Postby imogen » Thu Oct 24, 2019 7:36 pm
Hi Adam
I've just come back from 2 weeks in the area and can recommend the following (you can check out my ebird listings for full details):
For shorebirds, I found the Western side to be the best. Even if you don't get keys to the treatment plant, you can wander around to Kirks Point to see waders. Anglesea coast was also great, I picked up hooded plovers there.
On the Eastern side, I went to Cannons Creek but didn't see much. For other great birding, I recommend:
Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights - Great opportunities for all sorts of bush and water birds. Lovely park, just get there before all the walkers are there.
Botanic Gardens, Cranborne - The Australia Garden is cultivated beyond reason but there are still lots of birds around (get there early). The rest of the gardens are pretty much wild and a fantastic walk with heaps of species.
Yellingbo Reserve - Your best best for the helmeted honeyeater but access is difficult. Best ring Parks Victoria for details.
If you are interested in going a bit further afield, I stayed at the most incredible place a couple of hours north of Melbourne. It is a mile square of regenerating bush stuffed full of birds from black honeyeaters, Gilbert's whistlers and owlet nightjars. PM me for more details if you want them.
cheers
Imogen