Attractions - Natural

Williamstown - Altona Coastal Parklands

The inner western shores of Port Phillip Bay from Williamstown to Altona retain large pockets of the original coastal landscape, and are an environmental delight for visitors.

A highlight of the coastline are two large conservation reserves, Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve and Altona Coastal Park, which are both easily accessible for walkers and cyclists along the Bay Trail, and offer visitors a glimpse of how the coast looked before European settlement.

The entire coastal area between Williamstown and Werribee is a haven for wading birds, and is nationally significant as a migratory bird roosting site. Many of the wonderful saltmarsh wetlands in the region are protected under an international treaty for wetlands of significance. Water birds migrate annually from as far away as Siberia and China, and can be viewed at Jawbone Reserve, Altona Coastal Park, Cherry Lake, Truganina Park, Cheetham Wetlands, and Lake Borrie at Werribee.

The area is well serviced with cafes, restaurants, picnic and barbeque facilities, bicycle trails, great family beaches at Williamstown and Altona, and is perfect for a day of exploring.

For more information on Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve and Cheetham Wetlands, visit the Parks Victoria website.

Maps for touring by car or bicycle are available from the Williamstown or Werribee Visitor Information Centres.

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