Did you know internationally recognised wetlands are located on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD?

Where else can you be surrounded by beautiful wetlands which are backgrounded by the city skyline? These wetlands are critical eco-systems supporting diverse plant and wildlife communities. Over 150 species of birds have been identified at the Cheetham Wetlands and up to 65,000 migratory waders visit in summer. Sharp-tailed sandpipers fly from Siberia every year, and the endangered swift parrots are making a home here. There are growling grass frogs and the rare Altona Skipper butterfly living in an area with many vegetation types, including mudflats, saltmarsh, creek, eucalypt woodland and grassy areas.

Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Incorporated is a community group that aims to establish a purpose-built centre at the heart of the wetlands by 2025 that will provide opportunities for: 

• Recreation for health and wellbeing
• Education and learning in a natural environment
• Conservation and research programs to care for nature
• Connection with others at an inspiring meeting place.
  

Our community group formed in 2018 and is driven by the knowledge that spending time in nature is vital for health and happiness and also promotes environmentally responsible behaviour. Promoting regular physical exercise has become a public health priority worldwide, and as the population of Melbourne’s west increases, there is a compelling reason for encouraging well-managed access to natural settings such as the vast wetlands in the area.

We are supported by a number of strategic partners and key organisations who, like us, understand the important role played by wetlands.

Join us in creating a valuable community asset where individuals, children and families can enjoy and protect a significant wetlands area.