Meet the Western Treatment Plant, a place of historic and cultural significance. It sustainably treats half of Melbourne’s sewage, and doubles as a thriving ecosystem with an internationally recognised bird habitat. Discover more about this world-class ecosystem in Melbourne's western suburbs.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to social distancing practices we have closed the birdwatching areas and are unable to provide our regular tours at the Western Treatment Plant. Check out our guided virtual excursions and webinars to the Western Treatment Plant using our virtual tour.
Browse our Learning resources and tours and search by curriculum area or age level for tools and activities that can be delivered online.
Get to know us
Roughly the size of Phillip Island, the Western Treatment Plant has evolved as Melbourne has grown to become a world leader in environmentally friendly sewage treatment.
It's located in Werribee, half an hour from the city, just off the Princes Freeway.
Watch this video for an overview about the Western Treatment Plant:
Sewage treatment process
Read about the sewage treatment process for the Western Treatment Plant, the first in Victoria to produce Class A recycled water: the highest standard.
Much more than a 'poo farm'
Did you know the sewage treatment facilities make up a small portion of the vast site? The Western Treatment Plant is home to some of the most rare frog species in the world, and was declared an internationally significant wetland for waterfowl in 1983 under the Ramsar Convention.
Discover the variety of natural habitats, which together support diverse plant, animal and reptile species — some that are critically endangered.
Western Treatment Plant
birdwatching
History and culture
Learn more about the site's important indigenous and European cultural heritage values. Discover places of Indigenous spiritual significance and the historic township of Cocoroc.
Take a tour
Want to know more? Check out our new virtual tour, and visit the Western Treatment Plant wherever you are. Due to social distancing practices we are currently unable to provide our regular in-person tours to Western Treatment Plant, but are now offering free guided virtual excursions and webinars for students.
Western Treatment Plant
virtual tour
Guided virtual excursions
and webinars
Improvements for the environment
An Environmental Improvement Plan has been carefully drafted to describe how Melbourne Water uses various processes to provide continuous improvement in environmental management at the Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP) located in Bangholme and the Western Treatment Plant (WTP) located in Werribee.
This plan defines the key high priority actions Melbourne Water is pursuing to achieve its various environmental goals.
If you have any queries on the plan, please contact the Customer Service Centre.
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Recycled water
Discover how highly treated wastewater can be recycled for non-drinking purposes, an important resource as we secure Melbourne's water supply for the future.
Biosolids
Learn about this nutrient-rich material resulting from the sewage treatment process, and how we're reusing it to make the most of this resource.
Upgraded biogas covers deliver more renewable power at Western Treatment Plant
Did you know the Western Treatment Plant produces biogas to power the site?