several Australian movies and is home to the Western Bulldogs Australian rules football club. The suburb has good public transport connections, with Footscray railway station serving as a major hub for commuters. Overall, Footscray offers a blend of multicultural heritage, thriving arts and food scenes, and a convenient location close to the city center.

AREA

5.0499 km²

POPULATION

17,131

OWNER OCCUPIED %

41%

LARGEST AGE GROUP

30-40

MEDIAN MONTHLY MORTGAGE

$1,940

MEDIAN WEEKLY RENT

$530