
Love animals? So do we. And thankfully, both Melbourne and Victoria have heaps of wildlife experiences for you to try the next time you feel like connecting with nature. Journey into national parks in search of glow worms and platypuses, get a little closer at animal sanctuaries and learn about conservation efforts, or get out on the water for a playful time with seals. Whatever you decide, there’s so many ways for you to connect with nature in these unforgettable wildlife experiences around Victoria. Which will you try first?
1. Waddle over to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Did you know that Phillip Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in the world? See these adorable penguins waddle their way home, from the ocean to their burrows, at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Watch them appear on Summerlands Beach at dusk. Walk along the boardwalks after dark to continue watching the penguins on their journey home. While you walk, you might see some other wildlife too, like Eastern barred bandicoots and swamp wallabies. Bookings to this world-famous experience is essential. Find out more.
📍1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922
2. Find heaps of choices with Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria have a number of incredible locations around Victoria if you’re looking for some cool wildlife experiences. Stay close to the city and spend a day at Melbourne Zoo, or head west to Werribee Open Range Zoo for a fun safari experience. Go east to Healesville Sanctuary and find plenty of birds and native wildlife. Or, drive roughly two to three hours away from Melbourne to the massive Kyabram Fauna Park. Learn more here.
📍Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030, Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777 and 75 Lake Rd, Kyabram VIC 3620
3. Visit the charming Collingwood Children’s Farm
If you’d like to get closer to animals without straying too far from the city, look no further than Collingwood Children’s Farm. Fun for children and grown-ups, this not-for-profit organisation has plenty of adorable farm animals, as well as daily activities like cow brushing and putting the chickens to bed. There’s also an apiary, where you can learn about bees on select days, as well as a cafe if you’re peckish. See more here.
📍18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
4. See cute koalas at Raymond Island
Love koalas? You’ll find plenty of them sleeping away in the trees of Raymond Island. Drive out to Gippsland and hop on the ferry at Paynesville. The ride lasts for five minutes, and is free if you’re going on foot or with a bike. Then, take a stroll around the Koala Trail and look up at the gum trees to see an abundance of relaxed koalas. The trail is an easy 20 minutes. While you’re on the island, look out for other wildlife like kangaroos and echidnas. Learn more here.
📍Raymond Island, VIC 3880
5. Swim over to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Walk through the Oceanarium and marvel at sharks, rays, turtles and more, see adorable penguins like Pesto, discover rainforest creatures and more. More info here.
📍King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Feed kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary
Just 50 minutes away from Melbourne, you’ll find the marvellous Moonlit Sanctuary. This wildlife park has over 70 Australian species, including endangered animals. Hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies on the Wallaby Walk, and get closer with creatures like koalas in one of the extra animal encounters. If you’re more of a night owl, visit the sanctuary for one of their night tours, and see nocturnal animals like potoroos, pademelons and more. See more here.
📍550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale VIC 3912
7. Get close with seals and dolphins
There are a number of wildlife experiences around Victoria that will get you near seals and dolphins. Stay out of the water on a boat like Wildlife Coast Cruises on Phillip Island or Wilsons Prom. Find seal colonies hanging out on rocks, and look out for dolphins frolicking in the water. If you’d like to get really close, there are also some companies that will help you snorkel among dolphins and seals, such as Polperro Dolphin Swims in Sorrento, Dolphin Swims in Queenscliff and Moonraker Dolphin Swims in Sorrento.
📍VIC
8. Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges
Walk around Hanging Rock with a llama by your side, or opt for a nice Meet & Greet with Hanging Rock Llama Treks. There’s 5km walks available, as well as 12km treks if you’re feeling more ambitious. Check out their Facebook page for availability and bookings.
📍51 South Rock Rd , Woodend, VIC 3442
9. Meet the lovely residents of Edgar’s Mission
Drive over an hour north of Melbourne to the not-for-profit animal sanctuary, Edgar’s Mission. Set on 153 acres, this compassionate space is home to rescued farmed animals. At any given time, you can expect between 350 to 450 animals in the sanctuary, such as sheep, goats, cows, chickens and pigs. Visit the sanctuary by booking a tour in spring, summer or autumn. You can also volunteer to help out at the sanctuary, or stay overnight in one of their tiny houses.
📍81 Bridies Ln, Lancefield VIC 3435
10. Look out for the platypus at Lake Elizabeth
Deep in the Otways, at Lake Elizabeth, you might be lucky enough to spot a platypus paddling around in the calm waters. Walk over to the lake early in the morning or at dusk for your best chance to see them. If you don’t see any, there’s still plenty of birds for you to appreciate. Otway Eco Tours also offer a guided canoe experience, so you can get out on the water and keep a lookout.
📍Forrest VIC 3236
11. See glimmering glow worms
Visit Melba Gully in the Otways, and look out for the magical light of glow worms after dark. Travel along the Madsens Track Nature Walk, and look out for little pinpricks of light at various points along the track. You’re more likely to see the glow worms after a bit of rain, or on nights with no moonlight. See more here.
📍5 Melba Gully Rd, Lavers Hill VIC 3238
12. Stroll through Serendip Sanctuary
Drive less than an hour from Melbourne to Lara and have a fun day out at Serendip Sanctuary. This 250 hectare space is located at the base of the You Yangs in the Western Volcanic Plains. It’s home to 150 different species of birds, including emus, as well as mammals like wallabies and kangaroos. Entry to this place is completely free! Learn more here.
📍 100 Windermere Rd, Lara VIC 3212
13. Drop by the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre
The Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre is spread across 40 acres on the foothills of the Macedon Ranges. This conservation centre is home to over 40 dingoes, and while they aren’t open to the public, visitors are welcome by appointment only. Meet the dingoes and learn all about them on a tour that runs for 1.5 hours. Find out more.
📍366-400 Gisborne-Melton Rd, Toolern Vale VIC 3337
14. Have a grand time at Gumbuya World
Yes, Gumbuya World has water slides and thrill rides, but they also have plenty of wildlife experiences! Walk along the Wildlife Trail and find 52 species of animals, including koalas, dingoes, tiger quolls and more. See a bird show, or add an encounter to your ticket for an even closer experience. See more here.
📍2705 Princes Hwy, Tynong North VIC 3813
15. Learn about the conservation efforts at Mt Rothwell
Head to Little River and find the largest feral predator-free ecosystem in Victoria. At Mt Rothwell, you’ll find some threatened species like the Eastern Barred Bandicoot and Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby. Once a month, they hold night tours in search of the precious animals that call this area home. Private tours are also available. Learn more here.
📍5 Mt Rothwell Rd, Little River VIC 3211
16. Snorkel with seadragons
See the rare Weedy Seadragons in their natural habitat by snorkelling around Mornington Peninsula with Bayplay. Learn the basics of snorkelling and all about the native marine life you might encounter in Port Phillip Bay. When you’re in the water, you’ll wear a buoyant wetsuit and have access to a life ring for safety, so even non-competent swimmers can enjoy the experience.
📍3755 Point Nepean Road, Portsea, VIC, 3944
17. Go whale watching
Between the colder months from May to early October, keep an eye out for humpback whales, southern right whales, blue whales and orcas as they migrate to warmer waters to give birth and raise their calves. See our list of whale watching recommendations here.