Wildlife Wonders Tickets

Wildlife Wonders is a native animal sanctuary where the forest meets the sea. It is located about 5 kilometers west of Apollo Bay. This is the latest project for the Conservation Ecology Centre, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has taken the concept of ecotourism to another level by showcasing the beauty of the Otways landscape in a thoughtful way. They also give back to the ecosystem through their research projects.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

• Wildlife Wonders has adjusted their daily work programs to intensify cleaning in high traffic areas.
• In public areas, they offer hand sanitizer gel and encourage guests to observe advice from the Australian Government Department of Health on recommended hygiene practices, social distancing, and for more information.
• The staff are executing exceptionally good hand hygiene with frequent hand washing, hand sanitizing to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
• Wildlife Wonders registers the contact details of their visitors.
• They ensure that face masks, gloves, and paper tissues are available to maintain the safety of the staff and guests.
• Social distancing guidelines are provided upon check-in.
• The staff is trained to keep an eye out for the symptoms of coughing, fever, and/or shortness of breath, and to take action if a guest feels unwell or if any of the staff reports feeling unwell.
• If COVID-19 starts spreading in the community, anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home. They should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medications, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection.

Things to Do at Wildlife Wonders

Take a Guided Walk

Take a 75-minute guided tour through Wildlife Wonders. This is a great way to bond with your family. Stroll through the forest on a meandering 1.4km path set against the stunning backdrop of the ocean, and see some animal residents up close. Wildlife Wonders is encircled by a fox and cat-proof fence, so it is free from feral predators. This means you’ll be able to explore a thriving Otways ecosystem that cannot be found elsewhere presently. Moreover, the sanctuary was designed and created by Brian Massey, who was an Art Director on ‘The Hobbit’ films and landscape designer of the award-winning ‘Hobbiton’ in New Zealand. As you’d imagine, Wildlife Wonders is home to magnificent landscapes for which the Great Ocean Road is renowned.

Learn about Conservation

On your guided walk, you get to pause and visit the Research Base. Discover the projects that are currently being undertaken across the Otways by the Conservation Ecology Centre, which your visit is helping to support. Towards the end of the walk, see some of the research work ‘in action’, including camera traps and nesting boxes.

Break for Coffee

Either before or after your tour, head over to the gift shop and treat yourself to a well-earned refreshment. Or escape the bustle of Apollo Bay and go on a short drive up the hill to sip on a coffee in a beautiful bushland setting. Note that all profits from the café and gift shop also support conservation.