Footscray is a hotspot for art, culture and global cuisine. The inner-city suburb is home to a multicultural community and serves some of the best Vietnamese food in Melbourne. Relax in the riverside park, explore the vibrant arts precinct and cheer on the Western Bulldogs football team.
Things to do in Footscray
Enjoy a picnic in Footscray Park on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. Stroll through the flower-filled Edwardian gardens and enjoy fantastic views of the Melbourne skyline from the grassy foreshore. The park moonlights as an atmospheric venue for festivals, markets and concerts.
Discover local talent in the riverside Footscray Community Arts precinct. The main theatre occupies a handsome historic house with stone walls and polished wooden floors. Attend a dynamic lineup of events ranging from art exhibitions and piano recitals to Bollywood dance workshops and drawing lessons.
Try cuisine from around the world in Footscray. Slurp bowls of steaming Vietnamese noodles, dig into spicy North African stews and indulge in colourful Indian curries. Trendy cafes will tempt you with creative brunch menus and amazing coffee. After dark, gravitate towards hip craft beer bars and cocktail lounges.
Fill your basket at Footscray Market. The bustling indoor market is packed with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables grown in Victoria. It’s one of the best places in Melbourne to shop for Asian produce, with everything from hot-pink dragon fruit to dirt-covered taro root on offer.
Watch the legendary Western Bulldogs kick goals at Whitten Oval. The stadium is the training ground of the Australian Football League team and named after an iconic player. Score tickets to an official game at Docklands Stadium in the Melbourne city centre and Mars Stadium in Ballarat.
Getting around Footscray
Footscray is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The neighbourhood is a 30-minute drive from the Melbourne CBD and 20 minutes by train. Melbourne Airport is a 30-minute drive away.