Dawn Discovery Tour
See and hear the sanctuary waking up with the dawn chorus of birds on this 90 minute Dawn Discovery tour, guided by one of our conservationist Nature Guides. A light breakfast and tea or coffee included in our Emu Cafe.
Mainly available by request, with some dates open to book online. See availability below.
Good to know: This experience is mainly available by request / Set aside 2.5 hours for the entire experience / Adults and older kids will love this tour / Access to the sanctuary is by guided tour only / No cages or enclosures here - all animals live freely in the Sanctuary
Walk a gentle 1.4km path through tree fern gullies and eucalypt woodland, where koalas, kangaroos, emus and more live freely, not in enclosures. A predator-proof fence protects them, so you see the bush as it should be - full of life.
Open dates available
Don't see an open date that suits?
If you are interested in a Dawn Discovery Tour on another date, please get in touch to organise. We would love to welcome you.
About the Dawn Discovery tour
Our Dawn Discovery tour is one for all wildlife enthusiasts, but in particular, the bird lovers. As the sun rises over the Southern Ocean, experience the dawn chorus of birds coming into full song.
On this intimate, 90 minute tour, your conservationist Nature Guide will give you exclusive insights into the lives of these birds, as well as the other wildlife active at dawn, including some of the more elusive and rarely seen animals like the Long-nosed potoroos and Southern brown bandicoots. Not to mention, spectacular views (and photo opportunities) with the sun rising over the iconic Great Ocean Road coastline.
100%
of profits go back into the wild
100% of profits support vital conservation projects around the Great Ocean Road through the work at our partners, the Conservation Ecology Centre.
Frequently asked questions
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The Sanctuary is experienced on a booked guided tour only.
We have different tour options available and multiple tours running daily. We encourage you to book ahead, however you can pop in and our front desk team will help you.
Our Visitor Centre, Emu Cafe and Gift & Book Shop are open to everyone, whether you are entering the Sanctuary or not.
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At Wildlife Wonders the wildlife roam freely within the Sanctuary and we want them to continue to thrive. So for the safety of the animals and their homes, the only way to experience the Sanctuary is one of our guided tours. Plus by joining a tour with one of our Nature Guides you will learn and likely see so much more.
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Wildlife Wonders was built with accessibility in mind.
We can tell you there are no steps throughout the entire experience, there are wide doorways and smooth path gradients, but we also understand every individual and every person’s needs are different. Please read our Accessibility page for more in depth information. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have specific questions, please get in touch via phone, in person or email and chat with our friendly team. We endeavour to do our best to be an inclusive experience for everyone.
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Wildlife Wonders is home to koalas, eastern grey kangaroos, emus, swamp wallabies, red-shouldered wallabies, long-nosed potoroos, a whole array of native birds and so, so many more. The Sanctuary is surrounded by a predator proof fence and being a sanctuary, the animals live as they would in the wild. There are no enclosures here. For this reason, we can’t guarantee which animals you will see on your tour but we do know that every tour experience is a completely unique one.
Many Australian animals are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
So for your best chance at spotting more native wildlife, we recommend this Dawn Discovery tour or a Dusk Discovery Tour.
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Given the early start time and longer duration of our Dawn Discovery Tour, it may be better suited to older children rather than the young ones. However we welcome everyone, so please call us to discuss.
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For the best chance at securing a place in your chosen tour and time, we highly recommend you book in advance.
Other tours available
Book online
Book online
By request
By request