Paisley-Challis Wetlands near Newport, Melbourne Victoria

Opened in 2003, this wetland was created by restructuring several stormwater drains to allow natural filtration of stormwater and to provide bird and small animal habitat. The thriving mangroves and reeds now provide habitat for many, many birds, but I only managed to capture one little coot hiding in the reeds.

The shore of Port Phillip Bay is just across the other side of the embankment in the background.

Because in 1884, this area was quite remote from the burgeoning city of Melbourne it was the site of the Cut Paw Paw Sanatorium, Melbourne's first infectious diseases hospital, for people with smallpox. The unusual name is a poor rendition of the Aboriginal name for the area 'Koort boork boork' which meanc 'Clumps of she-oaks'.

[Lesley]

Lovely ripples

[Susan Wakely]

I imagine that this is an interesting place to visit with so much wildlife.

[bkb in the city]

Beautiful landscape shot

[Louise & Ken]

I've been enjoying thee beauty of marshy wetlands here as well the past few days! What fun to see your photo of them being represented from across the world!

[Joan Robillard]

Beautiful scene

[Babs]

What a lovely scene. I wouldn't have picked this as being near Newport.

[Yao RL]

'Koort boork boork' sounds much better than 'Clumps of she-oaks'.

[Bill]

Really like the colors.

[Diana]

Lovely capture and scene, such an interesting narrative too.

[haskar]

Lovely scene and colours.

[Suzanne]

And much better than Cut Paw Paw!!
@yaorenliu

[Suzanne]

Thankyou!
@tinley23

[Suzanne]

It is interesting and very peaceful considering that it is surrounded on three sides by busy areas of Melbourne.
@wakelys

[Suzanne]

That's one of the things I love about this site: the connections, through photographs, of people and places all around the world. @Weezilou

[Suzanne]

Thankyou Joan. @joansmor

[Suzanne]

It's quite hidden but a lovely place to walk. @onewing

[Suzanne]

Thankyou! @cwbill

[Suzanne]

Glad you could visit and thanks for the comment. @ludwigsdiana

[Suzanne]

Much appreciated. @haskar

[CC Folk]

Fav! Love the ripples, reeds & layers.

[Suzanne]

Yes I liked that, too, in the actual scene! Thanks for your visit.
@gardenfolk