Western Treatment Plant tours

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 with a subject matter expert 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

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

Professionals in Engineering, planning, infrastructure, and innovation.

Days available

Mondays and Fridays

Duration

2 hour with an additional 30 mins for arrival, welcome and departure

Cost

$720 per tour

Group size

15-30 people

More information and the Terms and Conditions are available on the booking page.

Book now

Biodiversity & Conservation Tour

Discover the Western Treatment Plant’s variety of natural habitats with a subject matter expert. Learn how it provides 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

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

Professionals in environmental, conservation or sustainability fields, and education-focused groups.

Days available

Mondays

Duration

2.5 hours arrival, welcome and departure

Cost

$720 per tour

Group size

15-30 people

Please read and understand the Terms and Conditions before making a booking.

Book now

Community Group Tour

Discover the hidden world of Melbourne’s largest sewage treatment plant, without leaving the comfort of the bus.

This guided tour offers a unique look at how wastewater treatment, renewable energy production and environmental conservation come together at one of Victoria’s most important sites.

Led by our knowledgeable Water Literacy Officers, visitors will learn how sewage is transformed into valuable resources through innovative technology and sustainable practices. The tour also includes a visit to a Ramsar‑listed wetland, home to diverse plant and animal life, including several threatened species such as the Orange-bellied Parrot and Growling Grass Frog.

Benefits and learnings

See how Melbourne’s largest sewage treatment plants works and why it plays such an important role in public health and environmental protection.
Follow the journey of wastewater, from arrival on site through to recycled water production, resource recovery and sustainable management.
Learn about clean energy solutions, including methane capture and renewable electricity generation that help power the site.
Explore the permanent wetlands and see the abundant birdlife and biodiversity.
Hear how Melbourne Water protects wildlife, including ongoing monitoring of endangered species and habitat restoration.
Discover the cultural heritage of the area, including the historic township of Cocoroc and the region’s agricultural past

Best suited for

Community groups, Probus groups, seniors' groups, Scouts and young adult groups and Not-for-profit groups.

Days available

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Duration

2 hours arrival, welcome and departure

Cost

$360 per tour

Group size

15-30 people

Please read and understand the Terms and Conditions before making a booking.

Book now

The Future Water Story (tour add on)

Dive into The Future Water Story, an interactive digital simulation that combines cutting-edge technology with critical thinking.

Benefits and learnings

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

Professionals wanting a team building experience, strategic partners, industry leaders, government agencies, and innovation-focused teams seeking a high-impact, educational experience.

Days available

Monday to Friday

Duration

1 hour

Cost

$250 as an additional cost

Group size

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

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