Bird Watching and Fishing
Access to Western Treatment Plant for Bird Watching or Fishing
Access to Melbourne Water's Western Treatment Plant for bird watching or fishing is available between 6.30am and 9pm, seven days a week and is by permit only.
The cost of a bird watching permit is $20 for a two year permit. An access key is available to all bird watching permit holders for a refundable deposit of $50.
The cost of a fishing permit is $20 for a two year permit. An access key is only available to fishing permit holders who have restricted mobility due to medical reasons. The access key will be issued on receipt of a medical certificate and a refundable deposit of $50.
Applications can be obtained by telephoning Melbourne Water's enquiry centre on 131 722 between 8am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday.
Once an application form is processed, a permit and a detailed map of either the Western Treatment Plant bird watching access areas or the fishing access areas will be mailed to you. Please allow five working days for processing of the application. Alternatively permits can be issued over the counter at our Brooklyn Office located at 89 Millers Road, Brooklyn between 9am and 4pm.
Please note that Bird Watching permit holders must notify the Enquiry Centre on 131 722 to register each intended visit of the Western Treatment Plant, for reasons of public safety.
The relevant application packs can be downloaded below, please complete all parts and then return it to:
Melbourne Water
Operations
PO Box 512
Altona North Vic 3025
- Bird Watching Application pack (Zip file, 375kb)
- Fishing Application pack (Zip file, 622kb)
Please note: The permit system allows for a car (driver plus four passengers) to enter the plant. It does not allow for large groups to be taken through the plant. Larger tours should be organised through the Education team.
Downloads
- Bird Watching Pack (Zip file, 375kb)
- Fishing Pack (Zip file, 622kb)