Regional Animal Encounters
Animal Encounters Right across Victoria, there are opportunities to get close to some magnificent creatures. Here are some of our favourites.
Ballarat Wildlife Park Robert Blackburn
Furry Friends
It’s a Wild Life
On the Island
If you’ve ever wanted to get close to Australia’s native animals, you’re in luck. Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley is home to all sorts of wild Aussies. Plus, book a special Echidna Close-up encounter, and you’ll meet one of the shy animals.
Head to Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road for a guided walk at Wildlife Wonders. The animals run free here, protected by a fox- and cat-proof fence. What are you likely to see? Well, koalas, pademelons, bettongs, wallabies and kangaroos, along with many varieties of gorgeous birds that call the Otways home.
Phillip Island has a plethora of animal encounters to enjoy. Of course, there are the famous penguins who traipse up the beach at sunset each day. But Phillip Island Nature Parks offers much more. At the Koala Conservation Reserve, wander along the treetop boardwalks to see them in their natural habit. Or follow the paths through Churchill Island’s Wadjil’garook Wetland to find out about Aboriginal culture and see magnificent water birds. You might also want to join Wildlife Coast Cruises on a tour circumnavigating the island in search of whales. + penguins.org.au + wildlifecoastcruises.com.au
You can’t cuddle these koalas, but you can tour the veterinary facilities and see wildlife experts undertaking conservation work at the new RSPCA Koala Ward at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Sick and injured animals are looked after in the hospital and rehabilitated in outdoor recovery zones. It’s not just Australian animals either. At Ballarat Wildlife Park book a Meet the Meerkats tour, and have your photo taken with these cuties. If you’re fascinated by the world’s tallest animal, head to Halls Gap Zoo, where you can hand feed the gentle giants during a Giraffe Encounter. + zoo.org.au + wildlifepark.com.au + hallsgapzoo.com.au
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Winter is a brilliant time to drive the Great Ocean Road because it’s whale season. From May to September, these huge marine mammals arrive off the coast to breed and give birth to their calves. Find the best vantage spots on the Winter Whale Trail at Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland. No car? No worries. Around and About has a three-day tour that takes in the best of the Great Ocean Road, including the 12 Apostles at sunset and Wildlife Wonders. + wildlifewonders.org.au + visitgreatoceanroad.org.au + aroundandabout.com.au
