The west of Melbourne is stepping into the spotlight with the launch of Love Westside, a new digital tourism platform designed to highlight the region’s attractions, dining, and events. Created by Western Melbourne Tourism in partnership with ROAM, an award-winning technology developer, the site delivers an interactive and user-friendly guide for both locals and visitors.
For years, Melbourne’s west has been underappreciated compared to the city’s central and eastern districts. With Love Westside, the western suburbs finally gain a unified platform that showcases their cultural diversity, rich history, and natural beauty.
A Gateway to Melbourne’s Western Suburbs
The Love Westside website is built around accessibility and ease of navigation. Visitors can explore interactive maps, curated content, and practical travel advice. Whether arriving by train, ferry, car, or bicycle, the platform provides detailed transport guidance to make planning smoother.
Instead of just serving as inspiration, Love Westside offers practical tools to help plan trips. Users can find recommendations for activities, dining, accommodation, and events, turning the platform into a complete travel companion.
Six Sub-Regions, Six Unique Identities
One of the platform’s strengths lies in its focus on the six western municipalities: Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Melton, and Wyndham. Each area features unique attractions and cultural highlights.
- Brimbank blends community hubs with historical landmarks and expansive parks.
- Hobsons Bay offers waterfront dining and scenic coastal walks.
- Maribyrnong combines shopping, riverside dining, and entertainment.
- Moonee Valley delivers urban charm alongside family-friendly experiences.
- Melton showcases wineries, gardens, and outdoor adventures.
- Wyndham boasts iconic attractions such as the Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Park Mansion, and Scienceworks.
The website presents each region through engaging content, giving travellers a clear sense of what to expect while uncovering hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Elevating Melbourne’s West as a Destination
Western Melbourne Tourism chairperson Scott Chapman highlighted that Love Westside gives the region the recognition it deserves. He emphasized that Melbourne’s west holds some of the city’s most important attractions, including the newly launched Elephant Trail at Werribee Zoo and cultural institutions like Scienceworks.
Alongside these major attractions, Love Westside also celebrates the multicultural food scene, vibrant local markets, and diverse community events. From outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries, the site paints Melbourne’s west as a must-visit destination.
Promoting Nature and Open Spaces
Beyond iconic landmarks, Love Westside also draws attention to the natural beauty of the western suburbs. Parks, gardens, and river trails appear prominently across the platform, giving nature enthusiasts plenty of inspiration.
The west is home to unique outdoor experiences that balance the energy of urban life. Families, couples, and solo travellers alike can discover spaces that invite exploration, relaxation, and adventure.
Building a Unified Brand Story
Until now, Melbourne’s west lacked a unified tourism identity. Each suburb had its own highlights, but there was no collective platform that tied them together. Love Westside changes that.
Richard Ponsford, executive officer of Western Melbourne Tourism, explained that the platform offers the first coordinated showcase of the region. It acts as both a visitor guide and a marketing tool, supporting tourism growth, attracting investment, and giving small businesses increased exposure.
By presenting Melbourne’s west as a diverse, vibrant, and evolving destination, Love Westside helps shape a stronger regional identity, boosting both community pride and visitor awareness.
More Than a Visitor Guide
Love Westside is not just for travellers from outside the region. The platform also speaks to locals, encouraging them to explore their own backyard. With listings for dining, shopping, events, and leisure activities, it offers residents new ways to experience familiar places and uncover hidden treasures.
The site highlights seasonal events, including food festivals, live music, and cultural celebrations. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone wanting to stay connected with what’s happening in their community.
Supporting Local Businesses and Tourism Growth
One of Love Westside’s most significant impacts will be its role in supporting small businesses. Restaurants, cafés, markets, and boutique stores benefit from visibility on the platform, reaching new audiences and boosting local economies.
By encouraging both day trips and extended stays, the platform also strengthens the visitor economy. Hotels, tour operators, and cultural venues all stand to gain from the increased exposure that Love Westside provides.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of Love Westside is just the beginning. Western Melbourne Tourism plans to evolve the platform with new features and expanded collaborations. Potential partnerships with local businesses, cultural institutions, and event organizers could further strengthen its reach.
The long-term goal is clear: to position Melbourne’s west as a dynamic, multicultural, and unmissable tourism destination. As the platform grows, so too will the visibility and recognition of the western suburbs.
Final Thoughts
The Love Westside tourism platform marks a turning point for Melbourne’s western suburbs. With its user-friendly design, regional focus, and strong storytelling, it gives the west a much-needed voice in the tourism market.
From major attractions like the Werribee Zoo to hidden gems in local neighbourhoods, the platform highlights the full spectrum of experiences the region has to offer. For visitors, it is an essential guide. For locals, it is an invitation to rediscover their community. For Melbourne’s west, it is a launchpad into the future of tourism.
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