Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Rising from a dormant volcano, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a striking natural amphitheatre just outside Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road. This ancient maar crater, formed some 30,000 years ago, now cradles a serene lake and islands teeming with native wildlife. It’s one of the best places in Victoria to see koalas, emus, kangaroos and a dazzling array of waterbirds in the wild – all within an easy walking loop. The reserve offers a raw, immersive taste of Australian bushland without the crowds, making it a must-stop for nature lovers and self-drive adventurers.

Highlights & What to See

• Volcanic Crater Walk: A 2.5 km circuit around the crater rim and lake shore, offering panoramic views and close encounters with koalas dozing in the manna gums.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for emus striding across the grasslands, eastern grey kangaroos lazing in the shade, and echidnas shuffling through the undergrowth. Birdwatchers will delight in swans, spoonbills and the occasional peregrine falcon.
• Island Exploration: Take the short boardwalk to the islands in the lake – they’re teeming with birdlife and offer a peaceful vantage point over the water.
• Interpretive Centre: Stop by the visitor centre to learn about the volcano’s geological history and the Aboriginal significance of the site to the Gunditjmara people.
• Picnic by the Lake: Several sheltered picnic spots with barbecues make for a perfect lunch stop surrounded by nature.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find 1.5 to 2 hours sufficient to complete the main walk, spot wildlife and enjoy a picnic. If you’re a keen birder or photographer, allow up to half a day. The reserve is easily slotted into a morning or afternoon stop along the Great Ocean Road, especially when driving between Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Warrnambool – Just 15 minutes east, with its historic waterfront, whale-watching platform (June–September) and the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
• Port Fairy – A charming fishing village 25 minutes west, with a historic wharf, boutique galleries and excellent seafood.
• Great Ocean Road – The reserve is a perfect detour off the iconic coastal drive, linking to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge further east.
• Sovereign Hill – A living-history gold rush town in Ballarat, about 2 hours north – ideal for a deeper dive into Victoria’s colonial past.
• Grampians National Park – Around 2.5 hours north, offering dramatic sandstone ranges, hiking trails and Aboriginal rock art.

Please check official sources for current details.