NOW is a great time to visit Winton Wetlands, with water levels higher than they have been for many years.

As the biggest wetland restoration project in the southern hemisphere, there's always a lot to see but right now there's more than ever.

This year's heavy spring rains have brought not just an impressive visual spectacle from the high water levels but also a huge boost to bird, animal and plant life triggered by the rainfall.

This makes conditions ideal for a wide range of wildlife spotters, though care needs to be taken with slippery conditions and occasional road closures.

Updates on road conditions are being provided regularly on the Winton Wetlands website and on social media.

As well as roads, there is a well–developed network of walking and cycling tracks across the wetlands, including a Wildflower Walk, and Lotjpatj Natjan Danak, a recently added outdoor sculpture walk featuring the impressive work of 15 Yorta Yorta artists.

According to restoration scientist Lance Lloyd, Winton Wetlands played a valuable role during the heavy rain periods in October and November that brought flooding to large parts of northern and central Victoria.

"At a time when the town of Benalla was flooding, huge amounts of water were being retained within the wetlands system, preventing the flooding from being much worse," he said.

In simple terms, Mr Lloyd said a wetland could be seen as a 'giant sponge' or 'giant kidneys', soaking up excess water that would otherwise be more destructive, and at the same time filtering and cleaning water on its way through.

Aquatic scientists continue to study the impacts of heavy rainfall periods on wetlands environments, and their surrounds, with much more being learned each year.

But one aspect of the science is settled: healthy wetlands do play a vital role in nature – as well as looking great when the water's up.

Aside from all the joys of nature, there's a café and visitor centre to chill out and enjoy some of the best food and coffee in the region and for the kids and young at heart there's even a flying fox and playground.