Nestled in the Otways, less than ten minutes away from Apollo Bay, you’ll find a 30-acre wildlife sanctuary that is filled with freely roaming native animals, like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos and bandicoots, as well as birds, frogs and reptiles. Free from predators, the Wildlife Wonders sanctuary has a range of natural habitats, such as fern gullies, forests, grasslands and swamps. And the only way for you to see it is to take a guided tour. Amble along a gentle, 1.4km path with a helpful guide, and learn all about the different creatures that call the Otways home. Wildlife Wonders is open daily, and you’ll find it about three hours away from Melbourne.
Wildlife Wonders
Each twist and turn of the sanctuary was crafted and created by Brian Massey, an Art Director of The Hobbit films, and landscape designer for the world-famous Hobbiton experience. But, you won’t find the rolling hills of the Shire at this sanctuary. Instead, he consulted with conservation scientists, zoologists, botanists and more wildlife experts to create a space for animals to thrive.
See koalas snoozing in the treetops, spot emus wandering about the grasslands, and listen to the noisy frogs at the pond. The sanctuary is bordered by a 1.4km long fence, which keeps out predators like foxes and cats. It also keeps out invasive species, like pigs and deer, who destroy local habitats.
There’s a few different tours you can take. The most classic option is the Walk with Wildlife Tour, where you’ll follow a conservationist Nature Guide through the park. Journey through the bushland, see sweeping ocean vistas and look out for wildlife along the way. As you go, you’ll learn about the ecology of the Otways, as well as the research behind protecting threatened species in the Great Ocean Road. This experience lasts for 75 minutes.
If you’re more of a night owl, take part in the 120-minute long Dusk Discovery Tour. Visit the Sanctuary at sunset, and look out for animals like potoroos, bandicoots and pademelons as they wake up and start to feed and forage. A simple meal and cold drink is included in this experience.
Otherwise, arrive at sunrise for the Dawn Discovery Tour. Listen for the cheery sounds of birds starting their day, as well as other creatures moving around at dawn. This 120-minute long experience includes brekkie, as well as coffee or a hot drink.
The walk is quite gentle, with no steps, and is suitable for most sturdy prams and wheelchairs. Everyone is provided with binoculars, as well as an audio headset to hear your guide.
What else is there?
Before or after your tour, pop into the Emu Cafe for a bite to eat. Open to the public from 9:30am to 3:30pm, you can relax with breakfast, lunch or a locally-made sweet treat. Their coffee is an exclusive, locally-roasted house-blend that supports wildlife conservation. Sit inside, and get a nice view of the sanctuary from the large window. Often, a curious emu or two will drift by for a visit. If you’ve got dogs, the courtyard outside is dog friendly. However, please note that dogs aren’t permitted inside the sanctuary.
The Gift & Book Shop, located just inside the Visitor Centre, is also open to the public. Find all sorts of nature-themed books, wildlife-inspired wares and a rotating selection of goods from local artists.
All of the profits from Wildlife Wonders go towards the Conservation Ecology Centre, which conducts research and tackles projects to address conservation challenges facing the animals and habitats of the Otways. All of their projects are also chosen for the potential to benefit wildlife and environments further out around Australia and the world.
You’ll find Wildlife Wonders at 475 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233.
More things to do in the area
Stick around and continue to the explore the Otways by chasing waterfalls, seeing a redwood forest and finding glow worms. While you’re in the woods, check out the tiny town of Forrest, or head out by the beach and explore the town of Apollo Bay. Head east towards Lorne and look out for more koalas near Kennett River. Or, journey west along the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles.
