WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE SEA

TAKE A GUIDED WALK

At the Visitor Centre you’ll be met by your conservationist guide, who will accompany you on a walk through this magical setting and share with you the secrets of the bush and the plants and animals who call the Otways home.

Wildlife Wonders is protected by a fox and cat proof fence, so it is free from feral predators. This means you’ll be able to enjoy a thriving Otways ecosystem that presently cannot be found elsewhere.

The 1.4km all-abilities walking path makes this a wonderful and achievable experience for the whole family.

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

Designed and created by Brian Massey, an Art Director on ‘The Hobbit’ films and landscape designer of the award-winning ‘Hobbiton’ in New Zealand, Wildlife Wonders slowly reveals a magnificent landscapes and exquisite wildlife for which the Great Ocean Road is renowned.

LEARN ABOUT CONSERVATION

The guided walk includes a pause at the Research Base, where you’ll be able to learn more about projects currently being undertaken across the Otways by the Conservation Ecology Centre, which your visit is helping to support.

Along the final stage of the walk, we’ll show you some of the research work ‘in action’, including camera traps and nesting boxes.

UNWIND WITH A COFFEE

The Wildlife Wonders café and gift shop are open to the public.

Join us before or after your tour to browse the gift shop and enjoy a well-earned refreshment. Or take a short drive up the hill from the hustle and bustle of Apollo Bay to enjoy a coffee in a beautiful bushland setting.

All profits from the café and gift shop also support conservation.

YOUR VISIT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Every visit to Wildlife Wonders supports a brighter future for the wild Otways, and for nature across Australia and around the world. This is because all profits from Wildlife Wonders operations are invested in nature by supporting the critical research and conservation programs of the Conservation Ecology Centre, building knowledge, restoring habitats and supporting threatened species.

From Apollo Bay

Wildlife Wonders is located 5km south of Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road.

When you see the sign, take the next turnoff on the left for the carpark. It’s approximately 7 minutes’ drive from the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre. 

By car (from Melbourne or the airport)

Apollo Bay is 197km from Melbourne CBD and will take approximately 2hours and 30 minutes to drive. The step by step directions below should take you there: 

• Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway (or if departing Tullamarine Airport follow the signs to Geelong via the M80 Ring Road)
• Continue onto Princes Freeway (if you are driving from Avalon Airport you’ll join the Princess Freeway just before Geelong) 
• Continue on the M1 to Cape Otway Rd/C135 in Mount Moriac
• Take Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd to Great Ocean Rd/B100 in Skenes Creek
• Turn right onto Great Ocean Rd/B100
• Arrive in Apollo Bay

Alternatively, taking the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road will add 30 minutes to your journey (plus photo stops). To drive the Great Ocean Road, exit the Princes Freeway at the Torquay exit.

If you are arriving to Wildlife Wonders from further away than Apollo Bay, we suggest you aim to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your tour. The Great Ocean Road is often busy, and your trip can take longer than you anticipate. 

By public transport

Apollo Bay can be reached via the V-Line bus from either Geelong or Colac, where it meets some V-Line train services from Melbourne. Busses connect with the Melbourne – Warrnambool train line at:

• Geelong Train Station and travel along the Great Ocean Road through Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and other coastal towns
• Colac Train Station (Wednesday and weekends only) and travel via the hinterland through Forrest, Barramunga, Tanybryn and Skenes Creek

For train and bus information and timetables visit: ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007

Once in Apollo Bay, the Visitor Information Centre can arrange transport for you to Wildlife Wonders.