Cheetham Wetlands Tower Walk (Point Cook)
Cheetham Wetlands consist of stunning lagoons and saltmarsh that provide a haven for birds, flora and fauna.
The wetlands are internationally protected for their precious habitat and are not open to the public, but you can take in the views from the observation tower.
Enter Point Cook Coastal Park via Homestead Entrance Road and then turn left to reach the car park. From the car park follow the gravel road towards the observation tower. You will reach a boardwalk for the final hundred metres or so to reach the tower which is accessible via ramp.
From here you can see across the beautiful Cheetham Wetlands and enjoy a remarkable view of the city skyline (it's a great spot for photographers).
Take time to enjoy the incredible colours of the coastal environment - stunning greens, greys, mauves and pinks before returning to the car park.
Make sure you stick to the path and boardwalk, taking any rubbish home with you.
For a longer walk, from the car park you can walk through the pine tree plantation or through the Point Cook Homestead grounds (the Homestead buildings, cafe and toilet facilities are currently closed) to reach the beach, where you can walk in either direction.
Check the opening hours for Point Cook Coastal Park before you visit.
Start/Finish: Point Cook Homestead Car Park
Distance: 3.0 kilometres (return)
Terrain: Gravel road and grassy track with boardwalk and steps and ramp to observation tower.
Review:
There are a number of options for this walk but this route we took is the most interesting.
The start of the walk is at the end of the Point Cook Homestead Road. Near the entrance to the walking area is a shaded table under trees. Note: The Homestead is currently closed.
The Cheetham wetlands and Tower walk is 1.5 km one-way. Follow the gravel road and turn right off the road onto a track with 500m to go to the tower. There's a water tap next to the tower, which has ramps leading up to a high level on the tower before there are some spiral stairs to get to the very top. There are great views of the wetlands and the Melbourne skyline.
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There are lots of water birds, depending on the season. We followed the fenceline back towards the Homestead. This track can be muddy and there are sections of boards to walk on at the worst places. Eventually you see a beach on the left side. Take a little detour to the beach where we saw lots of black swans and other waterbirds. The wide track passes through high bracken on both sides. Near a beach, the track splits - take the right hand branch through bracken towards a high pole (not someone who is 208cm tall from Warsaw). Then walk along a series of wooden steps in the sand which leads back to an opening in the fence near the car park you started from.
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Note: There is a much closer starting position to get to the Tower from 39 Sunman Drive, Point Cook.
Map of Route
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted.
Photos:
Location
Homestead Entrance Road, Point Cook 3030 Map
