Winton Wetlands

Visited: spring and summer

Recommendation: This is one of the best wildlife areas in the country. Research is needed, however, as you don't want to just be driving round aimlessly.

Winton Wetlands have an interesting and complex history. European settlers converted the area for farming, displacing the Yorta Yorta people from their traditional way of life. In 1971, a major shift occurred with the construction of a rock wall to create Lake Mokoan, a large water storage reservoir.  The flooding inundated vast areas of productive farmland, ancient woodlands, and critically, the original wetland ecosystems, resulting in the death of around 150,000 iconic river red gums, including culturally significant Aboriginal scar trees. Over time, issues like water loss through evaporation and blue-green algae blooms became apparent.

By the 1990s, the environmental drawbacks of Lake Mokoan were recognized and with a focus on water conservation and environmental restoration, the decision was made to decommission the lake. The Winton Wetlands Reserve was established, and environmental flows were redirected to restore the original wetland ecosystems. Today, the Winton Wetlands project is considered Australia's largest wetland restoration initiative. The project aims to revive the ecological health of the wetlands, bringing back native plants and wildlife, while acknowledging the cultural significance for the Yorta Yorta people.

Winton Wetlands is a huge area and it can be daunting trying to find a good spot to see birds. On my first visit, I drove around trying to get close to water and all I got in return were clouds of waterbird springing out of the bushes and rapidly flying away. As I was planning to camp there I headed to the Nesting Ground campsite to have a look around there. 

From the north was a narrow but very well constructed road structure through an area of wetland. There was a really small pull in towards the middle and there I hit the jackpot. I ended up spending the best part of several days here, just sitting by the side of the road. As you drive through this area, there are hundreds of birds (herons, cormorants, spoonbills, cockatoo), which are immediately spooked by vehicles. So, using the van as a hide, I sat pointing at the side where the sun would shine the most. Unfortunately, all the herons etc, were over the road on the other side. 

Not to worry, I sat and watched. It could have been frustrating at the wetlands as I was just not getting any photos because the birds were so flighty. But I was actually happy to sit and just watch. 

My first day sitting here, only yielded a flash of a Buff-banded Rail and lots of fly-bys. But I had arrived mid-morning so I wasn't surprised.

The next day, I got there from the campsite at 7am. As I pulled the van in, I flushed a Buff-banded Rail and Latham's Snipe so I was immediately more hopeful. As I was setting up my solar panel at the back of the van, I turned around and saw an Australian Spotted Crake. 

Not even time for a cup of tea, I crept out onto the firmer ground and waited. The crake was totally unconcerned by me and ran around, practically at my feet. I was amazed.

On the far side of the small creek I tentatively explored a bit further and was rewarded with Red-kneed Dotterel and White-fronted Chat.