Discover the natural wonders of the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, by booking a virtual excursion or visit to the centre as part of our education program.
Located in Melbourne’s southeast, the Ramsar-listed wetlands are a biodiversity hotspot – home to several protected bird and plant species, and a great example of nature thriving in an urban setting.
Community events
Events are held at the education centre throughout the year.
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Education program
We offer one- to two-hour sessions led by an experienced educator, tailored to each year level from Prep to Year 12.
Topics are closely linked with the Victorian curriculum, and include:
- how wetlands work as a natural filter
- the important role wetlands play in the urban water cycle
- plants and animals found at the wetlands
- sustainable aspects of the education centre
- local indigenous heritage and European history.
Costs and maximum group sizes may vary depending on the type of group and session – for more information see Pricing, or email queries to [email protected].
Virtual excursions and webinars
These are free, interactive sessions where participants can ask questions. We offer two types:
- Virtual excursions (1 hour), suited to primary and secondary students
- Webinars (1-1.5 hours), for VCE, tertiary/TAFE and community groups.
To view session times and availability, submit a booking enquiry online:
Book virtual excursion Book webinar
Small group and school tours
Walk through the wetlands or learn about them through a range of interactives inside the centre.
Our award-winning building has a number of sustainable features to reduce water and energy use, from rainwater tanks and solar panels to waterless composting toilets.
Note: tour availability may be subject to public health considerations.
Activities at the centre
- Foundation to Level 2
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Our water world
Students take part in a water cycle activity, and learn how wetlands and the water we use in our city fit into the urban water cycle.
- Level 3 to 4
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Wonderful wetlands
Students learn about the importance of water to the wetlands, and the role wetlands play in filtering and purifying water before it enters our bay. We use our unique Stormwater Interactive Model to explore how water makes its way through the catchment to the bay.
- Level 5 to 6
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Where have all the wetlands gone?
Students will hear about the international significance of these wetlands, how they function and why we need to protect them. We will also look at some of the ways wading birds are adapted to life in the wetland. We use our unique Stormwater Interactive Model to explore how water makes its way through the catchment to the bay.
- VCE
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Each session is tailored to align with students’ unit of study in the following subject areas:
- Outdoor and Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Biology
Topics covered include:
- management of the wetland to protect its ecosystem values
- sustainable building design
- legislative protection for wetlands
- the urban water cycle.
- Community groups
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Community groups will enjoy the opportunity to observe the beauty of the wetlands from the centre, while learning about the history of the area and how the wetlands are conserved and protected. This is also a great opportunity to brush up on bird watching skills.
- All ages
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Stormwater Interactive Model (SIM) – Stormwater in our waterways
The Stormwater Interactive Model is an educational model of an urban catchment that demonstrates the impact of stormwater on our rivers, creeks and bays. Materials representing common pollutants are placed onto the scale model and a rainstorm is simulated. The water flows over the landscape, picking up pollutants along the way, washing them into our rivers and creeks and eventually into our bay.
Viewing platform walk
Students take a short walk to observe the wetlands more closely. There is an option to book a guided walk where students learn about aspects of the wetlands, including:
- senses of the wetlands (primary)
- protection and management
- land use and liveability
- drainage and flood protection.
We would like to acknowledge the Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands and local teachers who have helped us develop the education programs for the centre.
Pricing
Costs vary depending on the type of group and session. Prices are quoted per person and include GST. Cancellations with less than 5 business days’ notice incur a $60 fee.
| Group type | Max. group size* | Cost per session | Min. booking fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| School groups (Prep-Year 9) | 35 | $4.00 | $80 |
| School groups (Years 10-12) | 35 | $8.00 | $80 |
| Seniors/community groups | 20-35 | $9.30 | $225 |
| Virtual excursion/webinar | 300 | Free | N/A |
*Note: Maximum group size includes all students, teachers and adult helpers. For larger groups touring the wetlands, we recommend half the students attend the education centre while the others visit nearby attractions or undertake a self-guided wetland walk. The students can then swap for a second session.
Prepare for your visit
Booked your trip to the education centre? Make sure to read the following information and complete our venue and safety form before you arrive.
- Safety
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We are committed to the safety of all visitors to our sites. We ask that you strictly follow these safety rules at all times:
- follow the instructions of centre staff
- do not climb on or over railings
- do not run
- switch off mobile phones during sessions
- take care when operating interactive displays
- if visiting outdoor areas of the site, wear:
- closed-toe, flat-soled shoes
- a long sleeved top
- long pants/trousers
- clothing suitable for weather conditions.
Student supervision and discipline is the school’s responsibility. Teachers and adults accompanying school groups should actively supervise students at all times.
We reserve the right to cancel a booked activity and ask individuals or groups to leave the site immediately if any action or behaviour is unsafe.
- Venue and safety form
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Download and return a signed copy of the relevant form when you arrive for your tour:
- What to bring
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It is important that students bring the following items when they visit the centre:
- plenty of drinking water, as there is none available on site
- rubbish-free packed snack or lunch, as there are no bins in the centre
- a broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen for warm days
- plenty of warm layers for cool days
- notepad, pens and pencils for taking notes and drawings.
- How to get there
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The centre is located at 278 Edithvale Road, Chelsea Heights, VIC.
View our location on Google maps.By car or bus
Aerial view of the centre (bottom left) on Edithvale Road. Via Eastlink: Take the Greens Road exit then turn left at Springvale Road. Drive past Wells Road and through the first roundabout. The education centre is 100 metres down the road on the left.
Via Nepean Highway: Turn left into Edithvale Road when you reach Edithvale. Drive through the wetlands until you see the education centre on your right. Continue driving further, u-turn at the roundabout and enter the car park, 100 metres on your left.
By train
Catch the Frankston line train to Edithvale Station. Walk east down Edithvale Road and you will reach the wetlands. The education centre is located on your right at the east end of the wetlands. Walking time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. There is also a bus that travels along Edithvale Road.
Parking
Parking is available for two buses at a drop-off zone in front of the centre along Edithvale Road, 100 metres from the roundabout and just after the entrance to the car park. Limited parking is available in the car park in front of the centre.
- Nearby attractions
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There are many interesting walking and cycling paths in parks and reserves close to the wetlands. Why not combine your visit to the education centre with another excursion?
- Braeside Park
- Seaford Foreshore Reserve walking trail
- Nature reserves in the Frankston area, including Kananook walking trail.