Stretching 110km from the Wombat State Forest to Port Philip Bay, The Wirribi Yaluk/Werribee River is home to the platypus, the mighty River Red Gum and the endemic Werribee Blue Box.

There are a number of streams, creeks and wetlands completing the Werribee Catchment, such as smaller streams which flow from Pyke’s Creek Reservoir and join the river near Ballan. The Lerderderg River and smaller streams join the Werribee at Bacchus Marsh, Toolern Creek joins in the Melton area, and Davis Creek in Tarneit.

Separate streams like the Little River flowing from the Brisbane Ranges, Lollypop Creek in Wyndham Vale forming Black Swamp in Harpley, Skeleton Creek in Point Cook and the beautiful Kororoit Creek flow down to Port Phillip Bay.

These waterways are a place of solace and peace for the local community, a slice of nature within an expanding urban growth corridor. The health of these waterways and natural settings are, however, impacted by the growing population. There is chemical runoff from roads and farms, and significant litter pollution entering the waterways. Not only does this affect the health of the flora and fauna that rely upon the river ecosystem for their survival, but it also affects human health and wellbeing.

• Read our latest reports on water quality and see real-time data from our water sensors here
• Explore the Werribee River from home through a soundwalk (below)