Nature and outdoors – Melbourne's west

Parks and gardens
Melbourne's west has a diverse collection of parks and gardens, offering everything from manicured ornamental gardens and sculpture walks to bush parks with extensive walking trails. Explore the coastal parklands that dot the landscape from Williamstown to Werribee.

Bird watching
The inner western shores of Port Phillip Bay are a haven for migrating water-birds that come from as far away as Siberia to roost in the coastal saltmarsh wetlands of the region. See hundreds of species at bird watching spots including Jawbone Reserve in Williamstown, Cheetham Wetlands and Lake Borrie at Werribee.

Beaches
Werribee South had a bay beach that is popular for boating, with an all-weather, all-tide, multi-lane launch ramp and jetty. There is a power ski ramp and zone nearby, and also a playground, reserve and barbecue facilities.

Altona has a bay swimming beach with a special ‘no-boat’ zone and the opportunity for many water-based recreational activities. Nearby are boating and yachting facilities (including a six-lane boat ramp), jetties, barbecues and playgrounds.
Swimming beaches can also be found at Point Cook Coastal Parka and Williamstown.

Cycling
Cycle the Maribyrnong River Trail which runs from Yarraville all the way to Brimbank Park and beyond. Or take the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail from Newport to the Cheetham Wetlands.