Western Treatment Plant: Tertiary/Tafe Tour

Covering an area roughly the size of Phillip Island, the Western Treatment Plant is far more than a vital piece of Melbourne’s infrastructure. It operates as a working farm, a global leader in water recycling and resource recovery, and a Ramsar‑listed wetland of international importance for biodiversity.

Choose from one of the two tour options below to suit your area of study or interest.

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Tour option 1: Systems and Innovation Tour

Explore the Plant by bus and understand how Melbourne Water is transforming wastewater into valuable resources through innovation, technology, and sustainable design.

Learning outcomes

Students will:

• Understand how Melbourne’s largest sewage treatment plant operates
• Observe the process of sewage treatment, from when sewage enters the plant to its treatment and reuse or release
• Identify clean energy and resource recovery technologies used onsite
• Find out about methane capture, renewable energy production and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of different energy technologies used at the plant

Ideal for students studying:
Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, systems thinking, infrastructure, renewable energy, or circular economy models

Tour option 2: Biodiversity and Conservation Tour

Discover one of Victoria’s most important and unexpected conservation sites, home to diverse ecosystems and rare wildlife.

As a Ramsar‑listed wetland since 1983, the Western Treatment Plant supports more than 300 bird species and provides refuge for endangered wildlife, including the Orange‑bellied Parrot and Growling Grass Frog.

Learning outcomes

Students will:

• Explore how recycled water sustains permanent wetlands and ecological health
• Learn about world‑class adaptive environmental management practices
• Understand how Melbourne Water monitors and protects threatened species
• Learn about weed and pest management strategies that protect native flora and fauna
• 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 

Ideal for students studying:

Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation, Biodiversity, Land Management or Agriculture

Prepare for your visit

Before your visit, read the following information and complete our venue and safety form before you arrive. 

All tours will be cancelled on days of very poor or hazardous air quality and/ or on days of a Total Fire Ban.

Cost 

$360 per group

Group size

Maximum of 25 students per group, and two groups maximum per session.

Duration

2.5 hours arrival, welcome and departure

Safety

We are committed to the safety of all visitors to our sites. When visiting our tour sites, we ask that you strictly follow these safety rules at all times: 

• wear long pants/trousers
• wear long-sleeved tops
• wear closed-toe, flat-soled shoes – sandals and thongs are not permitted on site 
• stay with your tour guide at all times 
• while on tour do not climb on or over railings 
• do not touch any machinery or equipment 
• do not run. 

The Western Treatment Plant treats sewage, which contains many micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites. When visiting the plant: 

• avoid contact with sewage and sewage-related products wash your hands before leaving the plant or eating 
• do not eat or drink during the tour 
• wash any contaminated clothing separately to your normal washing 
• cover any open wounds, and report any minor cuts or abrasions that occur while onsite to Melbourne Water 
• wear appropriate clothing for all weather conditions as activities are conducted outdoors. 

Student supervision and discipline is the school’s responsibility, and teachers and adults accompanying school groups should actively supervise students at all times. 

We reserve the right to cancel a booked tour and ask individuals or groups to leave the site immediately if any action or behaviour is unsafe. 

Venue and safety form

Download and return a signed copy of the form when you arrive for your tour.

Child Safe Standards

We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and providing a child-safe environment in line with our Child Safe Policy (52.21 KB, DOCX). All our Education Officers and Interpretation Officers have the relevant legal requirements (Working With Children Check or Victorian Institute of Teaching registration). 

How to get there

The address for the Western Treatment Plant is Metropolitan Farm Rd, Cocoroc VIC 3030

View our location on Google maps

By car or bus

​Travel outbound 30 km on the Westgate freeway/M1 towards Geelong, take the second C109 exit off to Werribee after you have passed the Werribee Open Range Zoo and Werribee River. Once you exit turn left and enter at the William Thwaite's​ Drive gate. Follow the signs to drive to the Education and Cultural Precinct.