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Student Accommodation Blog

Your Student Guide to Footscray

People crossing a street in Footscray (Melbourne) with shops on both sides and cars parked in front.

Just west of Melbourne’s CBD, Footscray is one of the city’s most diverse and fast-evolving suburbs. It’s known for its buzzing food scene, colourful street art and global culture, with everything from Vietnamese bakeries to African restaurants and fresh local markets.

But it’s not just about great eats. Footscray’s full of riverside parks, creative spaces and a thriving arts scene, making it the perfect mix of city energy and laid-back, local charm.

Table of Contents

Where is Footscray?

Footscray is just 5km west of Melbourne’s CBD and home to Victoria University’s Footscray campus, along with the world-class health and education precinct currently under constuction (learn more). Known for its multicultural vibe, amazing food, and thriving arts scene, it’s well-connected with easy transport into the city.

Things to do:

Footscray is a buzzing, ever-changing suburb where street art, creative spaces, and global eats collide. Whether you’re local or just passing through, here are a few spots worth exploring:

  1. Visit Footscray Park. Covering 15 hectares, this park is perfect for a study break or weekend hangout. You’ll get awesome views of Melbourne’s skyline and Flemington Racecourse, plus it connects straight to the Maribyrnong River Trail for a walk, run, or cycle. There are big open fields for a kick of the footy and BBQ spots along the river for a cheap and easy feed with mates.
  2. Check out Footscray Market. This indoor market in Melbourne’s inner west is a food lover’s dream, buzzing with culture and colour. You’ll find over 70 independent stalls selling everything from fresh seafood, quality meat and poultry, and Asian groceries to spices and hard-to-find specialty ingredients. Perfect for stocking up your student kitchen or just exploring something new.
  3. Take on your mates at BattleKart Melbourne. This isn’t your average go-karting – it’s an immersive racing experience where augmented reality turns the track into a giant interactive game. Think Mario Kart vibes, but in real life, with games and challenges projected onto the track as you race. Perfect for a weekend hangout or a break from study.
  4. Explore Footscray Community Arts (FCA). For over 50 years, this independent arts hub has been a creative heartbeat of Melbourne’s west. Right on the banks of the Maribyrnong River (with some pretty great city views), FCA is all about celebrating culture and creativity. Check out art exhibitions, theatre and live music, meet the artists at talks, or even catch a school-style excursion program. It’s a great spot to unwind, get inspired, and soak up some local history.
  5. Discover Footscray’s street art side. Only 5km from the CBD, StreetWORKS Footscray Murals is a creative hub is alive with colour – think dogs, dragons, astronauts and more across 26 murals. Grab a coffee, download the map, and make a day of exploring the suburb’s walls and laneways.
  6. Visit the Heavenly Queen Temple. This is Australia’s largest Taoist temple, built in honour of the sea goddess Mazu. Inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City, the sprawling site is full of traditional Chinese architecture and stunning detail.

Footscray is also home to the Western Bulldogs, so why not head to Whitten Oval and catch a game of VFL, VFLW, or AFL – it’s the perfect way to experience some classic Aussie footy.

Footscray Park

Where to eat?

Our Top Pick: 8Bit 
Think juicy burgers, thick shakes, loaded fries and hotdogs – the ultimate comfort food. While you wait, kill some time on the retro arcade machines for a hit of nostalgia.
Address: 8 Droop Street, Footscray

Local Favourite: Back Alley Sally's
Once an old t-shirt printing factory, now a buzzing laneway bar dishing up great food and drinks. Drop by for weekly events like free trivia on Wednesdays and parmy nights every Thursday.
Address: 4 Yewers St, Footscray

Other places to try: 

  • The Plough: All your favourite pub classics. 333 Barkly St, Footscray
  • Pho Hung Vuong Saigon: Hearty Vietnamese food. 128 Hopkins St, Footscray
  • Footscray Milking Station: Pulled pork panini? Yes please. Or maybe you’d like an Acai Bowl? Choices, choices. 35 Bunbury St, Footscray

Footscray Places to Eat

Where to get your coffee?

Our Top Pick: West 48
Locals love the signature Allpress coffee in orange cups. The vibe is casual, but the food is on point – think all-day brekkie and lunch options like toasted ciabattas. Vegan and gluten-free? No problem. Just remember – it’s cash only.
Address: 48 Essex St, Footscray

Other places to try: 

  • Rudimentary: Shipping container café serving fresh food and coffee. 16-20 Leeds St, Footscray 
  • Gordon Street Bakery: Buttery croissants, plus Locale Espresso coffee. 142 Gordon St, Footscray
  • The Reading Room: Campus Coffee Stop blends café vibes with study zone energy. 88 Ballarat Rd, Footscray

Looking for student accommodation in Footscray?

UniLodge Victoria University is right across the road from the campus, just minutes from lectures and short trip from the CBD. Fully furnished rooms, all-inclusive rent, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a built-in student community make it the easiest way to live and study in Melbourne’s inner west. You can also follow the property on Instagram for resident events and updates!

Did you know you don’t have to study at Victoria University to live at UniLodge VU? It’s open to any student wanting a spot in Melbourne’s inner west – close to the action but without the CBD price tag.
 

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Disclaimer: Some images used in this blog are for illustrative purposes only and may not be owned by UniLodge. All rights and credits for these images belong to their respective owners.