Western District Lakes Birding with Birdlife Australia

FREE Ramsar Week 2026 event

Situated in western Victoria, near Colac, the Western District Lakes are the lesser known of the two Ramsar sites in the Corangamite CMA Catchment.

This site is an incredibly unique system consisting of nine lakes amongst the lava flows of the Victorian Volcanic Plain. They support two nationally threatened flora species and many migratory birds in feeding, moulting and migration.

The lakes are hotspots well known amongst twitchers for their diversity in birdlife, particularly during the summer months when migratory waders visit our shores. Some ‘frequent flyers’ include a variety of tern species, red-capped plovers, red-necked stints, with rarer beauties such as the double-banded plover and curlew sandpiper sometimes making an appearance.

Join us for a walk along Lake Colac with Birdlife Australia to see which birds frequent the Ramsar site and surrounding wetlands.

Note:

This event will be physical and requires walking on uneven ground. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

If the weather becomes unfavourable or if Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings are declared, the event will be cancelled and participants will be notified as soon as possible.

Location:

Lake Colac foreshore and Bird Sanctuary

What to bring:

Binoculars. Dress appropriately for the weather and be sun smart – wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and bring plenty of water

Catering:

A morning tea with vegan and gluten friendly options will be provided. For any specific dietaries or allergies please contact hannah.wiggs@ccma.vic.gov.au.

This event is part of Ramsar Week 2026 - a week of FREE activities from 2 to 6 February celebrating the internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands in the Corangamite CMA region. Learn more at www.ccma.vic.gov.au/ramsar-week