Home to Melbourne’s main international airport, Tullamarine is an industrial and residential district on the northwestern outskirts of the Victorian capital. It is believed to have been named after Tullamareena, an elder of the Wurundjeri people, who occupied the area at the time of British settlement. After being subdivided for farming in the mid-19th century, Tullamarine became home to one of Australia’s busiest airports in 1970.
Things to do in Tullamarine
For a retail fix, head to Westfield Airport West, a large shopping mall home to big-name department stores such as Harris Scarfe, Target and Kmart. You can browse the latest fashions at Cotton On and Sportsgirl, shop for accessories at Lovisa or pick up homewares at Schick. Adjacent to the mall’s multi-screen cinema complex is a food court with globally-inspired eateries.
On the edge of Tullamarine is the Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, which features sporting courts, two fitness stations and a ninja warrior course. Kids will love the newly designed playground with its trampolines, sculptural ropes and sensory garden. A walking trail connects the reserve to the Keilor Botanic Gardens, which is dedicated to native flora.
Keen golfers can enjoy a round at the Melbourne Airport Golf Club, which features an 18-hole course with picturesque water features and elevated greens. A highlight is the 17th hole, which lies just below the airport’s flight path. In addition to the course, there are practice nets, a driving fairway and a putting green, plus a convivial clubhouse and a fully-equipped pro shop.
Getting around Tullamarine
Tullamarine is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Melbourne and 10 minutes from the terminal buildings of Melbourne Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Shuttle buses connect to the airport while public buses travel through Tullamarine.