By Daniel Brace
When you hear about tourism, you probably think of Bali, Disneyland, or the Greek Islands. But let’s be honest, who can afford them these days?
It might surprise you, but Melbourne’s west attracts around five million visitors every year. That’s a huge number, and it makes you wonder: why are they coming, and what are they doing when they get here?
While tourism is great for the economy, it’s also a way to preserve and celebrate the things that are worth seeing, doing or tasting. Richard Ponsford, who runs Western Melbourne Tourism, says our region has an incredible variety of places to visit.
“Our region is home to a vast array of top visitor experiences, from major attractions such as the Werribee Open Range Zoo and its incredible new Elephant Trail, to Werribee Park Mansion, Scienceworks and more,” says Richard.
He adds that with a mix of multicultural cuisines, vibrant neighbourhoods, and beautiful natural attractions, we really do have it all.
I’d say that’s true. I love that on a single train line, you can visit two or three top-notch cultural venues, from Footscray Arts to the Wyndham Cultural Centre or the St Albans Arts and Community Centre. Or you can catch a performance by our beloved Inner West Symphony Orchestra at the Williamstown Town Hall.
And here’s the thing: tourism doesn’t just mean people from outside the west. It can also mean us, the locals, visiting neighbouring suburbs or making a special day trip to explore a new part of the West we love so much.
So how do we find our way around?
A new website called lovewestside.com.au features interactive maps and suggestions for places to visit across Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Melton, and Wyndham.
According to Richard, the site “celebrates the vibrant and diverse culture of Melbourne’s west” and “captures the very essence of the region — a blend of culture, creativity, and innovation.”
When you’re on the site, you can search by area or by the type of experience you’re looking for. It also has guides for cafes, restaurants, and family activities. What’s really useful is that it helps you plan a trip with practical advice on public transport, whether you’re taking a train, a bike, or even a boat.
Ultimately, lovewestside.com.au is designed to show the rest of Melbourne what the West has to offer. But it’s also a great tool for us to discover and explore more of our own backyard. As Richard says, it’s a chance to “discover the many stories of Melbourne’s westside – a different side of Melbourne.”
