Roughly the size of Phillip Island, the Western Treatment Plant provides a haven for tens of thousands of birds, thanks to ample water and a variety of landforms and plants.
The world-class sewage treatment facilities are only a fraction of the site, with vast lagoons home to nearly 300 bird species – some of which travel all the way from Siberia.
The Western Treatment Plant is recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, and as one of Australia’s best birdwatching sites.
Species include the Orange-bellied Parrot, Brolga, Pied Cormorant and rare shorebird species.
Fancy seeing some of these species in person?
Book a Guided Birdwatching Tour
There are two licensed birdwatching tour operators for the Western Treatment Plant – Melbourne Birding Tours (Peregrine Tours) and Firetail Birdwatching Tours including options tailored to your interest and experience.
Self-guided Access (Birdwatching Access Permit)
To birdwatch at the plant outside of a guided tour you’ll need to apply for birdwatching access permit. You will also need to have access to a car to reach these vast sites.
Once approved, you will complete an online induction and be able to access incredible birdwatching areas, with short term access key collection from Werribee Visitor Information Centre.
The Western Treatment Plant also run a range of in-person and virtual tours of their facilities for schools and groups with bookings required.
Photos courtesy of Melbourne Water.
