When you think of Melbourne's west, you might initially call to mind a series of modern, industrial images; a far cry from the gentle, ancient Chinese religion of Taoism. It may come as something of a shock, then, to learn that Footscray is in fact home to Australia's largest Taoist temple.
Heavenly Queen Temple comprises a series of traditional Chinese red-brick buildings with striking golden rooftops, situated along the Maribyrnong River. Various elements have been completed and opened to the public over recent years, though construction wasn't entirely finished until 2020.
The site features a breathtaking 16-metre-high statue of Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, plus an ornate entrance gate, Chinese gardens and the main temple. There's also a drum tower and a bell tower, an exhibition and conference centre and a traditional Chinese tea house and restaurant. While it's first and foremost a place of worship, visitors and tourists are welcome.
Image: Jay Hynes Photography