Footscray: Take a walk on the west side

Walking routes

The walking map only scratches the surface of all that is wonderful about Footscray. Don’t be afraid to stray in the ‘Scray, explore new areas and wander to your destination.

For more details on the locations listed below and the many other fabulous businesses in Footscray, check out the Love Your Local business directory.

Walk 1: for foodies

Calling all foodies – taste your way from China to Vietnam via Italy.

This walk will take you around 15 minutes.

Cross the road from the train station and start this walk from the famous Footscray Market, where you can stock up on fresh produce and a wide selection of multicultural ingredients.

If the market’s not for you, continue along Irving Street and stop for a coffee, then round the corner onto Hopkins Street. Here you can take your pick of cuisines and indulge in cannoli, stop for a plate of dumplings, or grab a banh mi. If you walk this route in reverse, there are bar’s a-plenty along Hopkins Street for a drink on your way home!

You’ll soon find yourself under the Saigon Welcome Arch, a landmark that celebrates the vibrant Vietnamese community here in Footscray. Turn right and walk through Byron Plaza for even more food and coffee deliciousness, including burgers, Japanese and seasonal healthy options.

It’s then a hop, skip and a jump along Nicholson Street until you arrive at VU’s Footscray Park Campus!

Walk 2: direct to campus

If you're short on time, this one's for you.

This walk will take you around 14 minutes.

Pushed for time? Or perhaps there’s rain coming, and you forgot an umbrella! This is the most direct walk taking you from Footscray train station to VU’s Footscray Park Campus. But direct doesn’t mean boring!

After exiting the station, head straight down Leeds Street for a coffee on the run (don't forget your reusable coffee cup!), then turn left into Chambers Street and you’ll discover Maddern Square – Footscray’s secret patch of open space. If time allows, get a buzz cut, flick through some records, buy some pizza by the slice, and if you return this way you could even start a bar crawl.

You’ll walk along and feel the liveliness of Nicholson Mall before continuing your journey all the way along Nicholson Street to the campus.

Walk 3: Little Africa & history

Immerse yourself in Little Africa and the history of Footscray.

This walk will take you around 19 minutes.

From the station turn left and chomp into a freshly made hot jam doughnut – but watch out for drips!

Keep heading west along Irving Street until you reach a huge blue mural on the corner of Nicholson and Irving Streets, featuring portraits of local rescue dogs (who's a good boy?!). Turn left and cross the bridge to reach VU’s Nicholson Street Campus, or head right to make your way to Footscray Park Campus.

Welcome to ‘Little Africa’ where you'll find a range of Ethiopian and Somali restaurants, and our community hub – VU at MetroWest – nestled among them. When you reach the large site-specific rock sculptures (Wominjeka Tarnuk Yooroom) turn left along Paisley Street to pass a variety of retail outlets including chemists, banks and bakeries, as well as a major supermarket and retail department store.

Loop back along Barkley Street (which is where to look later in the day for Footscray’s buzzing bar and restaurant scene) and the campus is a quick walk straight up Nicholson Street.