We think the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s very best wildlife destinations.
There are so many opportunities to get up close and personal with Australia’s native wildlife here, both at Alkina Lodge and also out and about in the region.
One word of warning though – remember it’s never completely possible to completely guarantee that you’ll see what you’re looking for in the wild, so if you’re desperate to see a kangaroo, a koala, a kookaburra or anything else on our list, we recommend you try to allow as much time as possible and stay with us for at least a few days.
Here are our top 10 wildlife experiences in the region, all of which are easily accessible from Alkina Lodge.
1. See Koala Bears at Kennet River or Cape Otway
Did you know? The Koala Bear gets its name from an ancient Aboriginal word meaning “no drink”? Instead of drinking water, Koalas get more than 90% of their requirements from eating gum leaves.
There aren’t many people who don’t want the chance to see these incredibly cute, fluffy-eared creatures, and one of the best places in Australia to see them in the wild is at a small settlement near Lorne, called Kennett River.
Drive along Grey River Road, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see koalas sitting in the gum trees. Many people also like to watch them from Kennett River’s popular Kafe Koala.
You can also often see koalas around Cape Otway, which is a very easy journey from Alkina Lodge and is worth visiting for its awesome views and amazing history.
2. Watch Kangaroos, Wallabies and Native Birds from the comfort of Alkina Lodge
Maybe we should have said that Alkina Lodge is one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations! You probably won’t have to travel far during your stay with us to see kangaroos and wallabies, as these uniquely Australian marsupials often visit our lodge in the morning and evenings. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a joey in a pouch!
Meanwhile, bird lovers will enjoy seeing the large variety of native birdlife around Alkina Lodge. Regular visitors include kookaburras, king parrots, rosellas, black cockatoos, currawongs and blue fairy wrens.
3. Whale Watching
Every year between June and October, the Southern Right Whales begin their migration passing us on the Great Ocean Road. Luckily for us many of them pass quite close to shore, giving us plenty of chances to see them. There are several good viewing spots near Alkina Lodge where you can sit and watch these magnificent creatures.
4. Search For Echidnas at Port Campbell National Park
Did you know? Baby echidnas are called “puggles” and live in their mothers’ pouches for the first two to three months.
Most people know Port Campbell National Park as being home to famous icons such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge – but it’s also home to a number of echidnas. If you look carefully you might see them on the edge of the road or pathways as they search for insects to eat.
5. The Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park
If you want to see a huge range of native Australian wildlife all in one place, this is the perfect option for you! As well as the chance for close encounters with dingoes, you’ll also see kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats and wild birds. Click here to find our more about the wildlife park.
6. Scuba Diving
As marine wildlife experiences go, you can’t get much better than this! Options for scuba diving on the Great Ocean Road include the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park or the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. You might find yourself swimming through brightly coloured sponge, exploring old shipwrecks, or looking at delights such as zebra fish, fur seals, sea spiders and lobsters
7. Little Penguins at the Twelve Apostles
Did you know? Little Penguins are the world’s smallest species of penguin.
If you head to the main viewing platform for either London Bridge or the Twelve Apostles at dusk, you’ll get the double delight of not only seeing these natural Australian icons at sunset (one of the most beautiful times of day to see them), but you’ll also get the chance to see the Little Penguins. They often come out of the sea and onto the beach just after sunset. You might need to be patient, but these little cuties are so worth it!
8. Glow Worms at Melba Gully
Did you know? Glow worms aren’t actually worms – they are a type of beetle!
Just a short drive from Alkina Lodge is Melba Gully. Visit at night and you’ll see the pretty glowing lights of the glow worms that live here. These tiny creatures live along the walking trails so they’re very easy to see. Bring your torch, but don’t shine it directly at the glow worms as this makes them “switch off” their lights.
9. Platypus Spotting Tours at Lake Elizabeth
Did you know? The platypus is an unusual semi-aquatic mammal which only lives in Eastern Australia – you won’t find them in the wild anywhere else in the world.
The platypus can be very difficult to spot, but Lake Elizabeth is one of the few places you might get to see one in the wild. It’s a pretty and tranquil lake, and a great spot for a walk – whether you see a platypus or not! If you book on an organised tour, the specialist guides will give you the best chance of seeing these very elusive creatures.
10. Meet An Emu At Tower Hill Reserve
Did you know? Emus have two sets of eyelids – one for blinking and the other for keeping the dust out.
Tower Hill Reserve is a fascinating place to visit – the landscape is volcanic and boasts and ancient volcanic crater and the wildlife is plentiful. There’s a visitor centre and several walking tracks, and as well as koalas, kangaroos and native birds, you can also see emus here.
