*Ramsar Week 2027 dates have not been announced - the event is usually around World Wetlands Day (2 Feb) - stay tuned for updates in late 2026*
Kicking off on World Wetlands Day (2 Feb), Ramsar Week 2026 is a jam-packed week of FREE events celebrating the internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands of the Corangamite CMA region.
Ramsar wetlands are globally recognised for their rarity, biodiversity and for providing vital habitat for migratory birds and threatened species.
We are blessed with two incredible Ramsar sites in our region: the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site covering 22,694 hectares near Geelong, and the Western District Lakes Ramsar site spanning 32,898 hectares of volcanic lakes and wetlands near Camperdown, including Australia’s largest permanent saline lake.
Hosted by Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Ramsar Week invites you to experience the magic of our Ramsar wetlands through hands-on adventures and expert-led sessions that highlight their ecological importance and global significance.
2026 marks Corangamite CMA’s third Ramsar Week – and it’s shaping up to be the biggest yet! Following the success of 2024 and 2025, we’re bringing even more events, more experiences, and more ways to connect with our unique Ramsar landscapes.
Below are the list of events from 2026 Ramsar Week
Monday 2 February, 6.30pm ONLINE
Water, Landscape & Life: Exploring the hydrology of the Western District Lakes
Tuesday 3 February, 2.00pm
Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Site environmental watering
Wednesday 4 February, 9.00am
Ramsar Week raises awareness of the importance and value of Ramsar listed wetlands for communities of the Corangamite CMA region. These wetlands hold international significance for migratory birds and provide habitat for many threatened species. Sharing knowledge about the significance of these ecosystems fosters respect, understanding and ultimately the protection of the wetlands and their inhabitants.
This week-long initiative encourages community involvement, enabling individuals to enhance their understanding of these crucial wetlands through hands-on activities.
The Corangamite CMA region covers 13,340 square kilometres of south-western Victoria; two Ramsar-listed wetland systems are within the region. The Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula site covers approximately 22,694 ha near Geelong, and the Western District Lakes site covers approximately 32,898 ha around Camperdown.
This project is supported by Corangamite CMA, through funding from the Victorian Government.
If you would like to be kept up to date with Ramsar Week news, please sign up below.
64 Dennis Street, Colac VIC 3250
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au
BARWON WATER OFFICES
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
All mail must be sent via our Colac office
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250
T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au
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