Point Cook Coastal Park

Point Cook Coastal Park is an expansive area of land along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay, Australia.

It spans 863 hectares and is located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Melbourne. The park offers various recreational facilities and is home to significant sites such as the Cheetham Wetlands and Spectacle Lake. Visitors can engage in activities like bushwalking, bird watching, swimming, and picnicking while learning about the park's cultural and conservation heritage.

The park's vegetation has changed over the years due to different land uses. The Cheetham Wetlands, within the park, support a diverse range of plants and animal species across different habitats. The park also holds cultural significance for the indigenous Boon wurrung population, with significant sites and the Point Cook Homestead, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Environmental threats to the park include introduced plant and animal species, erosion, and the need for monitoring programs. Parks Victoria manages the park with the goal of balancing environmental conservation, recreation, and preservation of cultural and non-indigenous heritage. The park is divided into seven zones, each with different management goals. Parks Victoria works with the Wyndham City Council to limit the impact of urban development and protect the park's environment. The park is also part of the Ports Phillip Bay and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Site, with objectives focused on enhancing ecosystem processes and habitats.

Point Cook Coastal Park aims to educate visitors and residents about the area's cultural and natural values to promote respect for the park's ecosystems and heritage. Efforts are being made to maintain the quality and diversity of the Cheetham Wetlands through additional pumping infrastructure. Collaboration with the local community and council is also ongoing to prevent domestic animals from entering the park and preserve native wildlife