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Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: A Volcanic Haven

Discover Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: Explore a dormant volcano, encounter native wildlife, and immerse yourself in Aboriginal history along the Great Ocean Road.

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Explore Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, nestled within a dormant volcano near the Great Ocean Road. Discover diverse wildlife, lush landscapes, and Aboriginal history in this unique geological formation, a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays and outside of peak times to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing and to appreciate the diverse birdlife.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the various trails, ranging from easy boardwalks to more challenging climbs.
  • Check out Von Mueller's Lookout for a view that replicates the 1855 painting that guided the park's restoration.
  • Consider taking a guided tour with the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative for an enriching cultural and historical perspective.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is easily accessible by car via the Princes Highway, located between Port Fairy and Warrnambool. From either town, drive along the Princes Highway until you see the signs for Tower Hill. Turn onto Entrance Road and follow the signs to the reserve's car parks. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve via public transport, take the V/Line train to either Warrnambool or Geelong. From Warrnambool, the Public Transport Victoria line 8 bus runs to a stop near Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve five times a day. The bus trip takes approximately 16 minutes and costs $1 - $3. Alight at the Princes Highway/Lake View Road stop. From Port Fairy, the Public Transport Victoria line 8 bus also runs to a stop near Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve five times a day. The bus trip takes approximately 34 minutes and costs $2 - $3. Alight at the Princes Highway/Lake View Road stop.

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Discover more about Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a captivating natural attraction in Victoria, lies approximately 275 kilometers west of Melbourne. This unique reserve is nestled within a dormant volcano, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse landscape teeming with native wildlife and rich history. Formed around 30,000 years ago by a violent volcanic eruption, Tower Hill has evolved into a lush environment of wetlands, crater lakes, and native bushland. The initial eruption created the outer rim, while subsequent bursts shaped the inner hills of scoria cones and spheres. After European settlement, much of the area was cleared for farming and quarrying, leading to significant degradation. However, in 1892, Tower Hill was declared Victoria's first national park. In 1961, it was re-established as a State Game Reserve, initiating a major revegetation program that continues to this day. This restoration was guided by an 1855 painting by Eugene von Guerard, ensuring the replanting of appropriate native species. Today, Tower Hill is a sanctuary for iconic Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, emus, echidnas, and various bird species. Visitors can explore the reserve through a network of walking trails, ranging from easy boardwalks to scenic climbs. The Tower Hill Visitor Centre, designed by architect Robin Boyd, offers educational displays about the park's natural surroundings and Aboriginal history. The Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative manages the visitor center in partnership with Parks Victoria and offers guided tours, providing insights into the area's Indigenous culture and history.

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