Opening Hours & Getting Here

At our beautiful home on the Great Ocean Road you will find the Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary, our welcoming Visitor Centre, Emu Cafe and Gift & Book Shop.

We welcome everyone into our Visitor Centre, Emu Cafe, and Gift & Book Shop - however the Sanctuary is experienced only on a booked guided tour. See tour availability and book. All tours depart from and return to the Visitor Centre.

Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary

A group of people walking on a nature trail surrounded by lush greenery, including trees and ferns, led by a guide in a blue raincoat.

The Sanctuary is open for guided tours only 7 days a week from 9.30am until the last tour. See guided tour experiences here.

If you are interested in making a special booking, please call us on (03) 7046 1664 or get in touch at info@wildlifewonders.org.au to discuss what may be possible.

Wildlife Wonders Visitor Centre

The Wildlife Wonders Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week from 9:30am - 3:30pm. 

Emu Cafe at Wildlife Wonders

Group of people eating at a table with an emu outside a large window.

Emu Cafe at Wildlife Wonders is open 7 days a week from 9:30am - 3:30pm.

The full menu is available until 2:30pm.

2:30pm - 3:30pm coffee and sweet treats available.

Wildlife Wonders Gift & Book Shop

Interior of a gift shop with wooden shelves displaying books, stuffed animals, and art prints. A unique tree-like wooden structure holds various products. The store has a bright, open design with art on the walls and track lighting.

The Wildlife Wonders Gift & Book Shop is open 7 days a week from 9:30am - 3:30pm.

Wildlife Wonders is closed on these days

3 April 2026 (Good Friday)
25 April 2026 (ANZAC Day)
8 June 2026 (Kings Birthday)
25 December 2026 (Christmas Day)
26 December 2026 (Boxing Day)

Getting to Wildlife Wonders

  • Wildlife Wonders is located just 5km (or a few minutes drive) south of Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road.

    When you see the Wildlife Wonders sign, take the next turnoff on the left for the carpark.

  • Apollo Bay is 197km from Melbourne CBD and will take approximately 2hours and 30 minutes to drive.

    Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway (or if departing Tullamarine Airport follow the signs to Geelong via the M80 Ring Road)

    Continue onto Princes Freeway (if you are driving from Avalon Airport you’ll join the Princess Freeway just before Geelong) 

    Continue on the M1 to Cape Otway Rd/C135 in Mount Moriac

    Take Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd to Great Ocean Rd/B100 in Skenes Creek

    Turn right onto Great Ocean Rd/B100

    Arrive in Apollo Bay

    To drive the Great Ocean Road, exit the Princes Freeway at the Torquay exit. Note, taking the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road will add 30 minutes to your journey (plus photo stops).

    If you are arriving at Wildlife Wonders from further away than Apollo Bay, we suggest you aim to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your tour. The Great Ocean Road is often busy, and your trip can take longer than you anticipate. 

  • Please know there is ample parking and a turning circle for cars with caravans or campervans in the Wildlife Wonders parking lot.

  • Join one of the Great Ocean Road small group coach tours where you will find Wildlife Wonders on their itinerary. Discover small group coach tours here.

  • Apollo Bay can be reached via the V-Line bus from either Geelong or Colac, where it meets some V-Line train services from Melbourne. Busses connect with the Melbourne – Warrnambool train line at:

    • Geelong Train Station and travel along the Great Ocean Road through Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and other coastal towns

    • Colac Train Station (Wednesday and weekends only) and travel via the hinterland through Forrest, Barramunga, Tanybryn and Skenes Creek

    • For train and bus information and timetables visit: ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007

    Once in Apollo Bay, the Visitor Information Centrecan arrange transport for you to Wildlife Wonders.

Important to note

Arrive 20 minutes before your tour start time

Sign for Wildlife Wonders attraction set between two tree trunks, with greenery in the background.

Please arrive about 20 minutes before the scheduled start time of your tour. This allows ample time to arrive, check in and get settled before your tour starts. If you think you may be late, please call to discuss options on (03) 7046 1664.

Driving the Great Ocean Road

Driving the Great Ocean Road is often slower than you may anticipate, so always leave with plenty of time. Also consider all of the amazing stops along the way that you may want to factor time in for on your journey.

Covering the unexpected

Entrance to Great Ocean Road with wooden arch, sunrise in background, and roadside sculpture.

When you are in the region, we recommend that you download the Vic Emergency app to keep up to date with information and advice for emergencies such as bushfires.

We also recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations, like weather disruptions, that might prevent you from joining your tour with us.