The next time you’re travelling along the Great Ocean Road, going whale watching, or just enjoying a lovely drive, take a detour and visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Located 20 minutes away from Warrnambool, or about 4 hours away from Melbourne, this fascinating natural wonder is filled with history, wildlife and culture. The area was declared as Victoria’s first ever National Park in 1892, and the reserve sits inside the crater of a volcano that formed 30,000 years ago. Admire this magnificent landscape, look out for native wildlife and go on a tour with a local Indigenous guide.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
The Tower Hill volcanic formation is known as a nested maar, and it’s the largest example of its type in Australia. Stretching 3.2km wide, the crater was formed when magma came into contact with a layer of water-bearing rock. This created violent explosions, leaving a crater that later filled with water, creating a lake. The crater floor also has a number of conical hills, which look like islands in the water.
Once filled with an abundance of native vegetation, the reserve was cleared for grazing purposes in the 19th century. In the 1960s, volunteers replanted native trees and plants in an attempt to restore Tower Hill to its natural splendour. Today, it’s flourishing with over 300, 000 trees.
Go for a walk across wetlands and bushland, and look out for an abundance of native wildlife, including emus, echidnas, wallabies, seasonal reptiles and native birds like swans and blue wrens. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is also home to over 200 kangaroos and koalas. There’s different trails available offering easy to moderate walks, with loops, flat boardwalks and steep hills that lead to panoramic views.
There is a picnic area with tables and electric barbecues, so you’re welcome to enjoy a bite while taking in the view. Just remember not to feed the animals, and to take your rubbish with you.
Entry to the park is free, and you’re welcome to go on a self-guided adventure. But, if you’d like to take your experience a bit further, go for a guided tour with Worn Gundidj. On these interactive tours, you’ll explore Tower Hill and gain a deeper understanding of local Indigenous culture. Identify native plants for food and medicinal purposes, and have a bit more luck spotting native wildlife.