Western Treatment Plant: Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Explore the Western Treatment Plant and discover how humans have understood and interacted with this environment. Learn about the sustainable use and management of the whole site, from sewage treatment to the Ramsar listed wetlands.

Book now

Learning outcomes

• Learn about the impact of changing human lifestyles on outdoor environments
• Describe the characteristics of different outdoor environments - wetlands, grasslands, coastal and marine
• Find out about identification and management of threatened species
• Encounter career opportunities in outdoor environments
• Learn how environmental research informs and guides sustainable management

Student activities

• Explore the sewage treatment plant by bus
• Observe the process of sewage treatment, from when sewage enters the plant to its treatment and reuse or release
• Explore the Ramsar listed wetlands and observe the flora and fauna
• Complete logbook recordings and observation

Prepare for your visit

Before your visit, read the following information and complete our venue and safety form before you arrive.

All tours will be cancelled on days of very poor or hazardous air quality and/ or total fire ban days.

Safety

We are committed to the safety of all visitors to our sites. When visiting our tour sites, we ask that you strictly follow these safety rules at all times: 

• wear long pants/trousers 
• wear long-sleeved tops
• wear closed-toe, flat-soled shoes – sandals and thongs are not permitted on site 
• stay with your tour guide at all times 
• while on tour do not climb on or over railings 
• do not touch any machinery or equipment 
• do not run. 

The Western Treatment Plant treats sewage, which contains many micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites. When visiting the plant: 

• avoid contact with sewage and sewage-related products wash your hands before leaving the plant or eating 
• do not eat or drink during the tour 
• wash any contaminated clothing separately to your normal washing 
• cover any open wounds, and report any minor cuts or abrasions that occur while onsite to Melbourne Water 
• wear appropriate clothing for all weather conditions as activities are conducted outdoors. 

Student supervision and discipline is the school’s responsibility, and teachers and adults accompanying school groups should actively supervise students at all times. 

We reserve the right to cancel a booked tour and ask individuals or groups to leave the site immediately if any action or behaviour is unsafe. 

Venue and safety form

Download and return a signed copy of the form when you arrive for your tour.

Child safe standards

We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and providing a child-safe environment in line with our Child Safe Policy (52.21 KB, DOCX). All our Education Officers and Interpretation Officers have the relevant legal requirements (Working With Children Check or Victorian Institute of Teaching registration).

How to get there

The address for the Western Treatment Plant is 1 William Thwaites Dr, Cocoroc VIC 3030

View our location on Google maps 

By car or bus

​Travel outbound 30 km on the Westgate freeway/M1 towards Geelong, take the second C109 exit off to Werribee after you have passed the Werribee Open Range Zoo and Werribee River. Once you exit turn left and enter at the William Thwaite's​ Drive gate. Follow the signs to drive to the Education and Cultural Precinct.