Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Wildlife Wonders tours are guided - joining our conservationist Nature Guides means that you will see and learn so much more.

Both tours have the opportunity to see and hear Australia's unique wildlife.

Our Walk with Wildlife tour, guided by one of our conservationist Nature Guides is 75 minutes and runs at multiple times throughout the day and every day of the week. This tour is great for families and anyone staying or passing through Apollo Bay. Our Emu Cafe is open for post or pre tour breakfast, lunch or coffee.

Our Dusk Discovery tour is quite special and runs for 2 hours on Wednesdays and Friday late afternoon or evening (depending on the time of year). Many of the native animals are more active at dawn and dusk, so there is more chance of witnessing their natural behaviour. After your Dusk Discovery tour, a light supper with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage is included, along with a chat with your guide to ask further questions or hear more about the Otways, conservation and the wildlife we are working to protect.

The walk is 1.4km and takes just over an hour. There are no steps. It is not a fast pace and there are a lot of pauses to take in the nature around you and watch any animals and birds you come across. The path is formed, mostly of compacted gravel and has a gentle gradient which can be managed by sturdy prams. Please contact our friendly Visitor Experience Officers on (03) 7046 1664 at least 48 hours prior to your tour time should you require assistance, so that we can be support you to have the most wonderful experience.

Yes! Kids will love using their binoculars (provided for loan to everyone on the tour) to look for koalas in treetops and learn about the native flora and fauna of the Otways in a fun, engaging way. The walk is easy, even for little legs, and gives everyone plenty of time to stop and look around. It’s also pram friendly for the even littler ones (and free for kids aged 3 and under).

We understand that everyone's accessibility and / or additional needs are completely different and what may be accessible for one, may not be for another. So please visit our dedicated Accessibility page for detailed information and photos so you can make an informed decision.

If you have any questions before your visit, or if you want to discuss any specific needs, we encourage you to call, email or chat via our Live Chat to ensure you get the most out of your experience. If you require assistance during your visit, please get in touch 48hrs prior to your booking to discuss how we can help you make your visit a wonderful experience. Phone: (03) 7046 1664
Email: info@wildlifewonders.org.au
Live chat: Look for the koala in a speech bubble icon with the word ‘Chat’ on our website.

You are also welcome to get in touch to discuss any potential circumstances or items (such as wearing a headset) that may create discomfort or anxiety for you during your visit, and we can help you decide if this experience is right for you, or how the circumstances can be avoided or an alternate offered.

While koalas are free to come and go from our sanctuary, many decide to stay and call Wildlife Wonders home. Koalas can sleep for up to 20hrs a day and are most active at dawn or dusk. There is a chance of spotting koalas on either of our tours, Walk with Wildlife or the Dusk Discovery, as our guides are experts who know what signs to look for and can help you spot them in the treetops above.

Wildlife Wonders is a sanctuary where wildlife roam, forage and fly around as they would in the wild. Every day is different and you never know what you’ll spy! On a tour, your conservationist guide will help you listen and watch for what’s around you. You can learn more about the animals and birds at Wildlife Wonders here.

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and video on the tour and we encourage you to share your experience with us and others. Please tag us @wildlifewondersaus and #wildotways.

Flash photography and drones are not permitted as they disturb the wildlife.

Please note that there is limited time for detailed photography on scheduled tours. For a dedicated photography tour please contact us directly to make arrangements.

It is highly recommended that you book in advance. Our tours can sell out so we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment. In saying that, if you are close by, you're welcome to pop in and our front desk team can let you know what's available and book you in.

Your gift voucher or promotional code can be redeemed at the online checkout by following the steps from the Book Now button.

When you make a booking with us online, our system will automatically send you a booking confirmation to the email address you entered. If you haven't received it, we recommend firstly checking your Junk Mail as they can sometimes default there. If you still cannot find the confirmation, please get in touch with our team and be sure to include your full name, email address, tour date and time and the booking reference if you have it.

These cards need to be processed by the front desk team either at Wildlife Wonders or over the phone.

Refer to the directions on our Getting Here page.

Yes, there is ample parking for visitors at Wildlife Wonders. We are able to accommodate campervans, caravans, minibuses and coaches.

We suggest you aim to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your tour. The Great Ocean Road is often busy, and your trip can take longer than you anticipate. If you are running late, we recommend calling ahead on (03) 7046 1664 so we are able to discuss options with you. We’ll try our best to get you on the next available tour but we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Yes, our tours run in almost all weather conditions and the bush is beautiful in the rain. However, we do reserve the right to delay or reschedule your tour if extreme weather threatens your safety.

You can stay for a meal or drink at our own Emu Cafe. We have a great local menu and even serve The Wildside coffee, brewed especially for Wildlife Wonders by the local Hello Coffee brewers here in Apollo Bay. Our gift shop is also full of beautiful nature books, locally crafted wildlife wares, cards and so much more.

There is so much to do in Apollo Bay like surf lessons, kayaking to see the local seal colony, hikes including the Great Ocean Walk, cafes, beach strolls and even whale watching between May - September. Apollo Bay is also the perfect base to discover more in the Otways like the stunning Redwoods forest, waterfalls and the Otway Fly treetop walk. Read more.

We love dogs, but, for the safety of your animals and ours, no dogs are permitted to enter the Sanctuary where the wildlife are free-ranging.

Registered Assistance Dogs: Working registered assistance dogs are permitted in the visitor centre and café (everywhere except the Sanctuary area). If you are visiting with an assistance dog and would like to go on a tour through the Sanctuary, we would be pleased to work with you to arrange a quiet place for your dog to wait while you are on tour – please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Pet dogs: Pet dogs on leash are permitted in the outdoor café courtyard under your supervision.

Thank you for caring. First of all, make sure you are safe by keeping a distance and if driving, that you are parked in a safe designated parking space. Please don’t touch the injured animal or bird, instead make note of your location and call Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300. They will give you the correct advice over the phone and if necessary, send out a member of their rescue team. Contact Wildlife Victoria