THE Winton Wetlands are teeming with native birdlife, wildlife and plants, with easy access via a range of guided walking and cycling trails highlighting different aspects of the unique wetlands ecosystem.

Designated as a 'Wetland of Distinction' by the Society of Wetland Scientists, Winton Wetlands is the first wetland outside the United States to receive such recognition.

It's the largest wetland restoration project in the southern hemisphere.

But what exactly is a wetland, you ask?

Well, a wetland is an area of land that is covered by water for some or all of the year. It can often rise and fall with the seasons and climate conditions, as it does at Winton.

This wetlands cycle creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife, and for important native plant species to reproduce.

Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and balanced environment for all life – including people.

In many ways they are a showroom and laboratory for nature.

A day spent at Winton Wetlands can be fun as well as educational.

Aside from the joys of nature, there's a cosy café and visitor centre where you can chill out and enjoy some of the best food and coffee in the region.

For the kids and young at heart there's a flying fox and playground.

If art and culture are your thing, there's outdoor art to be found dotted around the reserve, including a fantastic new outdoor indigenous sculpture walk, Lotjpatj Natjan Danak, featuring the work of 15 talented Yorta Yorta artists.

Winton Wetlands has become a site for television and movie production in recent years, drawing on the atmospheric gothic backdrop offered by hundreds of ghostly tree 'stags' left standing on the area once occupied by Lake Mokoan.

If you want to stay longer, camping is an option (bookings required) and the views you get of the night sky above Winton Wetlands are simply unforgettable.

You haven't really seen all that North East Victoria has to offer till you've done a Winton Wetlands walkabout.

Visit www.wintonwetlands.org.au or find them on or find them on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.