Altona Meadows, located approximately 17 kilometres south-west of Melbourne's Central Business District, is a suburb within the City of Hobsons Bay local government area. According to the 2021 Census, it has a population of 18,479 residents.
The suburb's demographic profile is diverse. While 59.2% of residents were born in Australia, significant communities originate from India (4.2%), England (2.6%), Malta (2.5%), Vietnam (2.3%), and the Philippines (2.1%). Languages spoken at home reflect this diversity, with 59.6% speaking only English, followed by Arabic (3.0%), Vietnamese (3.0%), Maltese (2.7%), Greek (2.5%), and Italian (2.4%). Religious affiliations include Catholicism (31.1%), and a notable portion (24.4%) reporting no religion.
Public transportation in Altona Meadows is well-developed, offering several bus routes that connect residents to key destinations. Route 411 links Laverton Station to Footscray via Altona Meadows and Altona, providing access to Melbourne's central areas. Other routes, such as 415 and 496, connect Laverton Station to Williamstown and Sanctuary Lakes, facilitating movement across the western suburbs. Additionally, Route 944, a night bus service, runs from the city to Point Cook, enhancing connectivity during late hours.
The suburb hosts essential establishments catering to daily needs. Central Square Shopping Centre serves as a central retail hub, offering a variety of shops and services. For healthcare, residents have access to nearby facilities, including the Altona Meadows Medical Centre and the Hobsons Bay Health Centre, ensuring comprehensive medical services are within reach.
Recreational opportunities abound in Altona Meadows. The suburb has several parks, such as Truganina Park and the 100 Steps of Federation, providing green spaces for outdoor activities. The Cheetham Wetlands, located partly within Altona Meadows, is a large park with numerous boardwalks traversing its network of lagoons, attracting walkers and birdwatchers alike.
Altona Meadows' combination of cultural diversity, accessible public transport, essential services, and recreational facilities contributes to its appeal as a residential suburb within Melbourne's western region.