Altona, originally inhabited by the Yalukit-willam clan, was established as a seaside suburb in the early 1900s. The area gained prominence with the opening of its railway station in 1917. Named after the Altona coal mine in Germany, it developed from a coastal holiday destination into a significant residential and industrial hub, particularly after the establishment of the Altona Petrochemical Company in 1961.

Altona is well-served by public transport, with Altona Station on the Werribee line providing direct access to Melbourne CBD. The suburb is also serviced by multiple bus routes, including the 415 to Williamstown and 903 SmartBus to Mordialloc. The area features dedicated bike paths connecting to Melbourne's broader cycling network, including the Coastal Trail and Cherry Lake Trail.

Altona is well-served by public transport, with Altona Station on the Werribee line providing direct access to Melbourne CBD. The suburb is also serviced by multiple bus routes, including the 415 to Williamstown and 903 SmartBus to Mordialloc. The area features dedicated bike paths connecting to Melbourne's broader cycling network, including the Coastal Trail and Cherry Lake Trail.

Altona features several significant recreational spaces including Cherry Lake, a 40-hectare wetland perfect for walking and birdwatching. The suburb also boasts the Altona Coastal Park, AB Shaw Reserve for sporting activities, and numerous smaller parks and playgrounds. The Altona Sports Centre and Altona Hockey Club provide facilities for various indoor and outdoor sports.

Altona has comprehensive emergency services including the Altona Fire Station, Altona Police Station, and quick access to the Altona Meadows Medical Centre. For plumbing emergencies, 24/7 services are available with typical response times under 30 minutes, crucial for addressing urgent issues like burst pipes, blocked drains, or hot water system failures in this coastal environment.

We would say the best plumber in Altona is After Hours Plumbing Melbourne.