Wildlife Wonders in Apollo Bay, Victoria | Wildlife sanctuary

Wildlife Wonders

Locality: Apollo Bay, Victoria

Phone: +61 1300 099 467

Address: 475 Great Ocean Road 3233 Apollo Bay, VIC, Australia

Website: http://wildlifewonders.org.au

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• Community organisation
• Environmental conservation organisation
• Wildlife sanctuary
• Eco tour agency

24.01.2022 A great little insight into Wildlife Wonders - why were doing what were doing and what it will be like. We cant wait to welcome you in 2020!

23.01.2022 Whos that up there? Koalas are already making themselves at home in the treetops at Wildlife Wonders. Can you spot this one? #seeAustralia #visitVictoria #VisitGreatOceanRoad #wildlife #wildoz #nature #wildotways #iamotways #GreatOceanRoad #koala

23.01.2022 Wildlife Wonders the wild side of the Great Ocean Road

22.01.2022 An Otways favourite, the Long-nosed Potoroo is a tiny, fluffy cousin of the kangaroo, similar in size to a small rabbit. Although they are relatively common in the Otways, they are nocturnal, so not often seen. The Long-nosed Potoroo is a survivor in the Otways, even though it has disappeared from many other forests along the coast, all the way up to Queensland. They are listed as Near Threatened in Victoria, and Vulnerable elsewhere. See me at Wildlife Wonders!... (Photo: @DougGimesyPhotography; Douglas Gimesy) #wildotways #iamotways #wildoz #wildlife #verycute #animals #Australia #seeAustralia #potoroo #forest #ecology #threatenedspecies #conservation

21.01.2022 A sneak peek behind the scenes at Wildlife Wonders. Weve been working hard to restore and revegetate this spectacular site on the Great Ocean Road to create homes and habitat for some of the Otways most iconic species. Here is where it all began

20.01.2022 Every twist and turn in the path, every carefully crafted piece of wood, every cosy nook and open vista at Wildlife Wonders has been imagined, and its creation overseen, by Brian Massey (centre) who has worked with a team of landscapers, carpenters and builders to bring this vision to life. The challenge was bringing together the range of different habitats found across the Otways onto one site but at the same time creating a landscape which looks like it had always been he...re. To create a space where all our resident animals would feel at home, and protected, but that also gave visitors the best possible chance of seeing them. If I do my job well, no one will even know that Ive been here, said Brian during the construction phase. Its all about augmenting a wonderful landscape to steer the experience of land, botanics and animals. #creation #artisan #craftsmanship #dreamteam #NRMjobs #construction #landscaping #magic #cinematic #bespoke #experience #vision #WFH #travelplans #wanderVictoria #iamotways #wheresotriesunfold #wildotways #wildlifewonders #humansofwildlifewonders

20.01.2022 Look whats coming to the Great Ocean Road in 2020 Wildlife Wonders will give visitors the opportunity to experience the unique plants & animals of the #Otways up-close & safe from introduced predators http://wildlifewonders.org.au

20.01.2022 Accompanied by a qualified conservationist guide, visitors to Wildlife Wonders will be able to see koalas doze in the treetops, potoroos and bandicoots forage amongst the ferns and kangaroos lounging in the grasslands against a spectacular ocean vista. We look forward to welcoming you in 2020. Well be opening mid-year

19.01.2022 Need some warming up this cold winter week? As the temperature drops in #ApolloBay, the Wildlife Wonders Emu Café has some delicious hearty options to warm you up like this sweet potato and carrot soup, dusted with toasted coconut and dukka With 100% of our profits going towards conservation research at the Conservation Ecology Centre all your purchases at Wildlife Wonders help to spread a warming glow throughout the Otways. ... #soup #wintersoups #winterwarmer #winter #food #cafe #localmade #wildlifewonders #greatoceanroad #iamapollobay #visitvictoria

16.01.2022 Former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks has thrown his support behind new ecotourism venture Wildlife Wonders, which will help protect the natural values of the #GreatOceanRoad and is calling for others to do the same. If we want to ensure that these stunning natural places will survive for our grandchildren to see, we need to start thinking about investing in them, says Mr Bracks. https://bit.ly/2CGyIsI... (Photo: Doug Gimesy)

16.01.2022 Koala-ty fact time! Koalas have a backward facing pouch as do their closest living relative the wombat! The mother koala has very strong pouch muscles to make sure to hold their baby in place. When the jellybean sized joey is born it crawls into the pouch and latches onto a teat that swells in its mouth to hold it in place.... What’s your most koala-ty fact? #conservation #biodiversity #habitat #wildlife #notforprofit #socialenterprise #ecotourism #travelforgood @regentphotographyaus

16.01.2022 Wildlife Wonders is protected by a fox and cat proof fence to keep the habitat safe for native wildlife - but before the wildlife are introduced we need to be absolutely sure Mr Todd is not waiting to greet them! Jimmy and the team at Skylos Ecology have been searching for evidence and mapping these signs of fox activity.

16.01.2022 Kangaroos are the biggest land animals in the Otways, but what makes them really stand out is the way they move bouncing across the horizon on their big, strong back legs. These strong back legs and shorter forelimbs are a defining characteristic of kangaroos and wallabies and give this group of marsupials the name macropod (meaning large foot). The kangaroo youll see in the Otways is the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, which is slightly smaller than the 2-metre-tall Red Kangaroo...s you see in the outback. See me at Wildlife Wonders. Photo: @DougGimesyPhotography Douglas Gimesy #wildoz #wildotways #nature #wildlife #aussieanimals #kangaroo #seeAustralia #iamotways #VisitGreatOceanRoad

15.01.2022 Wildlife Wonders is a new ecotourism experience and social enterprise for the #GreatOceanRoad that will allow visitors to experience the unique environment of the Otways up-close and predator-free Find out more at: wildlifewonders.org.au

15.01.2022 World class ecotourism on the Great Ocean Road - celebrating magnificent natural heritage, creating a sustainable future and sharing it with visitors from near and far. Sounds pretty exciting!

15.01.2022 Just a taste of what is in store for visitors to Wildlife Wonders weve just received this exciting preview of what our visitor centre, caf and shop will look like once completed. We cant wait to welcome you, to share with you the stories of the Otways and introduce you to some of the delightful animals who will call this their home. #nature #wildlife #Australia #visitAustralia #visitVictoria #GreatOceanRoad #iamotways #wherestoriesunfold #travel #wanderlust #WildlifeWon...ders #wildotways #adventure #wildside #ecotourism #givingback Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/2xGHypM

14.01.2022 On a recent visit to the Wildlife Wonders site, our designer Brian Massey was more than a little taken when a local koala climbed out of his tree to come and say hello. Brian, the landscape designer of the highly successful Hobbiton in New Zealand, has been truly inspired by the stunning location of Wildlife Wonders, and the amount of wildlife already present there. Hell be making many more visits to Australia to oversee the creation of his vision, and to visit his furry friends.

14.01.2022 Wildlife Wonders will share the magic of the #GreatOceanRoad and its precious wildlife with thousands of people, allowing them to experience what the Otways would be like without non-native predators, like foxes and cats. Youll encounter animals youve never seen before and are unlikely to see in the wild, and well share with you how the Conservation Ecology Centre is working to protect these species outside the fence and across the Otways. Each and every visitor contribute...s to the research and conservation efforts being put in by the CEC team to understand and protect this unique environment. #nature #wildlife #Australia #visitAustralia #holidayherethisyear #visitVictoria #wanderVictoria #iamotways #wherestoriesunfold #WildlifeWonders #wildotways #adventure #wildside #ecotourism #givingback #research #conservation #habitat #protection #ecology

13.01.2022 If its koalas you want to see, Wildlife Wonders is the place. These cuties are right at home dozing in the treetops, but sometimes come down for a closer look too! #visitAustralia #GreatOceanRoad #WildOtways #iamOtways #koalas #wildlife #nature #cute #closeup

13.01.2022 Book a Walk with Wildlife tour and you might be lucky enough to get this close to a Long-nosed Potoroo!!! Long-Nosed Potoroos are some of the shyest inhabitants at Wildlife Wonders, but with our conservationist guides you’re much more likely to see one here than in the wild Wildlife Wonders provides a sanctuary for small mammals like the potoroo, as it’s free from feral cats and foxes, which pose a significant threat to these species in the wild.... In addition, your visit also helps protect these species in the wild by supporting important conservation work of the Conservation Ecology Centre Book now: https://wildlifewonders.org.au/book-now/ #longnosedpotoroo #cuteandcuddly #smallmammals #wildoz #australiananimals #nature #natureencounters #weekendadventure #ecotourism #councioustravel #visitgreatoceanroad #iamapollobay #visitvictoria #seeaustralia #wildotways #stayclosergofurther

12.01.2022 This #WorldEnvironmentDay, its time #ForNature & were being encouraged to reimagine our relationship with nature. What better way than planning a visit to Wildlife Wonders where youll encounter Aussie #wildlife in a wild environment like never before. Every visit will be unique as your conservationist guide takes you on a journey that will reveal something different at every turn, and on every occasion. Plus, all the profits from Wildlife Wonders go directly to the Conser...vation Ecology Centre working to conserve the unique Australian plants and animals beyond the fence and across the Otways. #fornature #worldenvironmentday #ecotourism #experience #wildlife #biodiversity #conservation #beyondthefence #wildotways #GreatOceanRoad #iamotways #Australia #seeAustralia #visitVictoria #travelwishlist

12.01.2022 These adorable little gliders are in fact possums that have evolved flaps of skin between their legs allowing them to glide up to 90m between trees, changing direction by adjusting this special membrane mid-flight. Sugar gliders are common in the Otways, and around the northern and eastern coasts of Australia, where they are found in both wet and dry forests. See me at Wildlife Wonders!!... Photo: Doug Gimesy Photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildoz #Australia #aussieanimals #seeAustralia #ecotourism #wildlifewonders #wildotways #iamotways

12.01.2022 Could these be any cuter?! These adorable ceramic koala mugs have been made specially for @wildlifewondersaus by the incredibly talented local potter @tillyjulsrosspottery Now all you need is a comfy seat under a shady tree and your favourite brew! #buylocal #artisan #makersgonnamake #ourcreativecoast #experience #wandervictoria #iamotways #wherestoriesunfold #wildotways #wildlifewonders #visitvictoria

12.01.2022 Immerse yourself in the wilds of the Otways at Wildlife Wonders opening soon just 5km outside Apollo Bay. See koalas doze in the treetops, potoroos and bandicoots forage on the ferny forest floors, and kangaroos hop along the horizon against a spectacular ocean vista. Every visit will be unique, as your conservationist guide takes you on a journey that will reveal something different at every turn, and on every occasion. ... #koalas #nature #wildlife #Australia #visitVictoria #visitGreatOceanRoad #iamotways #wherestoriesunfold #travel #wanderlust #wishlist #WildlifeWonders #wildotways #adventure #wildside #ecotourism #givingback

10.01.2022 "You're gumbeleafable!" Some of the beautiful cards and prints by local artist @karlijnsas Christmas presents sorted.... To see more of Karlijn's amazing artwork visit: www.karlijnsas.com #buylocal #artisan #sustainable #makersgonnamake #supportlocal #iamotways #wherestoriesunfold #wildotways #wildlifewonders #visitvictoria

10.01.2022 Were thrilled to be included in this list of amazing Australian #nature & #wildlife experiences this #WorldEnvironmentDay We cant wait to welcome you all to Wildlife Wonders soon!

09.01.2022 These charming little kangaroos are only as tall as your knee. They are mostly nocturnal, but sometimes youll be lucky enough to encounter one feeding during the day. This species, also called the Rufous-bellied Pademelon, is now only found in Tasmania, but would have roamed in the Otways in the past. It is likely that hunting and the clearing of land led to their demise on the mainland. See me at Wildlife Wonders!!... Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) #wildoz #wildotways #wildlifewonders #nature #wildlife #Australia #seeAustralia #holidayherethisyear #ecotourism #encounters #rewilding #backintime #backtothemainland #visitGreatOceanRoad

08.01.2022 Australian animals can be difficult to see in the wild, but with Nature Guide Emma McKenzie on hand youre bound to see something new and interesting on every visit to Wildlife Wonders. As a trained ecologist, Emma is someone who knows a thing or two about wildlife experiences and she has a few tricks up her sleeve to help make Wildlife Wonders an authentic, but unforgettable experience where you get to see wildlife in a wild environment. Some of Emmas past accomplishments i...nclude having a potoroo literally eating out of the palm of her hand on a Zoom call with schoolkids, encouraging Eastern Quolls to breed (as a part of a program to reintroduce them to the mainland) and training her dog Pepper to sit at the base of a tree when she spots a koala. #wildlife #nature #animals #seeAustralia #koalas #guide #experience #wanderlust #neverstopexploring #visitGreatOceanRoad #iamotways #wherestoriesunfold #alwayschanging #newperspective #holidayherethisyear #humansofwildlifewonders

08.01.2022 If you think Wildlife Wonders has a touch of the cinematic, youd be right. The entire experience is being designed by Brian Massey (L) an Art Director on The Hobbit & Landscape Designer of the award-winning Hobbiton Movie Set in NZ. The way the Wildlife Wonders experience blends seamlessly into the landscape, as if it has always been there is a testament to Brians attention to detail and craftsmanship. While we await the formation of the trans-Tasman bubble, Brian is provi...ding advice to the team, including Site Manager Shayne (R) via teleconference from New Zealand, but he cant wait to return and see how things have progressed since March. #creation #artisan #craftsmanship #magic #cinematic #landscaping #bespoke #experience #vision #WFH #travelplans #transtasman #wanderVictoria #iamotways #wheresotriesunfold #wildotways #wildlifewonders #humansofwildlifewonders

07.01.2022 Conservation Ecology Centre 2021 Conservation Internship Applications now open! Please find details here: https://www.conservationecologycentre.org//jo/internships/

06.01.2022 There is no mistaking one of Australias most iconic animals when you see one, and the Otways is one of the best places in Australia to see a koala in the wild. Koalas may look like cute teddy bears, but they actually have quite large claws, can be aggressive if approached, and are more closely related to a wombat than a bear. To spot one, look out for the grey fur, white patch on their belly, round black nose and fluffy ears. And make sure you look up! It is likely it will b...e asleep high up in a Eucalyptus tree, with its bottom wedged into a fork in the branches so it doesnt fall out. See me at Wildlife Wonders Photo: Ellie Kirke

05.01.2022 Follow me!!! Our two delightful emus have been practicing their nature guiding skills recently and would love to take you on a tour at Wildlife Wonders! We will, of course, make sure you are accompanied by a human conservationist guide as well to ensure you get the most out of your Wildlife Wonders experience. Find out more about what to expect at: https://wildlifewonders.org.au/the-experience

05.01.2022 It’s National Road Safety Week. While we’re all getting back out on the roads remember to slow down to protect our Australian wildlife. Throughout our beautiful Otways we have Swamp Wallabies, Red-necked Wallabies and Eastern Grey Kangaroos, all of whom love to sit and munch on the grass along the roads. As well as other species like our Koala and Echidnas who sometimes have to cross the road to find food. When driving through forested areas always pay close attention to the ...road, looking out for eye shine from animals in your headlights or silhouettes of animals on the side of the road. Nearly all car strikes on wildlife can be avoided by driving slower at dusk and night, but if you do come across injured or dead wildlife in the Otways you can contact @wildlifevictoria at 1300 094 535 who will be able to advise you on the best course of action. #roadsafety #protectingwildlife #koalamum #wallabies #wildlifewondersaus #greatoceanroad #visitgreatoceanroad #wildlife #notforprofit #ecotourism #apollobay

04.01.2022 Just hopping over to Wildlife Wonders The Long-nosed Potoroo is actually a relative of the kangaroo. These adorable little hoppers are threatened in the Otways, but are faring much better than some of their cousins elsewhere in Australia. Were determined to ensure the Otways remains a safe place for them to call home. You can meet them at @wildlifewonders ... #nature #conservation #potoroo #cuteandcuddly #Australia #visitVictoria #GreatOceanRoad #wildotways #iamotways #wildlife #threatenedspecies Video: @patch_media

03.01.2022 Whos that up there? Koalas are already making themselves at home in the treetops at Wildlife Wonders. Can you spot this one? #seeAustralia #wildlife #wildoz #nature #GreatOceanRoad #koala

03.01.2022 Running a unique #wildlife #ecotourism experience on the #GreatOceanRoad that connects people with #nature & generates funding for #conservation takes some pretty special skills. Our new General Manager Leonie Bowles is just the right person for the job. Leonie comes to Wildlife Wonders from the Cambridge Conservation Initiative where she led Strategy, Communications & Collaborations. She has worked on ecotourism projects both in Australia and overseas and was an Associate Le...cturer in Responsible Tourism at UQ Business School. Leonie was awarded the Global Young Talent award at the World Tourism Forum in 2015 for her postgraduate research on environmental ethics and ecotourism leadership. https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-bowles-36230358

03.01.2022 Wildlife Wonders is an amazing place to see the native animals of the Otways, but unfortunately life is not so great for their brothers and sisters outside the fence. That is why all profits from Wildlife Wonders support the crucial work of the Conservation Ecology Centre , which combines research with land management to tackle the most urgent conservation challenges facing the Otways region. In the past 10 years, the Conservation Ecology Centre has planted over 100,000 koala... habitat trees, trained a team of Tiger Quoll detection dogs, implemented an ecological burning program to manage bushfire risk and restore habitat, and partnered with universities, government agencies and private landholders to better understand and protect our local threatened species. Image: Emma Catherine Studios. #research #conservation #biodiversity #habitat #wildlife #forest #aussiebush #koalas #bushfire #threatenedspecies #landmanagement #treeplanting #partnerships #notforprofit #socialenterprise #ecotourism #conservationfinance #givingback #travelforgood

03.01.2022 The new Wildlife Wonders ecotourism experience on the Great Ocean Road has its sights set on helping to solve some significant problems, from Australias faunal extinction crisis to a shortage of secure jobs. Wildlife Wonders provides an alternative funding model for conservation helping us break free of short-term funding cycles leading to more effective and efficient conservation efforts. But its not all about the animals. Wildlife Wonders will create careers in conservation as well, increasing the number of secure jobs available to local people and bringing some great minds into the region too.

03.01.2022 Keeping our critters safe. Although it wont be seen by visitors to Wildlife Wonders, this innovative predator-proof fence is one of the most important parts of Wildlife Wonders keeping the animals we want safe inside, and keeping those which threaten them out.

02.01.2022 Fern Gully (before and after). These ferns were rescued during track clearing and given a new home here at @wildlifewondersaus. Transporting them and replanting them was not easy, but the results speak for themselves #beforeandafter #plantrescue #ferns #regrowth #ozplants #nature

02.01.2022 20 new attractions that are worth the wait - Wildlife Wonders is top of the list for when were allowed to travel again. Thanks Traveller & The Age for the shout out today :) https://www.traveller.com.au/australia-things-to-do-20-new-

01.01.2022 Before we all had to stop travelling for a while, there was an excellent piece about Wildlife Wonders in Traveller magazine. Australias precious wildlife has been making world news for terrible reasons, as bushfires ravaged huge tracts of habitat and shocking numbers of animals were killed and injured. But on Victorias Great Ocean Road, a good news story has been quietly unfolding. At Apollo Bay, a new $10-million wildlife park is set to open in mid-2020, with one of the k...ey creatives behind New Zealands hugely successful attraction, Hobbiton behind it. #nature #wildlife #Australia #visitAustralia #visitVictoria #GreatOceanRoad #iamotways #wherestoriesunfold #travel #escape #wanderlust #WildlifeWonders #wildotways #adventure #wildside #ecotourism