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Altona's Ghost Tours, Markets, and Coastal Trails Draw Weekend Visitors
From supernatural evening walks at the historic Altona Homestead to weekly Tuesday markets and accessible beach matting, Altona offers a rich mix of local tours and coastal experiences.
How we reported this
Altona, a bayside suburb 20 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, is home to a surprising range of local tours and experiences that draw both residents and visitors to the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The 90-minute Altona Homestead Ghost Tour, led by Lantern Ghost Tours, starts at 8:30 pm near Logan Reserve and costs from $25.71 per person, offering lantern-lit stories of the Langhorne family's 1837 homestead.
Beyond the Ghost Tour: Markets, Murals and Beachside Accessibility
Every Tuesday from 9 am to 3 pm, the Altona Beach Market sets up near Altona Pier. The same day, the Altona Homestead itself opens from 11 am to 2 pm, letting visitors explore the historic building that anchors so much of the area's storytelling. Pier Street Murals add public art to the walk, and for those who prefer a self-paced exploration, QR-code walking trails blend technology with outdoor fact-finding via phone scans.
Altona Beach is perhaps the suburb's most defining feature: calm Port Phillip Bay waters make it suitable for kite surfing, paddle boarding and beach volleyball. Notably, the beach features the world's first year-round beach matting designed for accessibility, ensuring visitors of all mobility levels can reach the shoreline. The adjacent Altona Boat Ramp provides direct water access for small craft, while the 100 Steps to Federation climb rewards walkers with panoramic views stretching across Melbourne and the bay.
Active Adventures and Community Spaces
For cyclists and runners, the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail links Apex Park to Laverton Creek, and Cherry Lake's 3.5-kilometre walking track is a favoured local route for bird watching. The volunteer-run miniature railway adds a family-friendly attraction, while the annual Altona Beach Festival brings the community together each year.
Arts and culture thrive at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, a community-owned venue with a 244-seat auditorium that hosts plays, musicals, concerts and ballet. Altona City Theatre, formed in 1972 and based at 115 Civic Parade, continues to produce live musical theatre, including an annual children's pantomime and major productions in July and October. The historic Altona Homestead also offers monthly Devonshire Tea on the first Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Whether you're chasing supernatural stories at dusk, paddling on the bay, or simply strolling the Tuesday market, Altona packs a surprising depth of experiences into its coastal setting.