Mount Rothwell Archaeological Area
It’s believed that Werribee was occupied by the Wathawurung people prior to European settlement in the 1830s and there’s evidence of their presence in the Wurdi Youang Arrangement at the Mount Rothwell Archaeological Area. This site of 95 basalt blocks is one of only four known Aboriginal stone arrangements in Victoria and it’s the most spectacular in Australia.
Historical museum
The Werribee District Historical Society, founded in 1970, is a non-profit volunteer organisation that preserves and promotes the history of Werribee. It houses a collection of historical artifacts and provides access to a collection of documents, maps and photographs.
Werribee Park
Werribee Park Mansion is Victoria’s finest rural colonial homestead. Completed between 1874 and 1877 by Scottish squatters Thomas and Andrew Chirnside, it’s a significant cultural and heritage attraction sprawled across 10 hectares. There are stunning gardens, a unique riverine area and historical farm outbuildings where you can stroll through the contemporary sculpture walk, enjoy outdoor exhibitions or head out for a picnic.
Victorian State Rose Garden
Adjacent to Werribee Park and free to enter, the Victorian State Rose Garden is a winner of the World Federation of Rose Societies Award for Garden Excellence. It features more than 5000 plants from 100 species in the shape of a giant Tudor rose and is at its best between November and April.
Point Cook RAAF Museum
The RAAF base in Point Cook, established in 1921, is the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force, which is the second oldest air force in the world. The base provides a unique insight into Australian aviation history and houses the largest collection of military aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere. Some of the exhibitions at the museum date back to World War I.
Bird-watching
Thousands of birds migrate to Wyndham each year from as far as Siberia, Japan and Alaska. Many of them arrive at Point Cook Coastal Park, which is considered one of the top 10 wetlands in Australia. It attracts more than 300 species of birds, including several which are rare or endangered.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Get a taste of Africa at the Werribee Open Range Zoo, where you’ll find lots of different animals living on about 225 hectares of wide, open savannah. Take a stroll down the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with gorillas, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and feel the sand between your toes at Hippo Beach. You can also take a 40-minute safari tour.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
