Western Treatment Plant, Werribee - On Melbourne’s doorstep, only 45 minutes from the CBD is the Western Treatment Plant. With over 280 species recorded there, the WTP is often touted as the second- best birdwatching site in Australia- from migratory waders coming from as far afield as Siberia and Alaska, to seabirds, waterfowl and woodland birds, the WTP simply has the lot!

Wicks Reserve, The Basin - Living in Melbourne’s east, we really are spoilt for amazing birdwatching spots, and Wicks reserve is also right up there! Being a small patch of almost remnant bushland, this is definitely a spot not to be overlooked. Rarities and regulars, you’re sure to be in for a surprise.

French Island - Catch the ferry from Stony Point on the Mornington peninsula over to French Island, a remote island an hour and a bit from Melbourne. A haven for many migratory waders and also a variety of other birds, this quiet off grid island is next level birdwatching.

Dandenong Ranges - Covering a huge area in Melbourne’s east, this National Park is home to many iconic birds, none more so than the Lyrebird, high on the list of many international birdwatchers. Colourful parrots and rosellas. This is also the home of the most elusive species of owl, the Sooty Owl.

Birdsland Reserve, Tecoma - Another great birdwatching site hidden in the Dandenongs, Birdsland is a great spot for both waterbirds and woodland species. This is also a spot that Platypus are occasionally encountered.

Warburton - An hour’s drive from the eastern suburbs is the small township of Warburton. Early summer mornings are an absolute monty to see Platypus, the Yarra river is absolutely teeming with them. At night, gliders and owls are often heard calling and during the day the birdlife is brilliant!

Glenfern Valley Bushlands, Upper Ferntree Gully - This gem of a spot, in Upper Ferntree Gully, has the Ferny Creek running through it and abounds with many bird species, most notably a pair of Powerful Owls which have bred there for many years now. Latham’s Snipe, a migratory wader from Japan can often be observed at nearby Gilmour Park retarding basin.

Churchill National Park, Rowville - Another relatively unknown spot is Churchill national park, a remarkably productive spot for woodland birds. Close to the Monash freeway and Eastlink, a hidden gem which has an incredible tally of birds recorded there.

Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, Williamstown - Not far from the CBD is this unique spot, renowned for seabirds, migratory waders, including the Bar-tailed Godwit, as well as a variety of other species this takes some beating when it comes to birdwatching. Keep your eyes skinned, Tiger Snakes are often seen here, a great animal, just observe from a distance, no patting allowed!

Lilydale Lake, Lilydale - This huge ornamental lake has many types of duck and water birds present, with a large shallow wetland area beside the lake attracting many species. Very popular with families with young children, on a warm day it is a very pleasant site to visit. A newly formed colony of Grey-headed Flying fox can also be seen, heard and smelt, no, they’re not that smelly. These important members of the eco-system are super pollinators, without these animals across Australia many eco-systems would collapse, particularly in northern Australia where they congregate in massive numbers.