Weekdays are low tide: locals-only. But on the weekends, it seems like the whole of the west flows in; a high tide of humans, dogs, cars and kite surfers.
Altona was a revelation when I first arrived. Drawn into new territory when shooting a short film, I slowed my car to the intersection where Millers Road meets the bay and a panorama of glistening blue opened in front of me, broken only by a handful of black swans, lazily sifting seagrass in the morning sun.Luis Enrique Ascuri
Five years after that first visit, my partner and I were drawing a circle around the city as we pondered our next rental. An ad with two crummy photos depicted an old two-bedroom flat with garage for $290 a week, right on the Esplanade, overlooking the beach, pier and park. The first time someone told me they were moving to the western suburbs, I screwed up my nose. Yes, I was a snob. I grew up in the south-east, and my primary association with the west was the stench of the abattoir that used to engulf one end of the West Gate Bridge. Thankfully, the abattoir is now long gone, and after eight years in Altona, my snobbery is dead and buried too. I’m a proud westie.However good you think it might be to live beside the beach, believe me – it’s better.
Altona is an island of contrasts. Weekdays are low tide: locals-only, with a sprinkling of in-the-know tradies looking out to sea as they eat fish and chips. But on weekends and sunny afternoons, it seems like the whole of the west flows in; a high tide of humans, dogs, cars and kite surfers. The otherwise sleepy suburb springs into vibrant, colourful life. Australia Day is a blockbuster, as is Waitangi Day, and any other occasion where Tonga or Samoa win a rugby match.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Distressed’ swimmer disappears at popular holiday beachA search and rescue mission is underway for the lost swimmer.
Read more »
Search resumes for missing swimmer in Byron BayThere are grave fears for a swimmer who went missing at Tallow Beach in Byron Bay yesterday afternoon and is yet to be found.
Read more »
Ice cream sales soar as Sydney swelters in unseasonable heatGelato Messina and Boost Juice were “pumping for hours on end”, as Sydneysiders flocked to the beach to cool down in plus-30 degree temperatures.
Read more »
'We should have gone out in a blaze of glory': What really tore Silverchair apartOne of Australia's biggest rock bands, Silverchair ended with a whimper, not a bang. And so too did their friendships … almost.
Read more »
Ireland great makes history in romp as ex-Wallaby stars in ‘special’ Samoa win: RWC WrapIreland great makes history in romp as ex-Wallaby stars in ‘special’ Samoa win: RWC Wrap
Read more »
Tottenham’s inspirational win caps another great week for PostecoglouTwo late goals kept Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season in tact, as the legend of their Aussie coach continues to grow.
Read more »