MORE people are coming to appreciate the vital role that wetlands play in helping manage our landscape: reducing the incidence of flooding, and cleaning and filtering waterflows on their way downstream.
Wetlands have been described as 'nature's sponge' for their amazing capacity to soak up excess water that could otherwise cause havoc during times of prolonged rain, and 'nature's kidneys' for their capacity to clean up water polluted by run–offs of various kinds.
From a tourist's point of view, wetlands are amazing for other reasons: they attract prolific wildlife including migratory birds, marsupials, reptiles, amphibians and all manner of other creatures much loved by birdwatchers, photographers and wildlife spotters in general – not to mention lovers of native plants including gorgeous wildflowers during spring.
North East Victoria is blessed with some wonderful wetland sites, including Winton Wetlands, just north of Benalla.
Winton Wetlands is the biggest wetland restoration project in the southern hemisphere, attracting national and international recognition for the quality of work underway to restore a delicate natural landscape which had suffered heavy damage in years gone by.
Winton Wetlands is a popular destination for day–trippers and campers alike, with a growing number of school groups visiting to learn more about the natural world.
These visitors are also enjoying a distinctive cultural experience, recognising the significance of the wetlands to the Yorta Yorta people, traditional custodians of the land.
A recently added attraction is a striking outdoor sculpture walk called Lotjpatj Natjan Danak (walkway to a gathering place), created by 15 talented Yorta Yorta artists.
Each work helps to tell traditional stories.
Between the cultural dimensions and the natural attractions, there's always plenty to see and do at Winton Wetlands, with varied offerings at different times of year.
Autumn and winter are particularly good times for bike riding and long walks, with 12kms of walking and cycling trails and temperatures cool enough to enjoy longer distances.
For those less inclined to burn up so many kilojoules, it's a great period to enjoy cosy time inside the Mokoan Hub and Café, open 9am–4pm seven days a week for fabulous breakfasts, lunches and morning and afternoon teas, with most items made fresh on the premises.
Café hours can vary on public holidays – the wetlands reserve itself is open all hours.
There's even a great playground and flying fox right outside to keep the kids amused.
If you haven't yet done a Winton Wetlands Walkabout, come on down.
You can also find Winton Wetlands on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
