Not all wildlife can be spotted freely roaming within their natural homes, despite the fact that Victoria is positively bursting at the seams with abundant wildlife habitats. At times it is nice to visit an animal sanctuary as well, to sample all of the wildlife delights on offer in one simple stop!
- Melbourne Aquarium - www.melbourneaquarium.com.au
- In Melbourne you will find an exotic and educational aquarium on the city's edge. An aquarium dedicated to southern ocean marine life, a tour through this little gem is a totally interactive experience. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet!
- Melbourne Zoo - www.zoo.org.au
- Make a visit to the Melbourne Zoo which first opened its doors in 1862 and is now home to over 300 animal species. An exhilarating day can be had viewing native and international species of animals such as kangaroos, elephants, lions, many different types of reptiles and cuddly koalas. The Melbourne Zoo is a great day out for the whole family and is located just minutes north of the city centre at Parkville.
- Ballarat Wildlife Park - www.wildlifepark.com.au
- The Goldfields town of Ballarat offers visitors a wildlife park adventure that is dedicated to educating everyone on the beauty and fragility of Victoria's native species. Come here to learn how to deal with a red belly black snake when you're out in the bush alone, learn all about koala mating calls and get some lessons on why it's best never to try to shake hands with a kangaroo.
- Caldermeade Farm - www.caldermeadecafe.com.au
- Located on the South Gippsland Highway near Lang Lang, Caldermeade Farm is a great place to stop when making the journey between Melbourne and Phillip Island. A commercial dairy farm operates on the property, milking up to 400 cows per day, and visitors can observe the whole process taking place from an elevated viewing room. There is also an animal nursery where visitors of all ages can pat and feed a variety of baby animals including calves, lambs, goats and ducks. When you're all done, make your way to the fully licensed cafe for outstanding food, snacks or coffee.
- Halls Gap Zoo - www.hallsgapzoo.com.au
- Located in the adventurous area of the Grampians just outside of Halls Gap, this zoo is a true testament to Australia's most loved native animals - koalas and kangaroos. You can touch, feel and cuddle the animals here, a great place for children to discover the beauty of wildlife.
- Healesville Sanctuary - www.zoo.org.au
- Dedicated to the native wildlife that live in and love Victoria, the Healesville Sanctuary offer close encounters with Australian owls, overseas born orangutans, kangaroos, endangered species and gorgeous Sumatran Tigers. Located in the picturesque and welcoming area of the Yarra Valley at Healesville, you will enjoy exploring the sanctuary itself and the natural delights of the surrounding area too.
- Koala Conservation Centre - www.penguins.org.au
- Another place to enjoy koalas is at the Koala Conservation Centre at Rhyll on Phillip Island. Spot these lovable native animals by taking a stroll along the tree-top boardwalks and bush tracks. Guides are often on hand to explain the finer points of a koala's diet and lifestyle. The centre is also home to other native animals including echidnas, possums, wallabies and many species of birds.
- Mansfield Zoo - www.mansfieldzoo.com.au
- The Victorian high country at Mansfield is home to the Mansfield zoo - the type of zoo where the visitors get well and truly involved in feeding the animals! With both native and exotic animals on show, you can help to feed the animals with their daily tucker and stroll up close with many different species such as the kangaroo, llama and deer.
- Maru Koala & Animal Park - www.marukoalapark.com.au
- In the town of Grantville, enroute to Phillip Island, you will find the Manu Koala & Animal Park. This is a great day trip for the kids and includes plenty of amusements and activities to keep the whole family entertained, plus a koala cuddle could also be on the cards.
- Phillip Island Wildlife Park - www.piwildlifepark.com.au
- Just on the outskirts of Cowes, on Phillip Island, is the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. The 60 acre property is home to around 100 different species of Australian animals and visitors can get up close and personal with many of them by feeding and patting them. Highlights include the kangaroos which roam freely through the grounds, an elevated boardwalk which allows visitors to see koalas at eye level, and the many species of birds with their distinct calls.
- Tower Hill State Game Reserve - www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
- Situated between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, Tower Hill is located in an extinct volcano. Visitors are able to get up close and very personal with land-dwelling animals. It has been set up and maintained as a wildlife haven since the 1950s and is abundant with emus, echidnas and many different types of Australian water birds. If you are a bird-lover, this reserve will set your heart alight. Similarly, if you enjoy thick and healthy vegetation and the chance to mingle with koalas and kangaroos, you will enjoy a trip to Tower Hill. The Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre is open daily within the reserve.
- Warrook Cattle Farm - www.warrook.com.au
- For a true blue Aussie farming experience in Victoria, head to the working cattle station Warrook, which is located at Monomeith, between Melbourne and Phillip Island. See how real sheep and cattle farming operations bring food to your dinner table. A truly humbling and eye-opening experience. The farm also features a fauna park, allowing visitors to meet kangaroos, emus and water birds.
- Werribee Open Range Zoo - www.zoo.org.au
- This zoo is a really different experience for animal lovers. The zoo operates in an open format, meaning you can get very close to giraffes, rhinos, lions and many other animals by taking a 4WD safari tour or a guided walk through the huge zoo grounds. Like the type of zoo you expect to experience in the sweeping plains of South Africa, the Werribee Open Plains Zoo is located south-west of the city of Melbourne at Werribee. A magical zoo experience for all of the family.
