HOT: Jawbone Reserve, Williamstown

Did you know that next to Williamstown Beach is Jawbone Reserve?

It’s a flora and fauna reserve and marine sanctuary, both of which are managed by Parks Victoria.

Jawbone Reserve is one of a string of conservation sites that stretches from the Westgate Bridge to Williamstown, Altona and Point Cook. The huge area features open grasslands, wetlands, a saltmarsh and mangrove conservation area, Wader Beach and the Kororoit Creek.

The Bay Trail runs alongside Jawbone Reserve and is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers. Bird watchers love the area and there are bird hides dotted near the Bay Trail.

We visit in summer to skip in the rock pools and spot tiny sea creatures. Because the water is so shallow you can go snorkelling with kids and spot fish and other marine life.

Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Jawbone Reserve, Williamstown

Parks Victoria also runs their popular free school holiday program Junior Rangers at Jawbone Reserve. We have participated in a beach clean up (too much plastic!) and a sea snail count.

The Friends of Williamstown Wetlands also meet regularly and hold conservation activities at the reserve.

Note that there are no toilets or drinking water nearby and you should take your rubbish with you if you bring a picnic. There are a couple of small playgrounds near the streets.

Jawbone Reserve is a serene place with clean water, plenty of space and an opportunity to connect with nature.

Click here for more info about Parks Victoria's Junior Rangers program

Click here for the best beaches in Melbourne for kids

Click here for more free water play in Melbourne and Regional Victoria

HOT Tips:

There is limited carparking at Rifle Drive and Crofton Drive Williamstown
You can access Jawbone Reserve from the Bay Trail;
Dogs must be on leash in some areas or not allowed at all;
No toilets or drinking water nearby; and
5 minutes drive to Williamstown with shops, eateries and Williamstown Library.

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Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.