Prior to arrival of Europeans, the Altona area was home to Kurung-Jang-Balluk Aboriginal people, of the Woiwurrung clan.

[8] Following the Second World War Altona received a large influx of immigrants, primarily from the Mediterranean, Central Europe and a smaller number from the Middle East.

Gillard was voted in by the governing Australian Labor Party to replace Kevin Rudd as its leader, making her Australia's 27th Prime Minister.

[11] Altona has many significant parks and gardens, including some important environmental conservation areas and wetlands along the shores of Port Phillip.

The Altona Beach Festival is a free event held annually at the Logan Reserve precinct, (located on the Esplanade and includes the Logan Reserve parklands, part of Pier Street and the Esplanade), to promote and celebrate Hobsons Bay and the western suburbs.

The festival includes a twilight street parade, beach market, double-decker bus tour, professional entertainers, RAAF fly-overs and fireworks off the Altona Pier.

It enjoyed a brief period of heightened prominence in 2002 when it was featured on the Channel 9 travel program Postcards in a segment hosted by Geoff Cox.

Scouts Australia is a major feature of the parade and the many community activities that take place close to the beach front.

The 4th Altona Scout Group are located at the Pines, an old camp owned by the City of Hobsons Bay.

Altona is home to many sporting clubs including Australian rules football, soccer, hockey, basketball, cricket and lacrosse.

[12] The Altona Roosters complete in the Victorian Rugby League, and play home games at Loft Reserve, in neighbouring Newport.

The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, follows the coast through Altona.

Adrian Tantari, Queensland politician,[17] and Lauren Edwards, British Labour Party MP for Rochester and Strood, were born in Altona.