West Melbourne and Beyond

Cheetham Wetlands Point Cook

Cheetham Wetlands is a significant and ecologically rich wetland area located in Point Cook, southwest of Melbourne's central business district. It's a valuable area for both its cultural heritage and its biodiversity, particularly as a habitat for various bird species. Relatively unknown this is an easily accessible wildlife area particularly for those living in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.

Cheetham Wetlands is a haven for birdwatchers. The area provides habitat for over 200 bird species, including several migratory species that travel thousands of kilometers from countries like China and Japan. Some of the bird species you might encounter include pelicans, galahs, wattlebirds, osprey and various species of ducks, waders, and raptors.

If you have a camera with any substantial telephoto lens I'd suggest you take it with you as there are great photographic opportunities and the birdlife is pretty consistent unlike most areas. On this particular trip we were lucky enough to encounter a few osprey and the ubiquitous galah and wattlebirds.

There are walking tracks throughout the wetlands, which make it a perfect place for a stroll or for birdwatching. Viewing platforms and hides have been set up in various places to allow visitors to observe wildlife without disturbing them. Bring binoculars! The area is a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Given its size, spending a few hours in Cheetham Wetlands is usually sufficient for most visitors. You can comfortably explore the primary tracks and enjoy the serenity in this timeframe.

Given the sensitivity of the wetland ecosystem, always stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

While Cheetham Wetlands might not offer challenging hikes, it does provide a peaceful nature escape and a chance to appreciate the diverse birdlife and landscapes unique to wetland ecosystems. It's a wonderful place for relaxation, reflection, and connecting with nature. This is a surprsingly beautiful area and you get some nice and different panoramic views looking towards Melbourne that you will not find in any other location in Melbourne.

Cheetham Wetlands Point Cook Observation Tower — Image: West Melbourne and Beyond. Observation Tower.

A walk to the Cheetham Wetlands Observation Tower is kind of a necessity. The views from the tower are nice and the tower is designed to be easily accessible for all level of walking ability.

Location

Cheetham Wetlands is about 37km, or a 1:15 drive from Melbourne CBD. The wetlands are easily accessible, and there's a car park at the main entrance. The Point Cook Coastal Park and the Point Cook Marine Sanctuary are located nearby, making the entire area a great spot for nature lovers.