Exploring the Werribee South Beach

These pix were taken on January 25, at the Werribee South Beach, 35 km by road south west from central Melbourne.

They shows the scenery, boat launching ramps, the small beach, the mouth of the Werribee River, and the resident pelicans!

A walking trail extends easterly from the beach towards the site of a vast new high-density housing development.

It is proposed to build a new bridge over the river, to take bike and foot traffic to the western bank, which is at the southern extremity of the recently opened Werribee River Regional Park.

See all of the Photos of my visit, and check out my YouTube video!

Exploring Hastings - Westernport Bay

Hastings is a town about 60 km south of Melbourne, situated on an inlet on Westernport, a major port and important environmental area. Hastings has multiple marinas and is home to many recreational boating activities.

I visited Hastings on Tuesday April 13, 2009, exploring the historical jetty, the boat harbour, and the long walking track on the foreshore.

Many pelicans congregrate near the jetty, waiting for scraps of fish given to them from local fishermen, and the nearby Fresh Fish Shop!

Hastings is the starting point for the 26 km Westernport Walking/Cycling Trail which extends to Balnarring.

Other walking trails starting at Hastings include the Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk, and the trails the nearby Warringine Park.

There were excellent views over the mangroves across the Hastings Bight towards Long Island and Long Point.

I also visited the Yaringa Marina and Boat Harbour, about 5 km to the north of Hastings.

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Tooradin Coast Walk - Westernport Bay

Tooradin is a small settlement about 85 km SE of Melbourne, on the South Gippsland Highway, in the northern part of Westernport Bay.

The Foreshore Reserve includes the Historical Fishermen's Cottage Museum, a picnic ground, car park, boat launching ramp, harbour, a fresh fish shop, and many pelicans!

A commercial operator "Tidemaster Tours" offers cruises on the Bay.

There are good views across the Bay to French Island National Park.

I visited Tooradin on February 28, 2009, meeting the pelicans, on a 2 km walk around the Foreshore.

See the full set of Photos of my trip to meet the pelicans!

The Werribee River Estuary

The Werribee River Estuary is about 30 km from the Melbourne CBD.

The compact outer western suburb of Werribee South is located on the east bank.

The Werribee Park and Open Range Zoo is about 3 km to the north.

A foreshore, small boat harbour, seaplane landing area, and nice beach are the main features. Fishing is popular.

There is a large bird population, including many pelicans.

The (western) opposite bank is out-of-bounds to the public, being part of the large area managed by Melbourne Water. A new National Park is planned for this area, with walking and bike paths to be constructed. This new NP will be reached by a bridge to be built from the eastern foreshore.

I visited the Werribee Estuary on June 4, 2008, on a very foggy day!

See the Photos