Joanna James
Beyond the bustling streets and cultural hotspots, Melbourne’s surroundings are filled with extraordinary wildlife encounters — if you know where to look. Here are some spots you cannot miss out on during your visit.
Tucked away in the Western Plains near Geelong, Serendip Sanctuary is a quiet, lesser-known escape for nature lovers. Spread over 250 hectares, this sanctuary is a haven for over 150 species of birds and native animals. Here, you can leisurely stroll through wetlands, grasslands, and open woodlands without the crowd, observing emus, kangaroos, and wallabies in their natural habitat.
Luxury tip: For an elevated experience, book a private guided walk and gourmet picnic hamper. Afterwards, head back to the city and indulge in a fine dining experience at one of the best places to go in Melbourne for contemporary Australian cuisine.
An hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, Moonlit Sanctuary offers an enchanting after-dark wildlife experience. Unlike crowded zoos, this award-winning conservation park allows small-group evening tours where you can hand-feed kangaroos, spot gliders, and even hear the call of owls in the moonlight. The intimate setting ensures you’ll capture magical wildlife moments without the daytime hustle. Combine this with a luxury stay back at Pan Pacific Melbourne, where the city skyline views perfectly contrast your evening in the wild.
For a truly unique backdrop, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve near Warrnambool is set inside an extinct volcano crater. This lesser-known reserve is rich in Aboriginal heritage and is home to koalas, kangaroos, and echidnas. Take a guided eco-tour to learn about the region’s geology and Indigenous history while spotting native species in their natural environment. Luxury travellers can enhance their visit with a private helicopter tour over the crater, making this an unforgettable day trip before returning to Melbourne’s luxury hotels for a spa evening.
While Phillip Island is famous for its Penguin Parade, the Rhyll Inlet wetlands offer a serene, less-touristy wildlife encounter. This tranquil mangrove ecosystem is a birdwatcher's dream and is best explored via scenic boardwalks at sunrise or sunset. Opt for a luxury yacht charter to Phillip Island, allowing you to explore the inlet at your own pace. Cap off your day with a waterfront dinner at one of Melbourne’s top fine-dining restaurants, where you can indulge in exquisite cuisine while soaking in stunning views— the perfect way to end a relaxed and memorable evening.
Nestled along the iconic Great Ocean Road, the Great Otway National Park is an underrated treasure for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. While many travellers speed past in their hurry to see the famous Twelve Apostles, those who pause here are rewarded with an entirely different kind of magic. The park’s lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and misty gullies are teeming with life — from glow worms that light up the trails at night to rare bird species fluttering through ancient tree canopies, and even wild koalas lounging high up in the eucalyptus trees. For those seeking a more personalised and luxurious adventure, consider booking a private rainforest night walk with an experienced naturalist guide.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
