Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
1. Philip Island Nature Parks
Witness the magical nightly parade of little penguins at Philip Island. Experience the unique colony of fur seals and enjoy birdwatching.
- Penguin Parade: A chance to see little penguins returning to their nests after a day at sea.
- Fur Seal Colony: The largest Australian fur seal colony resides on the island, offering close encounters with these playful creatures.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: More than 320 bird species can be spotted in the park, including migratory birds and endemic species.
2. Healesville Sanctuary
Get up close with native Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. This park is dedicated to the conservation of Australian fauna and flora.
- Spirit of the Wild Show: A daily live show that allows visitors to witness the unique behaviors of kangaroos, wombats, and emus.
- Nocturnal House: View a range of nocturnal animals such as quokkas, bilbies, and Tasmanian devils in a simulated natural environment.
- Koala Forest: Walk through the Koala Forest and get an up-close look at these adorable marsupials in their natural habitat.
3. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Discover the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of Wilsons Promontory. Hike through pristine forests, explore sandy beaches, and spot koalas, wallabies, and kangaroos.
- Southernmost Tip: Visit the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, offering breathtaking coastal views.
- Skull Cave: Explore an Aboriginal heritage site and discover ancient cave paintings.
- Seasonal Wildlife Spotting: Enjoy seasonal wildlife encounters, such as migrating whales and seals.
4. Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park
Experience the unique wildlife of the Great Ocean Road at this park. Get up close with koalas, kangaroos, and emus in a natural setting.
- Feeding Sessions: Participate in scheduled feeding sessions to observe the park's wildlife up close.
- Nocturnal Animals Exhibit: See nocturnal animals like possums, quokkas, and Tasmanian devils in a simulated natural environment.
- Rehabilitation Center: Support the park's wildlife rehabilitation center by learning about the rescue and care of injured animals.
5. Morwell National Park
Explore Morwell National Park for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Spot kangaroos, wallabies, and birdlife in the park's forests and grasslands.
- Lake Wellington: Relax by Lake Wellington and enjoy its picturesque views while spotting waterbirds.
- Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort: Experience snow sports during winter or enjoy the mountain scenery year-round.
- Varied Habitats: The park features a range of habitats, from mountain forests to grasslands and wetlands, making it ideal for wildlife spotting.
6. You Yangs Regional Park
Escape the city and explore You Yangs Regional Park. Hike through the eucalyptus forests to spot koalas, kangaroos, and birdlife.
- Koala Spotting: Enjoy a high chance of spotting koalas in the eucalyptus forests.
- Mount You Yangs Summit: Reach the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot a variety of bird species, including raptors, during your visit.
7. Ballarat Wildlife Park
Get up close with Australia's unique wildlife at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Interact with koalas, kangaroos, and reptiles in a natural setting.
- Interactive Encounters: Participate in interactive encounters with the park's wildlife, including feeding sessions.
- Reptile House: Visit the reptile house to learn about and observe Australia's diverse range of reptiles.
- Spirit of Tasmania Show: Witness a live show featuring Tasmanian devils, quokkas, and other unique Tasmanian wildlife.
8. Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Spot wildlife like pelicans, seals, and kangaroos in this coastal paradise.
- Lake System: Explore the extensive lake system, which is home to a variety of aquatic wildlife.
- Nine Mile Beach: Relax on the pristine Nine Mile Beach and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
- Wildlife Diversity: Spot a diverse range of wildlife, including pelicans, seals, kangaroos, and emus.
9. Alpine National Park
Experience the high alpine beauty of Alpine National Park. Spot wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies in this rugged landscape.
- Mount Feathertop: Reach the summit of Mount Feathertop for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- High Alpine Ecosystems: Explore unique high alpine ecosystems and learn about the wildlife adapted to these environments.
- Winter Sports: Enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding during the colder months.
10. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
Discover Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park's stunning geological formations and diverse wildlife. Spot birds, reptiles, and freshwater crocodiles.
- Girraween Falls: Marvel at the beauty of Girraween Falls and swim in the crystal-clear pool below.
- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) Gorge: Explore the stunning Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) Gorge, a geological wonderland with vibrant colors.
- Indigenous Culture: Learn about the rich indigenous culture and history of the area from local rangers and guides.
11. Dandenong Ranges National Park
Escape to the tranquil Dandenong Ranges National Park. Spot wildlife like koalas, birds, and possums in this beautiful forested landscape.
- Koala Conservation: Support koala conservation efforts by visiting the park's Koala Conservation Centre.
- Sherbrooke Forest: Explore Sherbrooke Forest, a lush forest filled with tall eucalyptus trees and abundant wildlife.
- Mount Dandenong: Reach the summit of Mount Dandenong for panoramic views of Melbourne and the surrounding countryside.
12. Murray Sunset National Park
Experience the stark beauty of Murray Sunset National Park. Spot wildlife like kangaroos, emus, and birdlife in this unique landscape.
- Pink Lakes: Visit the iconic Pink Lakes, a natural wonder created by the minerals present in the water.
- Desert Wildlife: Spot desert wildlife like kangaroos and emus roaming across the park's sandy plains.
- Night Sky Observations: Enjoy clear night skies for stargazing and astronomical observations.
13. Yarra Ranges National Park
Explore the diverse landscapes of Yarra Ranges National Park. Spot wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and birdlife in this beautiful park.
- Lost City: Marvel at the stunning rock formations of the Lost City and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Silvan Dam: Visit Silvan Dam and enjoy recreational activities like fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
- Wilson's Promontory Extension: The park extends to Wilson's Promontory National Park, offering even more opportunities for wildlife spotting.
14. Wombat State Forest
Discover Wombat State Forest, a haven for wildlife like wombats and koalas. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this forested landscape.
- Wombat Spotting: Spot the elusive wombat in its natural habitat.
- Koala Sanctuary: Visit a koala sanctuary within the forest and learn about these iconic marsupials.
- Forest Trails: Explore the network of walking trails, taking in the beauty of the forest and its wildlife.
15. Barmah National Park
Discover Barmah National Park, a haven for wetland wildlife. Spot birdlife, kangaroos, and freshwater crocodiles in this unique park.
- Murray River: Relax by the Murray River and enjoy its tranquil beauty.
- Wetland Wildlife: Spot a diverse range of wetland wildlife, including birdlife, kangaroos, and freshwater crocodiles.
- Indigenous Culture: Learn about the rich indigenous culture and history of the area from local rangers and guides.