Nestled in a picturesque countryside, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This scenic reserve protects a vast dormant volcano crater that has evolved into a unique island ecosystem teeming with native wildlife.
Spanning around 600 hectares, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve offers serene walking trails, scenic lookouts, and a chance for intimate encounters with emus, koalas, kangaroos and other animals in their natural habitat. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find plenty of ways to connect with nature and soak up the beauty of this special place.
Getting Acquainted at the Tower Hill Visitor Centre
The Tower Hill Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point to get acquainted with the reserve. Friendly staff provide maps of walking trails and can advise on the best spots for wildlife viewing. Interactive displays teach visitors about the volcano’s violent past and how it led to the formation of the crater filled with trees, shrubs and tranquil waters.
Kids will love exploring the hands-on areas like the animal burrow tunnel and touching native animal pelts. Don’t miss the short film introducing Tower Hill’s habitats and inhabitants. The visitor centre also houses a cozy café, souvenir shop, and Worn Gundidj Indigenous cultural exhibition space.
Walking Amongst Wildlife
Once oriented, head out from the visitor centre onto one of the many walking trails that meander through the reserve. The lush Wetlands Loop trail (2.2 km) circles the main lake and is lined with scenic lookouts where you may spot koalas dozing in trees or swamp wallabies grazing in the shrubs. Keep an eye out for shy echidnas waddling along the trail too.
For gorgeous panoramic views from the crater rim, take on the steeper 2.7 km Summit Loop. Watch kangaroos bound across grassy clearings and excitable emus wander with their young chicks. In spring, wildflowers blanket the reserve in vibrant colors.
Remember to tread lightly, stay on marked paths, and avoid getting too close to the animals as this is their home. Bring binoculars, snacks, and plenty of water. Allow 2-3 hours to comfortably explore by foot.
Learning Through Indigenous Culture
No visit to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is complete without experiencing the deep Indigenous cultural connection to this land. Book a guided tour with Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative to gain insights into how the Gunditjmara people lived here for thousands of years.
Their engaging and interactive walks bring indigenous history alive through stories, traditional language, bush tucker, cultural practices like basket weaving and tool making. Tours cater to all ages and run for 1-2 hours. Don’t pass up this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Tower Hill’s heritage.
Planning Your Visit to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is located around 3 hours west of Melbourne near the towns of Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Koroit. It’s accessible by car or tour bus. Make sure to fuel up on snacks, water and sun protection before arriving, as there are no shops within the reserve grounds.
When planning your visit to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, make sure to include iconic sites in this area such as The Grotto, London Arch (London Bridge) and the Twelve Apostles rock formations just around an hour’s drive west of the reserve, stopping at scenic lookouts along the coastal road. In Warrnambool, don’t miss the thriving Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village with shipwreck stories and heritage buildings. Nearby Port Fairy charms visitors with its 19th century architecture, lively fishing harbor, surf beaches and artisan food. Any destination pairs wonderfully for a daytrip during your getaway to view native wildlife and scenery at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
A visit to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve awakens the senses with its spectacular scenery, endemic wildlife, and deep cultural heritage. Whether you come for an hour or a whole day, it’s sure to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Let the calm beauty of nature work its restorative magic as you immerse yourself in this iconic part of Victoria’s landscape.
