Book a guided tour to the Western Treatment Plant and let our experienced guides take you on a journey through one of Victoria’s most unlikely hidden treasures.
Just 40 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, you can take a tour to explore the Western Treatment Plant, a world-leader in environmentally-conscious sewage treatment. Roughly the size of Phillip Island, the Western Treatment Plant is home to more than just sewage treatment facilities. It is also a working farm and an internationally RAMSAR-recognised bird habitat. Here, agriculture and biodiversity meet resource recovery, education, and ecotourism, supporting Melbourne’s renowned liveability.
Systems & Innovation Tour
Discover how Melbourne Water is redefining wastewater management through cutting-edge technology and innovative sustainable practices.
Participants will tour key sites across the Western Treatment Plant to learn more about how the plant is a vital part of the circular economy, turning waste into valuable resources and Melbourne Water’s path to Net Zero.
- Benefits and learnings
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- Gain unique insights into innovative initiatives such as co-digestion for biogas generation, and biosolids reuse,
- Learn about the cutting-edge 5 West Nutrient Removal Plant (NRP), a key part of the treatment process that enhances efficiency, reduces nitrogen discharge to protect Port Phillip Bay, and generates renewable energy,
- Discover the site’s rich history, its role as a working farm, and its internationally recognised wetland habitat all while seeing firsthand how innovation and sustainability are embedded in every aspect of operations.
- Best suited for
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Professionals in Engineering, planning, infrastructure, and innovation.
- Days available
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Mondays and Fridays
- Duration
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2 hour with an additional 30 mins for arrival, welcome and departure
- Cost
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$720 per tour
- Group size
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15-30 people
More information and the Terms and Conditions are available on the booking page.
Book the Systems & Innovations Tour
Biodiversity & Conservation Tour
Discover the Western Treatment Plant’s variety of natural habitats that provide a refuge for wildlife, including some of the world’s rarest bird and frog species, such as the critically-endangered Orange-bellied Parrot and Growling Grass Frog.
As a Ramsar listed wetland of international significance since 1983, the Western Treatment Plant plays a vital role in supporting regional biodiversity through its unique flora and fauna. More than 300 bird species have been recorded at the plant, attracted to the water and food in its permanent wetlands, making it one of Australia’s best places for birdwatching.
- Benefits and learnings
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- Gain insights into Melbourne Water’s world class adaptive environmental management practices to support and enhance biodiversity across the site
- Learn about the world renowned water recycling process that sustains permanent wetlands and supports ecological health supports this permanent wetland
- Explore the rich cultural heritage of the site and visit to the historic township of Cocoroc and learn about the agricultural practices of the area
- Learn how Melbourne Water conducts species monitoring across the site
- Understand more about the management for pest species onsite that protect native flora and fauna.
- Best suited for
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Professionals in environmental, conservation or sustainability fields, and education-focused groups.
- Days available
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Mondays
- Duration
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2.5 hours arrival, welcome and departure
- Cost
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$720 per tour
- Group size
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15-30 people
More information and the Terms and Conditions are available on the booking page.
Book the Biodiversity & Conservation Tour
The Future Water Story
Dive into The Future Water Story, an interactive digital simulation that combines cutting-edge technology with critical thinking.
- Benefits and learnings
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- You will learn about the vital role water plays in supporting life and liveability and understand more about the how the choices we make today impact on our future
- You will learn how to navigate complex urban planning scenarios including the development of alternate water sources
- You will learn how to collaborate with other teams to make decisions about infrastructure, and sustainability
- Work together to build a resilient, city of the future
- Best suited for
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Professionals wanting a team building experience, strategic partners, industry leaders, government agencies, and innovation-focused teams seeking a high-impact, educational experience.
- Days available
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Mondays and Fridays
- Duration
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1 hour
- Cost
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$250 as an additional cost
- Group size
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15-30 people
This option is available as an add on once you book one of the above tours.
Western Treatment Plant Webinar
Let our experienced educators take inside one of Melbourne’s most fascinating sites, without leaving your desk!
Explore the Western Treatment Plant and its internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands through an interactive virtual experience.
- What you’ll discover
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- How sewage is transformed into reusable resources
- Learn about Acts and/or Conventions related to the management and sustainability of the site, including the Ramsar Convention
- Rare wildlife and wetlands that attract over 300 bird species
- The history, biodiversity, and sustainability strategies that make this site world-class
- Your experience includes
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- Live Q&A with expert educators
- A guided look at the treatment process, from inlet to reuse
- Virtual birdwatching in Ramsar-listed wetlands
- Duration
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New accordion content
- Group size
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60-90 minutes
- Cost
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$150
Register your interest in a Western Treatment Plant Webinar
Looking for something else?
Please register your interest if you would like to request a different tour.
