Enjoy activities and events
Upcoming Events
Wetlands Discovery Walk
Sunday, 1 March 2026
11 am to 1 pm
Meet at the Underkeeper's Quarters in Truganina Explosives Reserve
274 Queen Street, Altona
Join us for a relaxed Sunday walk through the beautiful wetlands of Hobsons Bay. We will explore peaceful boardwalks and trails around Truganina Park and Laverton Creek, areas full of birdlife, plants and other wildlife.
Along the way, you can spot migratory shorebirds, learn how wetlands clean our water and protect the coastline, and discover the vital role they play in storing carbon. It is also a chance to meet others in the community, share stories and enjoy the beauty of nature together.
Whether you come on your own or with family or friends, this walk offers a wonderful way to relax, learn and connect with the natural environment.
Regular Activities
Join our Citizen Science team
Our Citizen Scientists have many activities in the pipeline, including carrying out an iNaturalist-based project for our future site at the H. D. Graham Reserve.
Other Citizen Science activities include:
‣ Waterwatch (Melbourne Water)
‣ Carbon Sequestration (Blue Carbon Lab)
You don’t need any experience to get involved. Just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to help the environment. Let us know if you’d like to join in the fun and we’ll send you dates and details of our upcoming activities:
Take self-guided walks around the wetlands
There are easy, self-guided walks you can do to enjoy the wetlands environment and see:
Laverton Creek Spit
the Bird Sign
a Coastal Overlook
the Explosives Reservation
a Swift Parrot Sign
the Saltmarsh
a Orange Bellied Parrot Sign
the Cheetham Wetlands
the Time Beacon
You could also begin your walk at Apex Park in Altona or near the Truganina Explosives Reserve, or do the various walks around Truganina Park the Hundred Steps of Federation.
See a map and info sheet here.
Past Events
We’ve hosted numerous events to engage our community with the wonders of the wetlands.
World Wetlands Day Celebration 2026
Our recent celebration of Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge brought the community together for an unforgettable day honouring our local heritage. The air was filled with the scent of a traditional Smoking Ceremony as visitors joined Indigenous-led walks and shared stories in our yarning circle. Between the hands-on citizen science displays and local arts and crafts, the day was a beautiful reminder of how deeply our culture and environment are intertwined.
The event was proudly supported by the Victorian Government through a grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund and by the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Altona and Laverton through a sponsorship.
Together in Nature in October 2025
Our Open Day at the Truganina Explosives Reserve in October 2025 was a spectacular celebration of the migratory birds returning to Port Phillip Bay.
This event highlighted the incredible biodiversity on our doorstep and the importance of protecting these international travellers.
A special highlight of the day was a Welcome to Country and Didjeridoo performance by the Bunurong Land Council, which brought a deep cultural connection to the celebration of Country, community and nature.
Families and nature lovers spent the day immersed in the beauty of the wetlands, with local experts leading guided walks through our vital conservation areas.
Community and environmental groups set up stalls to share ideas and inspire care for local wildlife and habitats.
From the rhythm of local bands to the enchanting tales of storyteller Jackie Kerin, the reserve was alive with music, art, and the spirit of community.
Care for Nature, Care for You in October 2024
Discover the wonders of Hobsons Bay’s wetlands in this engaging video journey. Learn about the rich biodiversity, cultural significance, and community efforts to protect these vital ecosystems. Watch now to see why these wetlands matter — and how you can be part of their future.
Hope, Coping and Wellness: Mental health benefits of connecting with nature
Curious about how nature supports mental health and wellbeing? Hear from youth leader Sandy Gonzalez de la Vega and Dr Rebecca Patrick, Senior Lecturer in Health Promotion and Planetary Health at Deakin University, as they explore the powerful connection between time in nature and active coping strategies. Watch the video below to learn more.
Bird & Wetlands
Join local natural historian and artist Rob Mancini in an inspiring online workshop as he delves into the lives of our fascinating resident and migratory shorebirds, and the habitats they call home. Discover how these birds and their environments have shaped his artistic practice and storytelling. Watch the video below to explore more.
Our wonderful wetlands
Take a virtual walk through the wetlands of Hobsons Bay with local guide Gordon Lescinsky. In this video, Gordon shares his deep knowledge of the area’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and ecological significance. Watch now to explore the wetlands from wherever you are.
Saltmarsh Discovery
Missed this one? Join Gordon Lescinsky as he takes a closer look at our local saltmarshes—exploring the salt-tolerant plants that thrive in these unique environments and uncovering the science behind salinity, flooding, and our dynamic coastlines. Watch the video to learn more.