Guide to Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary, Apollo Bay

Travellers come to Wildlife Wonders for two big reasons: the chance to see native Australian animals in a safe, open environment, and the chance to support meaningful conservation work while doing it. The guided Walk with Wildlife tour is one of the main drawcards. It takes you along an easy 1.4 km track through eucalyptus forest and coastal heathlands, with a knowledgeable guide pointing out everything from sleepy koalas wedged into the treetops to mobs of kangaroos grazing nearby. 

Because the sanctuary is predator-free, animals behave more naturally than in many other wildlife parks. It’s a chance to slow down, listen to bird calls, and really experience the Otways bush in its prime. Many visitors also book the Dusk Discovery or Dawn Discovery tours, where you can watch the bush come alive at the quietest times of day. Add in the Emu Café at the Apollo Bay Sanctuary, gift shop, and sweeping views, and you have an Otways experience you won't forget anytime soon. So, if you’re looking for guided wildlife tours on the Great Ocean Road, look no further!  

How long should I spend at Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary, Apollo Bay?

Most visitors allow around 1.5 to 2 hours, which covers the 75-minute Walk with Wildlife tour plus time to browse the gift shop or grab a coffee at the Emu Café afterwards. If you’re doing one of the dawn or dusk tours, plan for closer to 2.5 hours, including arrival and wrap-up. 

If you’ve got more time up your sleeve, it’s worth lingering. You could pair your visit with a swim or picnic in Apollo Bay itself, or use the stop as a break before tackling the climb through the Otways towards Lavers Hill and beyond. 

Where to see kangaroos in Apollo Bay?

If kangaroos are on your must-see list, Wildlife Wonders is your safest bet near Apollo Bay. The eastern grey kangaroos here live in a predator-free environment and can often be seen grazing right beside the walking track. 

Further afield, you might spot wild kangaroos on the grassy flats behind Johanna Beach along the Great Ocean Walk, a stunningly raw and open stretch of coast. Another well-known spot is Anglesea Golf Course, where kangaroos famously graze across the fairways. 

How to get to Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary, Apollo Bay

From Melbourne, the sanctuary is about 195 km away, with a drive time of roughly 3 hours via the Great Ocean Road. The route itself is a highlight, taking you through Geelong, Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, and past one scenic lookout after another. Wildlife Wonders sits at 475 Great Ocean Road, about 5 km before Apollo Bay township if you’re coming from the Lorne side. 

From Lorne, it’s a 45 km drive (just over an hour) along one of the most photogenic coastal roads in Victoria. Allow a little extra time, especially in peak season, when traffic slows on the winding cliffside sections. 

Best time to visit Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary, Apollo Bay

Because it’s open year-round, there’s no bad time to visit, but the experience changes with the seasons. Spring and autumn bring mild weather and active wildlife, while winter (June–October) adds the bonus of whale migration just offshore. Summer days can be warmer, but are balanced by the cool sea breezes that roll off the Southern Ocean. 

In terms of time of day, the early morning and late afternoon are when the bush is most alive. That’s when you’re more likely to see bandicoots, potoroos, and other shy creatures emerging to feed. To make the most of these hours, book a Dawn Discovery or Dusk Discovery tour, both around 90 minutes long, for an atmospheric experience that feels worlds away from the bustle of the Great Ocean Road. 

Weather at Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary, Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay’s coastal climate is famously changeable. Expect cool winters averaging 10–14 °C, mild summers between 18–25 °C, and the occasional “four seasons in a day” shift where you’ll go from sun to drizzle and back again. It’s a good idea to bring a jacket or rain shell, even in summer, especially if you’re heading out on a dawn or dusk walk. 

Best place to park your campervan at Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary, Apollo Bay