Chesney Vale - Winton Wetlands
The Wetlands is open visitors every day of the year except on days of Total Fire Ban. Entry to the site is free. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities including bushwalking, cycling, canoeing, bird watching, picnicking, boating and many others.
Winton Wetlands Map
Click or tap to download a pdf version of the map
Mokoan Hub & Cafe
Serving breakfast, lunch and delicious homemade sweet treats with all proceeds going to the ongoing restoration efforts at Winton Wetlands, the Mokoan Hub & Cafe is family friendly with a bespoke nature playground for the kids. A great range of merchandise with a local flair makes for the perfect memento. For bookings (03) 5766 4462.
Flying Fox & Nature Playground
Birds shouldn't have all the fun! Littlies will love whizzing through the air on the flying fox and playing in the nature inspired playground at the Mokoan Hub & Cafe.
Canoeing
- There is no better way to explore Winton Wetlands than on the water. Paddle your way across one of the vast wetlands, taking in the view, not to mention the serenity. A boat ramp on the northern foreshore makes launching easy. Being an ephemeral wetland means the water comes and goes, so we advise contacting the Visitor Hub to check on the water level before planning your adventure.Walks
- The Winton Wetlands offers a range of trails around the Reserve that make exploration safe and easy. A detailed map of the designated walks can be picked up from the Mokoan Hub.Greens Hill Walk (2.6km)
This walk provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy an elevated look over the wetlands. Explore each phase of the site's cultural heritage through evidence of Aboriginal inhabitants, European heritage and observe the ongoing ecological restoration. Visit the homestead site of the Green family, who farmed and resided here in the 1960s. Keep your eyes peeled and you will hopefully see an array of wildlife, from Yellow-footed Antechinus to a huge White-bellied Sea Eagle.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 5.3km. Turn right onto Boggy Bridge Road, travel 3km and where the road bends left, you veer off to the right at Greens Hill entry. Travel a further 700m and you will arrive at the car park on your left.
Woodland Walk (540m)
An easy walk from the Mokoan Hub that showcases a number of woodland species. Hear the many calls of the woodland birds and take in the beautiful box grassy woodland as you explore the layers of Red-gum renewal.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head south along the car park for 700m and you will find further parking at the start of the Woodland Walk.
The Spit Walk (13km return)
Located at the end of a spectacular natural lunette, this isolated part of the wetlands is one of the most beautiful and culturally important. Historically it was a place for gatherings of Indigenous people. Geographically the sandy lunette is the most easterly of its kind in Victoria.
Walking along the sand dune which follows the edge of Winton Swamp, you will have the opportunity to spot a vast array of wildlife especially the birdlife hopefully you will get a glimpse of the White-bellied Sea Eagles. This walking track is not clearly marked and is recommended for more experienced walkers. Follow the tree line along the Spit walk which adjoins the Lunette walk.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 5.3km. Turn right onto Boggy Bridge Road and follow to the end of the road. Continue for just over 4km. Pass the Lunette entry and continue to the parking area on your left at Bill Friday Swamp. Start your walk from the entry gate opposite Bill Friday Swamp. Remember if you pass through a gate that has been closed, shut it behind you.
The Lunette (3km return)
A lunette is a rare geological feature - a sand dune found on the edge of wetlands, formed by millennia of sand and soil movement across the swamps, creating a crescent moon shape. This walk showcases the spectacular views over Winton Swamp. This walking track is well marked.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 5.3km. Turn right onto Boggy Bridge Road and follow to the end of the road. At the intersection turn right on to Winton North Road. After 4km turn right at The Lunette entry, look out for the tall blue sign. Please be careful as the next 2.6km is not a formed track, you will be passing through grazing areas. Please be aware this track is slippery when wet. Remember if you pass through a gate that has been closed, shut it behind you.
Dam Wall Walk (7.7km)
One of the highest points on the site, the Dam Wall offers a different perspective and is the perfect spot to take in a sunrise.
Humphries Hill Walk (600m loop)
Enjoy a stroll around Humphries Hill, follow the path and explore the history of the area. Keep your eyes peeled as you may spot the signs of Aboriginal occupation in this area. Wildlife can often be found relaxing in this area so take it slow and see what you can spot. This walking track is marked.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 5.3km. Turn right onto Boggy Bridge Road and follow to the end of the road bending left at Greens Hill. At the T-intersection turn left onto Winton North Road, after 1.8km Humphries Hill will be in front of you at the right-handed sweeping bend in the road.
Robertsons Hill Walk (660m return)
You are in a secluded area of the Wetlands allowing the opportunity of some great wildlife spotting, This walk is not a clearly marked path to Robertsons Hill. You will venture over some rocky terrain to get to the top of the hill. You will absorb beautiful views over Winton Swamp and Greens Swamp.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 3.4km. The parking area is on your right.
Heron Loop Walk (1.1km loop)
Get your binoculars ready, this walk will take you along woodland paths where you may spot a wide variety of wildlife from marsupials to birds. When the Duck Pond is full this area is beaming with life. This walking track is marked with arrows. It follows the north-west edge of the Duck Pond through bush and other areas which may be used for grazing.
Remember if you pass through a gate that has been closed, shut it behind you.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 9.4km. Turn right into the Bush Camp at the Duck Pond entrance and park at the end of the track. Your walk follows the fence line north-east, then along the edge of the Duck Pond. Then loop around and head back via the woodland.
Swan Wall Walk (1.5km return)
his walking track follows the wall along the edge of the Duck Pond. A fantastic place for bird watching. Take a seat with you and enjoy spotting the variety of birdlife that gather here when the pond is full.
Remember if you pass through a gate that has been closed, shut it behind you.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 9.4km. Turn right into the Bush Camp at the Duck Pond entrance and park at the end of the track. Your walk follows the fence line north-east before heading east along the Swan Wall.
Mokoan Ponds Walk (4km return)
Meander quietly alongside the Mokoan Ponds and you may experience some close encounters with native wildlife. You have a good chance of spotting Black Swamp Wallabies bouncing through the reeds, an Eastern Long-necked Turtle resting in the water or on a log and you may even catch a glimpse of a Rakali [Australian water rat]. This is a fantastic area to spot birdlife too. You may be treated to Pelicans and Black Swans gliding along the water, magnificent Yellow-billed Spoonbills wading through the shallow water, or spot a White-bellied Sea Eagle soaring overhead.
From the Mokoan Hub & Cafe head left along Lake Mokoan Road for 4.4km. Turn into the Dam Wall entrance and drive down to the car park at the Outlet Channel. Walk over the Outlet Channel and turn left at the bottom of the Dam Wall incline, you are now at the Mokoan Ponds walk.
Lotpatj Natjan Danak Sculpture Walk
Lotjpatj Natjan Danak is a creation of cultural works that represent Ancestors; totems and special places; spirituality; ceremonies and cultural practices; histories and knowledge systems; ecology and seasons; plants; insects; birds and animals; rivers; creeks; sky stories and ancient creations.
These works have been created by 15 Yorta Yorta artists to share stories of their living culture.
This is an all-abilities walk across a flat gravel path.
Walk distance: 950m on a loop path
Time to walk: 15 minutes at an easy walking pace
Star Gazing
- An evening under the stars at Winton Wetlands will remain with you long after you leave. Clear, unobstructed skies provide the perfect setting to ponder how insignificant we really are. The Observation Pad on the northern foreshore provides the perfect location to take in the stars. The local astronomy group regularly visit the site.Bird Watching
- With over 188 species of bird recorded at Winton Wetlands, it is a twitcher's paradise. There are many locations within the Reserve where birds can be discreetly observed in their natural environment. Woodland birds, water birds and raptors are regular highlights.Art in the Landscape
- Uncover stories, new and old. Swim with the fish painted on the trees at Boggy Bridge Road, explore the Water Gallery at Ashmeads Swamp, find Hilda Bain's portrait and the Kaiela Arts Turtle sculpture at The Lunette. The infamous Silo Art Trail CFA Water Tank painted by Guido Van Helten, depicting three local Country Fire Authority volunteers, can be found on Boggy Bridge Road.Cycling
- Traverse the paths and take in the scenery at a leisurely pace or arrive at the reserve via the Benalla-Mokoan Discovery Trail. Weave through the skeletal River Red Gum remains, stopping to read the interpretive signage along the way. Collect a Cycling Guide from the Mokoan Hub & Cafe or download from the Winton Wetlands website.Photography
- The ever-changing light and sights across the Wetlands create limitless photographic opportunities.Facilities
- For most visitors to the Winton Wetlands, the first port of call is the Mokoan Visitor Hub & Cafe. This is located at 652 Lake Mokoan Road.There are also a number of designated picnic locations throughout the site that provide ideal resting points.
Location
652 Lake Mokoan Road, Chesney Vale 3725 Map
✆ (03) 5762 1192
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.wintonwetlands.org.au
→ Astronomy Benalla
