Altona's Street Art Trail Showcases Council-Commissioned Murals, Sculptures, Local Stories

Altona’s streets have become an open‑air gallery, with a growing collection of murals and sculptures that tell stories of the suburb’s past and present, and its environmental future. Visitors can explore works such as the ‘Tidal Shift’ mural by Steph Cartledge, which addresses marine‑life and plastic‑pollution issues in Hobsons Bay. According to Hobsons Bay City Council, the piece was painted in 2024 at the intersection of Pier Street and Blythe Street and forms part of the municipality’s broader Public Art Strategy.

Where to find the key murals

The most recent addition to Altona’s street‑art trail is ‘Tidal Shift’, a large‑format work completed in 2024 that draws attention to plastic pollution and its effect on marine life in Hobsons Bay. The mural’s placement at Pier Street and Blythe Street, near the pier and esplanade, makes it a natural stop for walkers and cyclists. Another major work, ‘Pier Street Murals’, was created by local artist Vladimir Bykovec and commissioned by the Altona Village Traders Association. Located close to the Altona Railway Station, the series of paintings depicts scenes from the suburb’s past and present. ‘Remember the Wild’ by Jimmy Dvate (2021), a mural focusing on grassland, saltmarsh and Altona Bay habitats, can be found along the Skeleton Creek corridor. The three murals represent different approaches: Cartledge’s environmental activism, Bykovec’s social history and Dvate’s ecological celebration.

Sculptures and installations across the suburb

Beyond the murals, Altona has several standalone public art installations. ‘Seaborn’ at Altona Pier references the bay ecosystem, while ‘Requiem for a Champion’ in Altona Coastal Park memorialises a former local sporting identity. Inside the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, the ‘Transcendence Sculpture’ offers a more intimate, indoor piece. All of these works are listed in materials published by Hobsons Bay City Council, which describe them as part of the council’s commitment to activating public spaces and celebrating local heritage. The council’s Street Art Program commissioned several new pieces in 2024 under its Public Art Strategy, confirming that street art remains a priority for the municipality.

Planning your walk

Because the art is spread out, from the railway station precinct to the pier and down to Skeleton Creek, a self‑guided walking tour works best. A suggested route begins at the Altona Railway Station to view the Pier Street Murals, then heads south along Pier Street towards the pier, passing the ‘Tidal Shift’ mural at the Blythe Street intersection. From there, walkers can continue to Altona Coastal Park for ‘Requiem for a Champion’ and then follow the creek path to ‘Remember the Wild’. The Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, housing ‘Transcendence Sculpture’, is a short walk back inland. Council information sheets and the Beautiful Altona website provide locations and descriptions, making it easy to plan a half‑day outing that takes in all the works. Because the art is spread out, a self‑guided walking tour works best, starting at the stations and working south to the pier and then east along Skeleton Creek.