Until I went to have a look at the Cheetham Wetlands in Altona Meadows I never knew that there was actually a geographical landmark of Point Cook. I thought it was just an outer fringe suburb of South Western Melbourne.
There is an old homestead and cafe nearby and an easy to reach carpark. There is a path straight down to the beach and a short walk along the beach to Point Cook. Another path from the carpark meanders through the grass fields to the wetlands observation tower.
The Actual Point Cook
A quick visit to the Point at high tide produced quite a few shorebirds feeding along the edge or preening and resting on the rocks.
Red Necked Stints
Red Necked Stints II
Red Necked Stint
Crested Terns
Crested Tern II – on processing I noticed the tern wore a silver band on his right leg
Crested Terns and Curlew Sandpipers
Melbourne CBD skyline from Pt Cook beach
A walk along the beach and then following a vehicle track brought us to the tower with views of the city and over the wetlands. At this time of year (late Summer) the wetlands are quickly drying out. I assume that the creek below the tower is being fed by the suburban street runoff from recent rains.
Cheetham Wetlands Observation Tower – through the heat haze
Cheetham Wetlands Observation Tower II – an interesting design – fanciest bird hide I have ever been to…
Cheetham Wetlands Observation Tower III
Cheetham Wetlands Observation Tower with an old nest
Cheetham Wetlands from Observation Tower
Cheetham Wetlands from Observation Tower II
Cheetham Wetlands from Observation Tower III
The Gap Year and Beyond 