West Melbourne is shaped by three waterways; the Maribyrnong River, the Birrarung (Yarra), and Moonee Ponds Creek. Residents enjoy the environment, easily reached by walking, and its proximity to the city centre.

Most of the suburb’s 7,619 residents live close to Flagstaff Gardens, a defining feature of the area.

West Melbourne is popular among students, young professional couples and downsizers with more than 80% of local residents living in apartments. They are drawn to the city life represented by venues such as Festival Hall, synonymous with live music in the city for decades; and by the many creative spaces and studios which offer a welcome for artists and independent enterprises.

The neighbourhood is also known for the Islamic Council of Victoria on Jeffcott Street, the peak body representing an estimated 200,000 Victorian Muslims.

The historic and industrial character of West Melbourne is highly valued by the community and has the potential for much creative re-use. Currently, the western section of this area features railway lines, container yards, shipping docks and industrial warehouses.

East of Railway Place has become a dynamic mixed-use residential area, with a strong sense of community, a diverse mix of businesses and a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Wide streets and established trees give West Melbourne a distinct inner-urban feel, with workers cottages, factories and apartment buildings standing side by side.

West Melbourne Neighbourhood map

  • Find an address by selecting the magnifying glass in the top right hand corner.
  • See the legend by selecting the second box in the top right hand corner.
  • Zoom in and out using the + and - symbols in the top left hand corner.

Quick facts

Data is sourced from 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing, ABS Estimated Resident Population 2023, and 2022 Census of Land and Employment (CLUE).

To access more data on West Melbourne, visit: West Melbourne community profile on profile .id.

To learn more about the ABS Census of Population and Housing, including definitions, visit: Guide to Census data.

Council services, facilities and spaces

‘The Centre’ neighbourhood house in Errol Street offers a range of inclusive social, learning, and wellbeing programs for people of all ages and circumstances.

West Melbourne enjoys more than 148,138 m2 of public green space. The City of Melbourne manages and maintains 14 of these parks:

  • Dynon Road Reserve
  • Maribrynong River Trail
  • Wominjeka Park
  • Eades Park
  • Hawke and Curzon Street Reserve
  • Hawke and Adderley Street Park
  • Howard and William Street Reserve
  • King and Victoria Street Reserve
  • Moonee Ponds Creek
  • Railway Place and Miller Street Reserve
  • Railway Viewing Platform
  • Sheperd Bridge Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Flagstaff Gardens
  • Hawke and King Street Reserve.

River Studios in West Melbourne is well known for its industrial location and welcomes small independent creative enterprises.

Part of City of Melbourne’s Creative Spaces program, it accommodates 60 artist studios, as well as Unit 4 River Studios’ factory makerspace.

Nearby are arts, music and entertainment venues including Heritage listed Festival Hall, Witches in Britches, West End Art Space, One Fine Print, The Blender Studios and Dark Horse Entertainment.

Iconic Festival Hall has been pivotal to the lifestyle of West Melbourne since 1913. An early hub for indoor sport and entertainment, it drew visitors from afar to enjoy boxing and pro wrestling matches.

Following a fire in 1955, the stadium was rebuilt to host the Olympic Games in 1956. Headline performers such as the Beatles, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Oasis and Silverchair have entertained crowds here, which today brings together the Hillsong faith congregation for worship.

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