Birdlife in Werribee and Surrounds

Hundreds of species call this region home, with migratory shorebirds flying from as far as Siberia, Japan and Alaska.

Point Cook Coastal Park and Cheetham Wetlands are one of Australia's most important wetlands. Head to 'The Tower' at the southern end of the Cheetham Wetlands for a 360 degree view, incorporating the wetlands and the Melbourne skyline. There are two significant lakes, Spectacle Lake and RAAF Lake and numerous natural ponds. Spectacle Lake has a bird hide that offers a discreet position.

Western Treatment Plant is among Australia's top bird-watching sites and internationally recognised bird habitats under the Ramsar Convention. The diversity of birdlife is considered second only to Kakadu in Australia, with over 280 recorded species. Birdwatching tours to Western Treatment Plant are available with Firetail Birdwatching Tours. For self-drive visitors, you can apply and pay online for a birdwatching day pass via Melbourne Water's website and collect your key from the Werribee Visitor Information Centre seven days a week.

Please note that public access to the Western Treatment Plant and bird watching is temporarily closed as of 12 August 2026 as a precautionary measure to help minimise the potential spread of H5 bird flu.