Event details
Get ready, Melbourne! Water WonderFest is here,and you're invited to this celebration of water, science, nature, and community. Join us on Sunday, 9 November from 10am-4pm at the Western Treatment Plant for a day packed with discovery, fun, and connection.
From a Welcome to Country by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, to behind-the-scenes bus tours and birdwatching in world-renowned wetlands, to digital games, historical walks, and kids’ entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're a curious explorer, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun free day out with the family, Water WonderFest is your chance to experience the wonder of water like never before.
Tickets are free, but spots are limited, so book yours now and be part of the day.
Tickets
General admission tickets are required for entry and will be checked at the gate. If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, please cancel your booking so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
Bus tour tickets are booked separately from your General admission ticket to Water WonderFest. There are a three different options to choose from.
Reserve your seat on our bus tours
We offer two exciting tour options – the Wonderful World of Water Tour or the Birds of the Wetlands Tour - or feel free to skip the tours this time and simply soak up the fun on site!
Wonderful World of Water Tour
Hop aboard for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes journey through the Western Treatment Plant - a place where science, sustainability, and nature come together in amazing ways.
Choose your adventure:
- 1 hour express tour. Perfect for families with young children, this shorter experience offers a fascinating glimpse into our treatment ponds and the magic of the water cycle.
- 2 hour deep dive. For those eager to explore further, this extended tour takes you deeper into the site, uncovering hidden conservation zones and the incredible biodiversity that calls this place home.
| Bus | Tour time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10.00am – 12.00pm (2 hour deep dive) |
| 2 | 10.30am – 11.30am (1 hour express tour) |
| 3 | 11.45am – 1.45pm (2 hour deep dive) |
| 4 | 12.15pm – 1.15pm (1 hour express tour) |
| Break | |
| 5 | 1.50pm – 3.50pm (2 hour deep dive) |
| 6 | 2.20pm – 3.20pm (1 hour express tour) |
Capacity is 55 people per bus tour.
These tours are not recommended for children under 5 years old.
Tickets are limited at 4 per transaction.
Birds of the Wetlands Tour
Whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or a weekend backyard bird watcher, this tour is for you. Explore one of Australia’s top birding hotspots, the Ramsar-listed wetlands of the Western Treatment Plant. Home to hundreds of bird species and vital conservation zones, this thriving habitat is sustained year-round by recycled water from the site, making it a sanctuary for wildlife in a changing climate.
| Bus | Tour time | Tour lead |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10.30am – 12.30pm | Melbourne Water expert |
| 2 | 11.30am – 1.30am | BirdLife Australia expert |
| 3 | 1.00pm – 3.00pm | Melbourne Water expert |
Capacity is 22 people per tour.
These tours are not recommended for children under 7 years old.
Tickets are limited at 4 per transaction.
On the day
Community Hub Members
We’re excited to welcome our Community Hub members who will be joining us to share their knowledge, passion, and activities throughout the day. Meet representatives from:
- Melbourne Water’s Waterwatch team
- Werribee River Association
- NatureWest
- The Nature Conservancy
- Victorian Wader Study Group
- BirdLife Australia
Your can also chat with a Melbourne Water representative about exciting career pathways, through apprenticeships and traineeships. This is perfect for students curious about working in water, natural resource management and civil construction.
Food and drink
Bring your own snacks or treat yourself to a tasty selection on-site:
- The Point Cook Lions Club’s famous sausage sizzle, raising funds for the local community
- A coffee truck serving up hot drinks and delicious toasted sandwiches
- An ice-cream van offering gelati and soft serve
- Greater Western Water’s water trailer - perfect for topping up your drink bottle
In the spirit of Water WonderFest, we encourage you to bring your reusable keep cups and drink bottles to help us celebrate sustainably
Getting there
- Free Shuttle from Werribee – no booking needed
-
To make your visit easy and stress-free, we’re offering a complimentary shuttle service between Werribee Railway Station and the WTP site. Shuttles will depart every 20 minutes from 9.30am, starting from the Old V-Line Pick-Up Area at:
- Werribee Railway Station
-
Comben Drive, Werribee, VIC 3030 (Melway Ref: 205 J8)
Full shuttle times will be listed in the Event Guide, available here from October 23
- By car
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A small number of parking spots will be available onsite. Event staff will direct you upon arrival at the first gate. Please have your electronic ticket ready to present
Prepare for your visit
Our full event guide and site map will be available to download from 23 October. It includes all activity timetables and a detailed layout of the site - everything you need to make the most of your Water WonderFest experience.
- Safety
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The Western Treatment Plant is an amazing place, and it's also an operational site. We ask that when you visit you come prepared.
- Required Clothing
-
All visitors must wear:
Flat, enclosed shoes (no sandals or thongs)
Shoes with heels are not recommended. If you are booked in to the Birds of the Wetlands Tour and are not dressed appropriately, you will not be able to hop off the bus during the tour.
And if you are booked on one of the bus tours around the site:
Long pants Long-sleeved top
- Weather
-
Melbourne weather can change quickly, so come prepared! If conditions are determined to be extreme on the day, the event may be cancelled for safety. We will communicate any cancellation via Melbourne Water’s social media pages.
- What to bring
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We recommend packing:
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen (also available at the Education Centre on the day)
- Jacket or raincoat
- Umbrella
- Child safety
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Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times during the event. To help reunite families quickly if someone gets lost, Melbourne Water staff will be easily recognisable with fluorescent vests to assist.
- Animals
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No pets are allowed during this event, however please email us at [email protected] if you require an assistance animal on site.
- Photography and filming
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By attending this Melbourne Water event, participants understand and agree that they may be photographed, filmed and/or recorded at this event, and that these assets may be used in Melbourne Water publications and promotional materials. Melbourne Water uses consent forms to obtain permission for close up imagery of adults and children, however, please note crowd photography and filming may also be taking place.
If attendees DO NOT wish their images to be used, please talk to our friendly photographer/videographer or a Melbourne Water staff member on site. Please note our photographer/videographer will always carry identification.
We’d love you to share your own photos of Water WonderFest to our Facebook or Instagram! Tag us at #WaterWonderFest. We can't wait to welcome you to Water WonderFest at the Western Treatment Plant soon!