A trip around Victoria, including the scenic coastal drive of the Great Ocean Road, could almost be described as one giant wildlife park. Australia’s second smallest state punches above its weight when it comes to native wildlife.
Expect to see a view with a ‘roo or two, as well as wallabies, emus, echidnas, platypus and more. The marine life spotted from coastal Victoria is a true highlight, particularly the breaching southern right whales and the little penguins on Phillip Island.
Maximise your Victoria explore our top wildlife hot spots.
An exploration of the Otway Ranges reveals ancient plant life, colossal trees, imposing waterfalls, and more native fauna than your bucket list even knew it needed. There are so many opportunities to encounter new furry and feathered friends, all in their natural habitat. From kangaroos, to wallabies, echidnas, cockatoos, galahs and the giggling kookaburras.
Although koalas can be seen across the Otways, Cape Otway is where most gather. Take the time to visit the Cape Otway Centre for Conservation and you can join a guided tour to observe the many creatures who call this area home.
And be sure not to miss Melba Gully for twinkly glowworm spotting!
Did you know you can actually check ‘swimming with wild dolphins’ off your bucket list in the waters of Port Phillip Bay, just out of Melbourne?
From October to April, sign up for a dolphin swimming cruise where you’ll don a wetsuit and snorkel for some playtime with the bay’s 150 bottlenose dolphins. You’ll also head to the fur seals’ playground for a snorkel, as well exploring this protected home for copious colourful fish. Scuba diving is also an option, with shipwrecks in the area providing further adventures.
There was a period in the 1920s when Victoria was devastatingly almost koala-free due to fire, voracious disease, clearing and the fur trade wiping them out. Thanks to 1953 rehabilitation efforts, the koala has made a comeback and Raymond Island is the place to go.
This quiet isle, 300km from Melbourne, is a haven to koalas, echidnas, and kangaroos, with sightings practically guaranteed. The aptly named Koala Trail is a breeze to walk at 1.4 kilometres, but take your time as all the (sleepy) action is above you.
Reach Raymond Island on the short (and free for pedestrians) ferry ride from Paynesville.
If there is only one place you decide to go wildlife watching in Victoria, make it Phillip Island. Though it is celebrated for its penguin colony, Phillip Island offers a plethora of wildlife experiences, including the Koala Conservation Centre. Essential in saving the islands koala population, the Koala Conservation Centre has both a breeding and a natural bush conservation programme. The unique tree top boardwalk system allows visitors to see how amazing these curious little fur balls are, as well as being treated to glorious views of the the wetlands. From up high you get to see koalas go about their lives as well as super cute photo opportunities of joeys piggy backed by their mothers, learning all of the tricks of the koala trade - from climbing, to foraging for food and meeting new koala pals.
Better still join a ranger on a “Koala Eco-Explorer Tour” to learn all about Aussie’s sleepy icon.
The world’s smallest penguins call Phillip Island their home, comically waddling from to the dunes at sunset. The not-for-profit Phillip Island Nature Park offers self-guided viewing or ranger-led tours for the Penguin Parade. Viewing options include a ranger commentary from the viewing platform, an eye level viewing option (limited to just 70 people) from the underground viewing window, or a couple of VIP tours where, led by a ranger you can see them from the elevated platform, or better still don night vision gear and headphones and set off for a secluded beach for a very intimate evening with the little penguins.
For marine life, head to the delightful little settlement of Seal Rocks to spy the playful seals. Bird lovers should head to Rhyll Inlet where migratory wading birds come to feed and breed, including spoonbills, herons, and cormorants.
"Seal Rocks, Phillip Island" — Photo Credit: Visit Victoria