Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
4.5
About
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve sits in a large volcanic crater. It is one of Victoria's most fascinating and significant geological formations. It's a short detour from the Great Ocean Road and offers ample walking opportunities for people of all abilities – from easy boardwalks to scenic climbs. Tower Hill is home to some of Australia's best loved wildlife. Emus, kangaroos, koalas, swans, ducks and blue wrens all live inside this magnificent dormant volcano. Walk across wetlands, craters and bushland and learn how the park was exploited by early settlers before being restored by volunteers. Join a tour run by experienced local guides to discover how Tower Hill was transformed from a desolate wasteland to the park you see today.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
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James B
Newcastle, Australia632 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We had a spare afternoon in Warrnambool and visited Tower Hill, an extinct volcano 10 km west. A narrow, one-way road leads down into the crater where there is good parking
We climbed the centre plug, a steepish walk on a very good track. The view at the top was stunning, the lake below, views out to sea.
We’ll worth a visit.
We climbed the centre plug, a steepish walk on a very good track. The view at the top was stunning, the lake below, views out to sea.
We’ll worth a visit.
Written 9 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wahaejock
Fochabers, UK261 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
A great area for Exploring and seeing the Wildlife Koalas Emus and Roos etc but unfortunately only saw Koalas in the short time here inside the extinct Volcano.
You could spend the whole day exploring.
There is BBQ areas tables toilets and visitor centre.
It may take a couple of visits.
You could spend the whole day exploring.
There is BBQ areas tables toilets and visitor centre.
It may take a couple of visits.
Written 11 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashford28
Ashford, UK272 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Our visit was a minor detour as part of our Great Ocean Road trip - and it was so worthwhile! We visited later in the afternoon in the hope of seeing kangaroos. The Visitor Centre was any open but we were still able to use the car park. As soon as we reached the car park, we saw emus - who made a beeline for our car (think they were hoping for food!)
We started down one of the trails but it was a little boggy owing to the recent rain so we turned back to the car park, which is when we looked up and saw a koala sleeping in the tree. Another 10m along and there was another koala in another tree. We then stayed to walk towards the lake when we spotted a third koala…this time munching on the leaves …and it had a baby! We watched for a while as the baby clung on and eventually the baby let go and started climbing it’s own- for us it was a magical moment to watch. One of the highlights of our holiday.
We started down one of the trails but it was a little boggy owing to the recent rain so we turned back to the car park, which is when we looked up and saw a koala sleeping in the tree. Another 10m along and there was another koala in another tree. We then stayed to walk towards the lake when we spotted a third koala…this time munching on the leaves …and it had a baby! We watched for a while as the baby clung on and eventually the baby let go and started climbing it’s own- for us it was a magical moment to watch. One of the highlights of our holiday.
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kamal P
Byron Bay, Australia10,008 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Tower hill volcanic area had a completely different surrounding with volcano lip eroded to show layers with gaping holes. The basin of the caldera was filled with water forming a beautiful lake. This environment was hosting many native species including the Kangaroo and Emu. There were many koalas dozing off on Eucalyptuses while on our way back on the peak climb trail we spotted a full-size Black snake a “lowland copper head” who has just slithered out of the shrub on to the side of the path. There was a ‘Shingle back lizard” and “Superb fairy wrens” hopping and flying enjoying their day. Unfortunately, we were not able to enter the visitors centre as it was closed that day.
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stace K
Melbourne115 contributions
Mar 2021
Great place to visit to get in touch with nature and be surrounded by the peaceful serenity of this area. The history is interesting, reading about the natural formations, the influence of colonisers in the area and ultimately restoring it back to natural, untouched beauty.
I highly recommend visiting on a weekday outside holidays or peak times. We basically had the park to ourselves. We walked up to the lookout for breathtaking views, birds soaring high over the lake and peeking at kangaroos resting in the wooded areas. We also did the swamp walk, it was fantastic to be surrounded by nature, searching for lizards and other fauna hiding in the reeds. We craned our necks through the tall gums to spot the koalas high up in the trees.
Definitely recommended for anyone who likes a walk, being in nature, spotting wildlife or learning about history and culture. Bring your picnic to have in the vast grounds and enjoy the quietness.
I highly recommend visiting on a weekday outside holidays or peak times. We basically had the park to ourselves. We walked up to the lookout for breathtaking views, birds soaring high over the lake and peeking at kangaroos resting in the wooded areas. We also did the swamp walk, it was fantastic to be surrounded by nature, searching for lizards and other fauna hiding in the reeds. We craned our necks through the tall gums to spot the koalas high up in the trees.
Definitely recommended for anyone who likes a walk, being in nature, spotting wildlife or learning about history and culture. Bring your picnic to have in the vast grounds and enjoy the quietness.
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine M
Melbourne, Australia117 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Had the best time at Tower Hill with my partner. We did the boardwalk trail and saw a number of copperhead snakes. We then went to the information centre where there’s beautiful, authentic Aboriginal products and friendly service. Paul came in after his tour and shared a bush tomato with us and when he saw we had bought a returning boomerang he taught us how to throw it. We even got instructions to take away with us. Such a lovely day and what a special place. We felt very welcomed and alive there. I think the ancestors might have liked us or something.
Written 5 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy G
Box Hill, Australia360 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
The park itself is completely amazing. Teeming with nature and with beautifully marked trails, it is a wonder to explore. Beware the cheeky emus who tell you that you MUST share your lunch with them, despite they signs telling you not to.
Having been delighted with the park we booked a twilight tour to learn about nocturnal animals (having seen a great selection ourselves during the day). We know you definitely can not guarantee seeing animals and we had some good viewing but the tour (billed as 7.15 - 8.45) really just involved a time throwing boomerangs (good fun but gosh I’m not sure who did the risk assessment as a couple of times the two small kids on our tour nearly got taken out as they ran to get their boomerangs whilst others were still throwing) then a walk of lava tongue loop where they guide chatted to one of the tour participants and the rest of us listened to the two kids insisting they were “too tired” and needed to go to sleep. In fairness we were all a little bored with the pace of the tour and the lack of information shared. We finished the loop around 9.30 pm! At $70 it was an pricy night given we could have taken our own head torches and done it ourselves. On the positive, we did get to taste 3 different varieties of bush food (mint, celery and spinach).
Having been delighted with the park we booked a twilight tour to learn about nocturnal animals (having seen a great selection ourselves during the day). We know you definitely can not guarantee seeing animals and we had some good viewing but the tour (billed as 7.15 - 8.45) really just involved a time throwing boomerangs (good fun but gosh I’m not sure who did the risk assessment as a couple of times the two small kids on our tour nearly got taken out as they ran to get their boomerangs whilst others were still throwing) then a walk of lava tongue loop where they guide chatted to one of the tour participants and the rest of us listened to the two kids insisting they were “too tired” and needed to go to sleep. In fairness we were all a little bored with the pace of the tour and the lack of information shared. We finished the loop around 9.30 pm! At $70 it was an pricy night given we could have taken our own head torches and done it ourselves. On the positive, we did get to taste 3 different varieties of bush food (mint, celery and spinach).
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TripEnticer
Malta40 contributions
Jan 2020
This amazing place is a real jewel for any sort of tourist to enjoy. With ample walking tracks, koalas dotted through the treeline and a couple of cheeky emus running around you're sure to be entertained as you wander through the marked trails. One of the great things about this place is that so long as you keep on walking, you'll always find your way back. So go for it!
If you're into birds you're not going to be disappointed, with all sorts of water birds dotted throughout the many wet shores throughout the crater as well as many of the smaller bush birds and wrens. The gift shop has some great information about the area, and if -like my partner and I- you missed the walking tours, it's a good place to get the gist.
We brought some lunch with us before setting off on our trekking. BE WARNED that the emus (although beautiful creatures) are quite the cheeky buggers when it comes to food, so be sure not to feed them. If you find yourself face to face with one of these giant birds that's after your lunch, simply stand on the bench to make yourself bigger and shout 'My food!' or something of the sort and they'll soon leave you alone.
If you've never seen koalas before there's a high chance you'll see them having a snooze in some of the high gum trees. They're very well camouflaged against the grey tree trunks so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and stretch your neck before spending your time looking up at the tree tops. We were lucky enough to see one in a very low tree right before we started our trek.
If you're in the Port Fairy or Warrnambool vicinity, this place is a must see.
Be sure to take some good closed walking shoes as some of the tracks are quite dusty.
If you're into birds you're not going to be disappointed, with all sorts of water birds dotted throughout the many wet shores throughout the crater as well as many of the smaller bush birds and wrens. The gift shop has some great information about the area, and if -like my partner and I- you missed the walking tours, it's a good place to get the gist.
We brought some lunch with us before setting off on our trekking. BE WARNED that the emus (although beautiful creatures) are quite the cheeky buggers when it comes to food, so be sure not to feed them. If you find yourself face to face with one of these giant birds that's after your lunch, simply stand on the bench to make yourself bigger and shout 'My food!' or something of the sort and they'll soon leave you alone.
If you've never seen koalas before there's a high chance you'll see them having a snooze in some of the high gum trees. They're very well camouflaged against the grey tree trunks so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and stretch your neck before spending your time looking up at the tree tops. We were lucky enough to see one in a very low tree right before we started our trek.
If you're in the Port Fairy or Warrnambool vicinity, this place is a must see.
Be sure to take some good closed walking shoes as some of the tracks are quite dusty.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3littlekidz
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I love this place! Seeing native animals in the “wild” so much better than a zoo or wildlife park. Spent a couple of hours here with our primary school aged children, spotting wildlife and admiring views. And best of all it’s FREE! We did have a “too close for comfort” encounter with a snake on the side of a walking path, so keep your eyes peeled and beware!
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keithkez
Gordon, Australia245 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
This was recommended by my local friend cos she knows we aren’t able to walk well at present but we’d see some lovely scenery and maybe be lucky to see wildlife from our car... On a dreary day around 11am we made the descent into the volcanic crater marvelling at the forces of nature that had created all the layers in the rock face. There were pretty spreads of wildflowers dotted throughout. The road drives across the large expanse of water in two spots where we watched ducks frolicking. We drove past the first scenic walking track which is quite steep. Due to Covid the Information Centre was closed but there’s a large area including some covered spots where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with plenty of space for the kids to run around. The second main walking track also has a raised walking platform above wetlands. We didn’t see any animals until we climbed back up onto the main road and saw an emu family feeding.
I returned after 5 pm on the chance more wildlife may be active and wasn’t disappointed. I interrupted a pretty blue wren which was having a feed in the middle of the road, then noticed two emus dining out on bugs, and topping off I followed a big grey kangaroo buck a few hundred metres along the road before he hopped up into the bush.
Walking the scenic tracks would be ideal for also spotting koalas, wombats and reptiles but at least I can advise it was worth it for anyone restricted to their car.
We’ll come back after COVID to visit the Info Centre and when able to at least walk the second track with the wetland platform.
I returned after 5 pm on the chance more wildlife may be active and wasn’t disappointed. I interrupted a pretty blue wren which was having a feed in the middle of the road, then noticed two emus dining out on bugs, and topping off I followed a big grey kangaroo buck a few hundred metres along the road before he hopped up into the bush.
Walking the scenic tracks would be ideal for also spotting koalas, wombats and reptiles but at least I can advise it was worth it for anyone restricted to their car.
We’ll come back after COVID to visit the Info Centre and when able to at least walk the second track with the wetland platform.
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. We're so glad you were able to spot some wildlife when you returned!
We look forward to having you back again soon.
Parks Victoria
Written 4 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there a fee to visit tower hill ? Or only if you take a guided walk
Written 14 December 2020
Driving/walking through the Reserve is free. If there are guided tours, I’d imagine there’d be a charge.
We went just after Covid restrictions were lifted in Regional Victoria so not even the Kiosk was open
I hope this helps!
p.s. We stayed in the car as my hubby had recently had a stroke. We didn’t see much wildlife during the day from the car but I saw a kangaroo and birdlife when I went back after 5 pm
Written 14 December 2020
Hi,I will visit the center
By car in early July. From a left hand driving country, I am not good at right hand driving. Is it difficult to drive to the reserve center for a new right hand driver from Taiwan?
Written 14 June 2019
We are going Mid February, and would like to know the best time of day to maximize species sightings!
Thanks in advance
Written 15 January 2019
Give the information center a call or email thwm
Written 16 March 2019
i will only be in Warrnambool for a day and will reach in the morning. Interested in the guided tour, can I just walk in and join in the tour straight away or I have to book before hand?
Thanks
Written 24 March 2018
Hi, it's always best to pre book tours if it's something you really want to do so as not to be disappointed. If you are in Warrnambool over Easter or school holiday times it can be very busy. Enjoy your stay: )
Written 25 March 2018
No there is no entry fee. It is a great place for relaxing. The scenery is just beautiful as you drive down to the bottom also there is a picnic area and different walks you can take depending on your level of fitness. My husband and saw koalas in the trees also emus as well. There is a visitors centre which is very informative
Written 22 July 2017
Hi zoe sorry l missed your question! The park opened at dawn and closed at dusk. There is no cost to visit the park and has lots of wildlife, walking trails and picnic areas. Well worth the trip. Watch out for the emus! They will steal your food out of your hands lol
Written 23 May 2017
Tracey G
Dandenong, Australia
i'm thinking of visiting in december of this year, i use a walking frame are the paths suitable?
Written 30 October 2015
I advise you to check at info area first.The boardwalk track would probably be your best one to tackle. Enjoy your visit
Written 31 October 2015
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