Her body was found in scrub near a shopping centre in Bundoora on Wednesday morning by a passer-by and homicide detectives believe it likely the woman had been on the route 86 tram from Docklands overnight.

"We are treating it as suspicious. It's apparent or it seems that the female has been assaulted," Inspector Andrew Stamper told reporters near the scene.

"It is very early days. We will pursue all lines of inquiry."

The woman is yet to be identified and police have launched an appeal for information.

"We'd like anyone who may have been travelling on the number 86 tram which runs from the city to Bundoora, particularly from the times between 11pm and 1am this morning to (make contact)," Insp Stamper added.

Police are investigating whether it was a random attack and if she was on her way home.

Insp Stamper called on the community to speak up if they had any information.

"We would ask for anyone that may have dashcam footage, CCTV or may have seen anything here that could be a small piece in the jigsaw puzzle to contact Crimestoppers," he said.

Officers are especially keen to speak to anyone driving near the intersection of Plenty Road and Main Drive or the Polaris Shopping Centre between 11pm to 1am.

Police would speak with local residents as part of a "full canvass", Insp Stamper said.

Australian Associated Press