The History of Altona.

Altona has a long history as one of the first suburbs of Melbourne.

Prior to arrival of Europeans, the Altona area was home to Kurung-Jang-Balluk Aboriginal people, of the Woiwurrung clan. It is estimated at the time of European settlement, the local Aborigines numbered just 40.

Altona was first permanently settled in 1842, with the construction of The Homestead by Alfred Langhorne. The homestead was the center of business and local government right up to 1852 when it was handled over to the Altona Historical Society. From 1886 housing in the Altona area was sold, as well as tracts of land used for industry to service the now booming Melbourne township. Most important amongst these was the explosives factory which started production in 1901.

On 20 February 1911 Joseph Hammond flew the first cross country flight between towns in Australia from Altona Bay to Geelong in Victoria , and on 23 February, also at Altona Bay in Victoria, he undertook the first powered passenger flight in Australia.

Coal mining formed the basis of the local economy from 1908 to 1919, however this was brought to an end in 1930 when open cut mining was developed in the Latrobe Valley.

Similar to the rest of Melbourne, following the Second World War Altona embraced a large influx of immigrants, primarily from the Mediterranean, Central Europe and a smaller number from the Middle East.

From 1862 Altona was a town in the Shire of Werribee, but in 1957, Altona itself, as well as Altona North and Altona Meadows, was incorporated, and became the City of Altona in 1968. This was merged into the City of Hobsons Bay in 1994 under local government amalgamations.

The original Homestead is still standing today at 124 Queen St. Altona and can be visited.

More details on the Homestead.