Discover where history, nature and innovation meet
A tour of Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant offers students the chance to explore one of Victoria’s most fascinating hidden landscapes, where massive infrastructure, internationally significant wetlands and more than a century of history exist side by side.
Set across a vast environment in Werribee, the site brings Melbourne’s water story to life. Students can experience how wastewater is transformed, resources are recovered, renewable energy is generated and protected ecosystems thrive, all within one extraordinary location.
From large-scale treatment operations to thriving bird habitats, the Western Treatment Plant offers an unforgettable opportunity to see how engineering, sustainability and environmental conservation can work together in the real world.
A site shaped by history
Established in the 1890s, the Western Treatment Plant has been essential to Melbourne’s public health and development.
Students can also discover the story of nearby Cocoroc, a purpose-built township established for workers and their families. This unique piece of Melbourne’s heritage offers a rare glimpse into how communities once lived and worked to maintain one of the city’s most essential services.
A tour of the Plant and the township reveal how water infrastructure helped shape modern Melbourne.
Featured excursion experience | Future Water Story
Step inside the reimagined Cocoroc Town Hall for a truly unique, interactive learning experience - where students work collaboratively to shape the future of a fictional community.
Through gamified decision-making, immersive technology and systems thinking, students tackle real-world challenges around water security, sustainability and urban growth before touring the Western Treatment Plant to see these concepts in action.
Internationally recognised wetlands
Beyond its engineering significance, the Western Treatment Plant is also home to Ramsar-listed wetlands of global environmental importance.
These wetlands provide vital habitat for thousands of migratory birds, native wildlife and diverse ecosystems, making it a living example of how water treatment processes support both urban communities and thriving natural environments.
Featured excursion experience | Virtual Tour of Western Treatment Plant
Can’t get away from school? Bring the Western Treatment Plant directly into the classroom through an engaging digital excursion experience.
Ideal for schools unable to visit in person, the Virtual Tour gives students access to infrastructure, wetlands and sustainability learning through immersive online exploration guided by Melbourne Water educators.
Excursion experiences at Werribee Western Treatment Plant
Each excursion offers immersive, real-world learning experiences.
Depending on the program, students may:
• Tour large-scale wastewater treatment operations
• Discover how water is recycled and resources recovered
• Explore renewable energy generation from sewage
• Observe Ramsar-listed wetlands and wildlife habitats
• Investigate sustainability challenges facing growing cities
• Learn how Melbourne manages water for the future
From primary school discovery to advanced VCE studies and higher education, each excursion combines hands-on experiences, critical thinking and unforgettable site experiences that go far beyond the classroom.
Plan your excursion
Excursions to the Werribee Western Treatment Plant offer meaningful learning experiences for a variety of ages and curriculums.
Select the excursion package you’re interested in to learn more. Available excursions:
- The Water Cycle and Sustainability in Action (Years 3 – 4)
- The Future Water Story
- A Circular Economy from Sewage to Sustainability (VCE)
- Waste, Water and Wildlife (Tertiary/TAFE)
These links will take you to Melbourne Water’s Teacher Toolbox.
Each excursion page provides detailed information on the excursion program, including curriculum links, program structure and practical planning resources. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
