A living compendium of plants, fungi and animals that call the Otways home, Wildlife Wonders is recreating the interdependent ecosystem that existed pre-colonisation. Protected by a fox- and cat-proof fence, the conservation project was designed by Brian Massey – an art director on The Hobbit and landscape designer of Hobbiton in Aotearoa. He’s worked with scientists, zoologists, botanists, wildlife veterinarians and interpreters to simulate natural ecologies where the animals feel safe (and humans can quietly observe). Enjoy a 75-minute, 1.4-kilometre guided walk on an all-abilities path at a gentle pace. Spot Tasmanian pademelons (they used to be found throughout south-eastern Australia), koalas, eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, southern brown bandicoots, long-nosed potoroos, and the southern boobook owl. Learn about mycorrhizal fungi and their symbiotic relationship with plants, and the Otway black snail with its carnivorous habits. Afterwards, enjoy coffee with a view, and visit the shop to take home some knowledge-laden books. All profits help fund the Conservation Ecology Centre, which works to address urgent conservation challenges and nurture the Otway biome.
