Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Explore an extinct volcano teeming with koalas, emus, and kangaroos. A free, accessible wildlife haven on the Great Ocean Road.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an extinct volcano teeming with koalas, emus, and kangaroos. A free, accessible wildlife haven on the Great Ocean Road.
"This is now one of my favorite places! Beautiful lakes surrounded by volcanic ridges and koalas in the trees!"
🎯 Don't Feed the Wildlife!
While emus might approach picnic areas, never feed them or any other animals. It's crucial for their health and safety.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The reserve offers walks for all abilities, from easy boardwalks to scenic climbs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Koala Encounters
Trees near parking and throughout the reserve
Spot koalas lounging in eucalyptus trees, often visible from the parking areas. Keep an eye out for mothers and their joeys!
Emu Sightings
Roads, picnic areas, and walking trails
Watch emus roam freely, sometimes even visiting picnic spots around lunchtime. They are accustomed to people but remember not to feed them.
Volcanic Crater Landscape
Throughout the reserve
Explore the unique landscape of an extinct volcano, with its striking crater and volcanic ridges surrounding serene lakes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Wildlife Sightings
Free Access, Abundant Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Feed the Wildlife!
While emus might approach picnic areas, never feed them or any other animals. It's crucial for their health and safety.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The reserve offers walks for all abilities, from easy boardwalks to scenic climbs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! You'll have ample opportunities to photograph koalas, emus, and the stunning volcanic scenery.
🚗 Easy Detour from GOR
Tower Hill is a short, worthwhile detour from the Great Ocean Road, making it a perfect stop on your journey.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Feed the Wildlife!
While emus might approach picnic areas, never feed them or any other animals. It's crucial for their health and safety.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The reserve offers walks for all abilities, from easy boardwalks to scenic climbs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! You'll have ample opportunities to photograph koalas, emus, and the stunning volcanic scenery.
🚗 Easy Detour from GOR
Tower Hill is a short, worthwhile detour from the Great Ocean Road, making it a perfect stop on your journey.
☁️ Misty Mornings are Magical
Even on gloomy or misty days, wildlife is present. The atmosphere can add a unique charm to your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, calling it a favorite and a must-visit, especially after driving the Great Ocean Road. The abundance of easily spotted wildlife, including koalas and emus, along with the beautiful volcanic landscape and free entry, makes it a highly recommended and memorable experience for all ages. Some wish they had more time to explore the hiking trails.
"I’m almost hesitant to leave a glowing review for this site because it is just so serene and beautiful, that I almost don’t want to see it get overcrowded with people! There were a couple of handfuls of people there when I went and it was simply perfection! Emus wandering freely around you, koalas in every other tree, cultural sites. I was honoured to have my very own tour guide, Gunditjmara Elder Uncle Paul. I am so grateful to you for sharing your time and knowledge with me. Follow @melfrommelbourne on Instagram for more footage and recommendations."
Melissa “Mel” Lee
"Spotted around 7 koalas and a kangaroo family. And the emus are already at the park entrance. Beautiful place where you can enjoy watching the wildlife in their natural habitat. Besides the lively animals you will find peace and serenity"
Joana Garcia-Galczynski
"Beautiful place, with lovely relatively easy walks around the volcanos and lakes. If you are planning a picnic or BBQ then be careful of the emus, they steal food, while the koalas are distracting you! Think its a well organised double act!"
Jason Borthwick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is conveniently located between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, just a short detour off the Great Ocean Road. It's approximately a three-hour drive west from Melbourne.
Public transport options to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve are limited. It is best accessed by car, especially if you plan to explore the various walking tracks and wildlife viewing spots.
There are multiple parking areas within the reserve, including near the visitor centre and picnic spots. Some parking areas are known for koala sightings right from the car!
Absolutely! Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a mix of wildlife viewing, walking, and picnicking opportunities.
Tower Hill is a straightforward detour from the Great Ocean Road. Follow signs from the main road towards the reserve. It's a popular stop for those traveling along the iconic coastal route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve offers free access to all visitors. This makes it an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly wildlife experience.
The reserve is generally open from dawn till dusk. There are no strict opening or closing times for the park itself, allowing for flexible visits.
No booking is required as there is no entry fee. You can visit spontaneously and explore the reserve at your own pace.
Yes, there are picnic areas with tables and BBQs available, as well as toilets. The visitor centre may have limited hours but provides information about the reserve.
While the reserve is open from dawn till dusk, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and optimal wildlife viewing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, emus, and numerous bird species. Keep your eyes peeled! +1
Yes, the reserve features a network of walking tracks suitable for all abilities, from easy boardwalks to more challenging climbs offering scenic views.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours to explore the walking tracks and spot wildlife. However, you could easily spend longer if you enjoy leisurely walks and picnicking.
It's a fantastic spot for photography, with abundant wildlife and unique volcanic landscapes. Early morning and late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.
While self-guided exploration is the norm, ranger-led activities or talks might be available at certain times. Check with the visitor centre for any scheduled programs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants within the reserve. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas with tables and BBQs, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature.
Pack essentials like food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a picnic blanket. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
The towns of Warrnambool and Port Fairy, located a short drive away, offer a range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants for dining options.
The visitor centre typically does not sell food. It's best to come prepared with your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating a softer glow and enhancing the natural beauty of the reserve.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing wildlife from a distance, while a wide-angle lens is great for the volcanic landscapes. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The areas around the parking lots often have koalas, and the walking trails offer diverse perspectives of the crater and lakes. The picnic areas are also great for emu shots.
While you can get close to some animals like emus, always maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. Use your zoom lens to get detailed shots without disturbing them.
Misty conditions can create a unique, atmospheric mood for photography. Embrace the ethereal quality of the landscape and wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to be quiet and observant to spot animals. The chance to see emus up close (from a safe distance!) is always a hit. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no food facilities on-site. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to connect with Australian nature in a safe and engaging environment.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
It's a great place to connect with nature and enjoy moments of solitude. The chance to spot wildlife independently adds an element of discovery to your hike. The reserve's accessibility and free entry make it an ideal stop for solo adventurers exploring the Great Ocean Road.
📸 Photographers
Bring your telephoto lens for wildlife and a wide-angle for the scenery. Be patient and respectful of the animals' space. Misty mornings can also offer incredibly atmospheric and unique photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Volcanic Origins of Tower Hill
The reserve's location inside the volcanic crater provides a sheltered microclimate, which is ideal for wildlife. The lakes within the crater are remnants of the volcanic activity, and the surrounding ridges offer varied habitats. Exploring Tower Hill is not just about wildlife spotting; it's also an opportunity to learn about Victoria's fascinating volcanic history and geology.
Interpretive signs throughout the reserve offer insights into its formation and ecological significance. The walking tracks allow visitors to immerse themselves in this unique environment, offering different perspectives of the crater and its inhabitants. It's a place where natural history and wildlife viewing converge beautifully.
Wildlife Encounters: What to Expect
Emus are another highlight, often seen roaming freely across the reserve, including the roads and picnic areas. Some emus are known to visit the picnic spots around lunchtime, drawn by the presence of people, though it's crucial to remember not to feed them. Kangaroos and a wide variety of bird species also call Tower Hill home, contributing to the reserve's rich biodiversity.
The reserve's design, with its varied habitats and free-roaming wildlife, makes for an engaging experience. The animals are generally accustomed to human presence, allowing for close-up viewing opportunities, especially with the aid of a zoom lens. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for spotting more active animals.
Exploring the Walking Trails
These trails are not just for exercise; they are integral to the wildlife viewing experience. Many tracks wind through habitats where koalas and other animals are frequently spotted. The reserve's layout encourages exploration, allowing visitors to discover different vantage points and encounter wildlife in various settings.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and allow ample time to explore. The trails are well-maintained, making it a pleasant experience to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique geological features of Tower Hill.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit