What we love about Werribee: Celebrating Victoria’s southwestern tourist drawcard suburb

MOST ‘burbs would revel in owning just one of these tourist attractions but ‘Wezza Bee’ with its marina, zoo, mansion and, erm, sewage plant, has it all - and then some.

MOST ‘burbs would revel in owning just one of these tourist attractions, but ‘Wezza Bee’ as it’s affectionately known by locals, has them all, and then some.

Famed for its drawcard African style zoo, a posh 1870s mansion and a sewage farm that doubles as a haven for birdwatchers, the family-friendly suburb even boasts a brand new state-of-the-art marina and a lovely beach.

Perched just half an hour drive from Melbourne or Geelong, it’s the perfect distance for a day trip, but many prefer to stay and set up home because then they never have to leave.

Belonging to one Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, Werribee, 32km southwest of the CBD, is also the best spot for birdwatching in Australia — second only to Kakadu.

Kayaking down Werribee River provides stunning views of the K Road cliffs.

Located on the Werribee River, the suburb is rich in culture with its art and amazing festivals, and outdoors activities such as boating, fishing, jetskiing, river kayaking, as well as award-winning food and wine venues.

There aren’t too many places in the world where vegetables grow across the road from the beach, with 85 per cent of the state’s cauliflower (among other veggies) grown in the Werribee South market gardens.

Despite all of this, Werribee has copped more than its fair share of poop jokes from passers-by hurtling along Princes Highway.

But Werribbeans (like Caribbeans) are the suburb’s fierce protectors, and Werribee — an Aboriginal word meaning backbone or spine — couldn’t be more fitting.

The Werribee South market gardens. Picture: Wyndham Council

“People (particularly those from the east) like to bag Werribee and call it ‘scum’ and ‘feral’, according to Urban Dictionary’s description of the suburb.

This could be verified by asking the cast and crew of a wide variety of TV shows and films filmed in the hood, including Mad Max, The Dressmaker, The Great Australian Bake Off and Jack Irish.

Some of its other notable residents include singer and I’m a Celeb Get Me Out of Here contestant Anthony Callea, legendary cricketer Merv Hughes, Olympic shooter Russell Mark, and AFL footy player Brent Prismall.

Here’s some of the things we love about Werribee:

BIG TICKET TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Werribee Park is a tourism precinct in itself, home to the Werribee Park Mansion, the Werribee Open Range Zoo, the Victoria State Rose Garden, the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, Shadowfax Winery (scroll down for the food section) and the Werribee Park Golf Club. Discover artworks from Australia’s leading sculptors and selected winners of the national Helen Lempriere Award on the Sculpture Walk.

Here’s a low down on a few of the best:

— Werribee Park

Historic Werribee Mansion, built in the 1870s.

Majestic Werribee Park is simply breathtaking, with 10 hectares of beautiful manicured gardens surrounding the marvellous Werribee Mansion. The mansion was originally built by two Scottish squatters, and its restored rooms reveal the story of a pastoral empire. The park plays host to festivals a plenty throughout the year, and has it all: ponds, fountains, sculptures, cafes and a day spa. Gardens open 10am — 6.30pm daily. K Rd, Werribee.

— Werribee Open Range Zoo

Zoo keeper Lance Weldhagen with giraffes at the open range zoo. Picture: Mark Wilson

The glorious zoo is all about Africa on this 200 hectare parcel of land, home to animals — lions, hippos, giraffes, gorillas to name just a few — with ample space to roam mimicking their natural habitat. The wonderful waterplay area ‘Hippo Beach’ has been named one of the top 10 places to beat the heat in Melbourne. The zoo is open 9am — 5pm every day of the year.

Relaxing among the roses. Picture: Wyndham Council

— Victoria State Rose Garden

The Victoria State Rose Garden, also at Werribee Park, has 5000 rose bushes abloom from October to May but they are at their finest from November to April.

— Bird watching at Western Treatment Plant

A birdwatching haven — second only to Kakadu in Australia — the wetlands at the Western Treatment Plant are listed under the RAMSAR convention. Tens of thousands of birds fly south from Siberia, Japan and Alaska to escape the northern hemisphere winter. Spread over 10,500 hectares, there’s also numerous lagoons, estuaries, salt marshes and the beautiful Lake Borrie.

BEACHES AND NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Home to amazing arts and culture experiences, there’s the Wyndham Cultural Centre, Wyndham Art Gallery, Station Place Laneways and public art.

— Werribee South foreshore

Locals enjoying Werribee South beach on a warm evening. Pictures: Kellie Cameron

It’s a secluded, untouched narrow reserve of coastal land with breathtaking views of the You Yangs. It has clean sand and showers and parking at a caravan park close by meaning there’s nothing between you and a quick dip. Beware of distractions like boating, canoeing, kayaking and jet skiing, fishing, walking trails and one of Melbourne’s few jetski ramps located in such a pretty location. Werribee South beach’s water quality results to date this summer have met the EPA’s water quality objectives. But sadly, it’s not all good news, the beach was one of two beaches in Melbourne that failed the 2014 tests. We’re still waiting for the 2015 figures, which become available in May, so it can be officially redeemed, as different readings can be taken on different days and rainfall can affect readings greatly.

Address: Beach Rd, Werribee South

— Campbells Cove (no longer a nudist beach)

Nudists were last year stripped of their right to bare all. Picture: Jason Edwards

It was sad news for nudists last September when Campbells Cove nudist beach, nestled away along Werribee South’s coastline, was stripped of its ‘clothing optional’ status. However, for those looking for alternative nude swimming options in the Werribee area, look no further than naturist club, Solar West, for a skinny-dipping night at private and commercial pools through the year.

— K Road Cliffs

Gorgeous exposed red rock cliffs provide the ultimate backdrop to a scenic day of kayaking the Werribee River.

— Wyndham Harbour

Wyndham Harbour will soon be full of boats.

Werribee South foreshore is undergoing a $440 million revamp to bring two new beaches, bike paths, wetlands, a coastal walk and 10 hectares of new parks. The newly opened state-of-the-art marina and residential development that was 13 years in the making. With a capacity for 1000 berths, the marina will be the largest in Victoria and the second largest in Australia when it’s fully completed. Stage one is complete, with about 150 berths already constructed, along with 200 house lots, 100 apartments and 25 townhouses.

— Werribee River banks

Take a picnic and set yourself up among the glorious trees.

Hang out with wedge-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons as well as the common parrots and lorikeets that flock around the beautiful big River Red Gums offering glorious shade. There’s pelicans a plenty at the mouth of the river in Werribee South, so take a picnic and a camera.

PARKS/PICNIC SPOTS

A relaxing place to take a bit of time out. Picture: Wyndham Council

From picnicking in the glorious grounds of Werribee Park to relaxing riverside, these are the area’s hottest spots to get at one with nature.

— Werribee River Regional Park

Bird life, a bridge connecting to the Werribee Park precinct, native grasslands, abundance of flora and fauna, as well as a lovely picnic area.

— Riverbend Historical Park

Enter at Heaths Rd, and enjoy the banks of Werribee River, serene bike and walking trails, and relaxing picnic areas. It’s popular also for kayaking and canoeing. A Go Fund Me campaign has been set up to save the area from a subdivision and high-density redevelopment. Support the Save Riverbend Historical Park via its Facebook group too.

— Mambourin Sensory Gardens

Serene grounds of Mambourin where you can take in exotic scents. Picture: Adam Elwood

What started as a two acre vacant block is now a “garden paradise” open to the public with drought resistant plants, ducks, pond, and a delicious fragrance thanks to climbing roses. You can thanks a small group of dedicated gardeners with disabilities who transformed the block over a three-year period. Address: 2 Recreation Close, Werribee

— Heathdale Glen Orden wetlands

A massive 35 hectares of open space, the wetlands is so loved it has its own Facebook page. It has a boardwalk system for easy walking access, rotundas and a playground for the kiddies. Watch out for one of the summer migratory birds seen frequently here, the Lathams snipe.

— Werribee Gorge State Park

A bushwalker treks through Falcons Lookout at Werribee Gorge State Park.

It’s wild, rugged and completely beautiful ... and although 40 mins drive away in Ingliston, near Baccus Marsh, we felt it deserved a special mention due to its name. Werribee Gorge, a 575 hectare park, is heaven for bushwalkers and rockclimbers with its spectacular views and stunning water hole. It was named among the Herald Sun’s ultimate guide to the best walks in Melbourne.

SPORTY FUN

Some locals enjoys the view at Werribee South foreshore. Picture: Wyndham Council

Wyndham City Council is consistently one of the highest spending councils when it comes to bicycle infrastructure.

Major trails include:

— The Federation Trail — from Werribee River to Millers Road, Altona North;

— The Werribee River Trail — from Davis Creek, Tarneit, connecting with the Federation Trail, and continuing south towards Werribee Park.

There’s loads of smaller trails for walking and cycling too, from the Werribee River Shared Path to the Wyndham Bay Trail. Here’s a full list. There’s also fun runs galore, with the annual Werribee Mansion run creeping up on April 24. There’s a range of distances to walk or run from the 1.2km kids dash to the 21.1km run.

There’s also the Werribee outdoor pool, a skate park, BMX tracks, and canoeing along the Werribee River. If ball play is more your thing, head to Eagle Stadium — soon to be the largest indoor court facility in Melbourne’s west.

PLAYGROUNDS APLENTY

It’s a fact of life that parents know the only way to a sane life is to get outside and give the kiddies something other to climb than the wall. Look no further than one of these fabulous parks:

— Harpley Estate Adventure playground, Black Forest Rd

Considered one of Melbourne’s best playgrounds. It’s an area bigger than the MCG with flying foxes, log tunnels and a colourful mix of cast iron animals, plus Wi-Fi for the adults.

— Wyndham Harbour, Quay Boulevard, Werribee South

— Werribee South foreshore playground, Beach Rd

Named in 10 of the best playgrounds in Wyndham are these other notable parks:

— Conquest Drive playground, 24 Conquest Drive

— Price Reserve, Cnr Beach Rd and O’Connors Rd, Werribee South

— James D Bellin Reserve, Beach Rd, Werribee South

— Riverwalk water park and playground, New Market Rd

FOODIE HEAVEN

Werribee brings foodie dreams to life — from the multi-award-winning pub to the winery known for its award-winning vintages.

Shadowfax winery is the place to be on a sunny afternoon. Picture: Wyndham Council

— Shadowfax Winery

Nestled at the end of a lovely tree-lined path inside Werribee Park, Shadowfax Wines is known for its award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay. It has a cellar door, underground barrel hall, and a great rustic-style menu dishing out Italian-inspired local produce.

Address: K Rd

— The Park Hotel

The eatery and beer hall has won a heap of awards, has a huge number of mostly local craft beers — more than 300, and the seasonal gourmet menu is all cooked in-house, they even churn their own butter. Diners on food review site, Zomato, describe the gastropub as “unassuming”, “housed in an up-market shell” with a “strict dress code”.

Address: 12 Watton St

— Mondell’s Patisserie

Some of the glorious sweet treats to try at Mondell’s. Picture: Supplied

If you’re after a sweet treat, Mondells is the place to be. Think delightful macaroons, petit-fours, tarts, cakes and much more. The family-owned boutique patisserie/cafe supplies locals, as well as Melbourne businesses through its wholesale trade seven days a week.

Address: 33 Watton St

— Truck Stop Deluxe

If you’re after something a little different, head to the Truck Stop Deluxe, an American diner style restaurant with a massive truck cab in the entrance. Known for its big burgers, authentic US sauce flavours, great value and service, you can even get a view of Werribee trail if you sit in the back deck area.

Address: 98 Watton St

FESTIVALS GALORE

Friends Amy, 27, Heidi, 27, and Hannah enjoy a picnic in the sunshine at So Frenchy. Picture: Jason Sammon

Werribee is awash with festivals. Check this out, to name but a few:

— Weerama Festival

This month Weerama (meaning ‘to play’) a three-day festival spread over various locations comes to life with a parade, fireworks, amusements, pop-up cinema, live music, craft stalls and rides. Free fun between March 18-20.

— So Frenchy, So Chic in the Park

Branded as a “giant party, a perfect picnic and a summer’s day to remember”, So Frenchy’s fifth Melbourne event was held again at Werribee Park in January. Think music, cheese and wine celebrating all things French.

— Fromage a Trois Cheese & Cider Festival

Fromage A Trois festival fun at Werribee Park. Picture: Wyndham Leader

Talking about cheese, Weribee got a piece of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival with a special event held at Werribee Park. Fromage a Trois is all about the cheese and cider and it was held over the weekend on March 6.

— Victorian Multicultural Festival of Lights

Thousands gather for the annual Festival of Lights show at President’s Park. There’s free tickets for this one, run by the Wyndham Diwali, a not-for-profit group encouraging unity in diversity through dance, music and arts. The next show is on October 22.

— Let them Eat Cake NYD

Billed as “Australia’s leading boutique electronic music festival”, Let them Eat Cake, for over 18s only, has rocked in the new year for the fourth consecutive year at Werribee Mansion grounds.

— Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt & Family Picnic

Since 2001, the largest Easter egg hunt in Australia unfolds annually at Werribee Park has raised more than $1 million for the Good Friday Appeal through ticket sales.

— Saddleworld Melbourne International 3 Day Event

Horse mad types will love this show every June over Queen’s Birthday weekend at Werribee Park, the ultimate meeting spot for some of Australia’s best riders and horses.

— State Rose & Garden Show

Another beautiful day out at Werribee Park, the two day State Rose and Garden Show featuring 5000 roses is on for the fourth year this November 19 and 20. A good one for gardening enthusiasts with guided tours, workshops and lawn games.

— Children’s Week Picnic

It’s been a community fun day for 15 years, and this haven for kid-friendly fun for the whole family event held at Werribee Park each October. Think roving performers, inflatables, cooking classes to name but a few attractions. Good, clean fun.

— One Electric Day

Another Werribee Park adult-only music event, One Electric Day rocks to a slower beats per minute ratio with musicians like John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite and bands like the Black Sorrows and Pseudo Echo taking to the stage last year. The 2016 announcement is coming soon.

OTHER AWESOME ATTRACTIONS AND FUN FACTS

Princess Diana watched Prince Charles play victoriously in polo at Werribee Park. Picture: News Corp

— B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia

These amazing war planes are extremely rare, with only eight left in the world. Housed in the old World War II hangers of Werribee airfield, Australia’s only surviving B-24 Liberator is on the long road to restoration thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers. They’re always looking for more volunteers too and aim to complete the restoration by 2020.

— Werribee Victorian Clay Target Club

Sometimes overrun by bucks parties, Olympic gold medallist Russell Mark’s clay shooting business, Go Shooting, is located at Victoria’s home of clay-target shooting.

The B-24 was built for World War II combat.

— Western Treatment Plant
Located in Werribee, the massive sewage farm is a world leader in technical and environmental innovation. It processes around half of Melbourne’s sewage and produces almost 40 billion litres of recycled water a year.

— Royal visit

During a trip to Australia in 1985, Diana, the late Princess of Wales, visited Weribee Park. She watched her then husband, Prince Charles, in his team’s victorious match against the State side with the prince hitting the first goal of the match.

— City, Coast, Country

Wyndham, the municipality of Werribee, boasts 27.34km of coastline