Free Altona event marks World Migratory Bird Day
Everyone is invited to enjoy a lively, hands-on community Open Day in Altona on Saturday 10 October 2026, hosted by the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and the spectacular arrival of migratory shorebirds to Port Phillip Bay.
Running from 10 am to 2 pm at Truganina Explosives Reserve, 274 Queen Street, Altona, the free event will offer plenty for families to experience from the moment they arrive, including guided bird walks, science demonstrations, art activities, music, children’s entertainment, flyway storytelling, Indigenous plant giveaways, a barbecue and door prizes from BirdLife Australia.
Designed for all ages, the day gives children, parents, grandparents and curious visitors the chance to explore, listen, create, learn and connect with the wetlands on Melbourne’s western shoreline, while discovering the remarkable birds that depend on them after travelling thousands of kilometres along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
Each spring, many migratory shorebirds arrive in Australia after breeding in the Northern Hemisphere summer, with some travelling from as far as Siberia to feed in coastal wetlands and estuaries. The wetlands around Port Phillip Bay are internationally recognised for supporting migratory and resident birds, as well as diverse aquatic plants and animals.
The 2026 World Migratory Bird Day theme, ‘Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!’, highlights the role of community science in protecting migratory birds. By recording sightings and sharing observations, everyday birdwatchers can help scientists and conservation groups monitor bird populations, track migration patterns and better understand changing habitats.
Something for every family to enjoy
Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre is working with Hobsons Bay City Council and community partners to create a welcoming, activity-packed day focused on birds, wetlands, climate action and environmental protection.
The Open Day will begin with a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony led by Robert Ogden, a proud Bunurong, Tyereelore, Trawoolway man. Visitors will also be able to meet local environmental organisations and community groups working to protect Hobsons Bay’s coastal ecosystems.
The event is free, except for the coffee cart, and is supported by Hobsons Bay City Council’s Make it Happen fund and Bendigo Community Bank Altona and Laverton.
The Open Day is also an opportunity to encourage local stewardship of fragile wetland environments. The group works with council, partners, members and volunteers to raise awareness of the value of Port Phillip Bay’s coastal wetlands and the pressures they face from habitat loss, human activity and environmental change.
Visitors are encouraged to come along, bring the family, join in the activities and discover how simple observations can contribute to the protection of migratory birds and the wetlands upon which they rely.
For more details about the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Open day:
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