The best places to see wildlife in Victoria, Australia
The best places to see wildlife in Victoria, Australia, include Phillip Island, Cape Otway and Wilsons Promontory.
Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia, but it packs in a lot of wildlife-viewing opportunities. The following are some of the best spots to see wildlife in Victoria…
Cape Otway: Home to koalas and seals
On forested Cape Otway, halfway along Victoria‘s Great Ocean Road, koalas make barking noises and can be easily spotted as they pad down the road with their joeys on their backs. There are also kayaking tours that sidle up to a seal colony near Apollo Bay, while Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool provides a viewing platform to spot migrating southern right whales.
7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.
Grampians: A bird and kangaroo haven
The Grampians, inland from the Great Ocean Road, is home to mountain scenery and waterfalls, as well as a variety of birdlife and kangaroos. Walking trails are the perfect opportunity to see colourful rosellas, cockatoos, kookaburras, and pink-chested galahs.
Pick the right Grampians tour from Melbourne
- Small group eco-tour – including Silverband Falls and Mackenzie Falls.
- Great Ocean Road AND the Grampians – two day tour.
- Private Grampians tour – pick which sights you want to include.
- Small group hiking tour – with three hiking trails.
Wilsons Promontory: Wombats and unspoilt beaches
Wilsons Promontory, three hours south-east of Melbourne, is known for its rugged, green near-wilderness and unspoilt beaches. It is also the best place in the country to spot the elusive wombat, as well as kangaroos. Accommodation is available in Tidal River.
4 ways to explore Wilsons Promontory
- Wilderness cruise from Tidal River – with plenty of wildlife viewing.
- Small group day tour from Melbourne – with focus on hiking.
- Small group eco tour from Melbourne – including Squeaky Beach.
- Full day catamaran cruise from Port Welshpool.
Gippsland Lakes: Boating and Wildlife
The Gippsland Lakes, located in the east of the state, are popular for boating and home to wallabies, koalas, and pelicans. Eco-cruises to see the rare Burrunan dolphins are available from Lakes Entrance.
Phillip Island: Penguins and Seals
Phillip Island, a popular day trip from Melbourne, is home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony and little penguins that come ashore every evening. Coastal wildlife cruises during winter months can also spot whales and albatrosses.
Which Phillip Island tour from Melbourne should I choose?
- For wildlife: Small group tour including Penguin Parade 🐧, Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach bathing boxes.
- For koalas: Phillip Island Penguin Parade 🐧 trip including Koala Conservation Reserve 🐨.
- For value: Full day tour including Penguin Parade and seals at the Nobbies Centre.
Port Phillip Bay: Smaller Penguin Colony plus Seal and Dolphin Cruises
Port Phillip Bay, which Melbourne is built around, is home to a smaller penguin colony by the breakwater off St Kilda Beach. Seal and dolphin swimming cruises are also available from Queenscliff at the western end of the bay’s mouth.
Mornington Peninsula: Snorkelling with Weedy Sea Dragons
The Mornington Peninsula, east of Port Phillip Bay, offers the opportunity to snorkel amongst weedy sea dragons off the beach at Portsea. These aquatic animals are like seahorses but flamboyantly theatrical.
13 fabulous Mornington Peninsula experiences to book
There are dozens of Mornington Peninsula tours available from Melbourne. The experiences listed below are aimed at those staying on the Peninsula, or with their own transport.
- Half day dolphin and seal swim from Sorrento.
- Peninsula Hot Springs fire, ice and bathe experience.
- Moonlit Sanctuary wildlife park entry ticket.
- Guided e-bike tour in Arthurs Seat State Park and beyond.
- Wildlife kayaking tour from Portsea.
- Waterbike tour from Mornington.
- Point Nepean National Park bike hire.
- French cooking class in Fingal.
- Dolphin and seal watching cruise from Sorrento.
- Mornington Peninsula wineries hop-on, hop-off bus.
- Montalto Vineyard discovery wine-tasting with lunch.
- Enchanted Garden entry ticket.
- Snorkelling with sea dragons in Portsea.
More Victoria travel
Take in the views of the King Valley from Powers Lookout
Swim at the Blue Pool in Briagolong, Gippsland.
Wangaratta road trips – distances and driving times.
What’s the best direction to drive the Great Ocean Road?
How long does the Canberra to Melbourne bus take?