The Yea Wetlands are a well-maintained reserve on the Yea River flats at the northern edge of town, accessible via a boardwalk loop that takes about 30 minutes to walk. The wetlands provide habitat for over 80 recorded bird species, including herons, ibis, and various duck species. In the right season you might spot platypus in the river channels.
The reserve is a genuine rest stop worth making, particularly if you've been driving for a couple of hours from Melbourne. The boardwalk is flat and well-signed, and there are interpretive panels about the bird species and wetland ecology. At dawn and dusk, the birdlife is at its most active. Entry is free.