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Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve — Tower Hill](/au/places/vic/tower-hill) is an ancient maar volcano — a broad, low-relief volcanic crater formed by a violent steam…

Natural Landmark in Victoria

Ben ColeWritten by Ben Cole

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About Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

[Tower Hill](/au/places/vic/tower-hill) is an ancient maar volcano — a broad, low-relief volcanic crater formed by a violent steam explosion — that last erupted approximately 35,000 years ago and now contains a shallow lake with several smaller volcanic cones rising from the water. The reserve has been extensively revegetated since the 1960s and is now an outstanding wildlife sanctuary where emus, kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas roam freely. It is one of the few places in Victoria where all of these species can be reliably seen together.

About

[Tower Hill](/au/places/vic/tower-hill) is an ancient maar volcano — a broad, low-relief volcanic crater formed by a violent steam explosion — that last erupted approximately 35,000 years ago and now contains a shallow lake with several smaller volcanic cones rising from the water. The reserve has been extensively revegetated since the 1960s and is now an outstanding wildlife sanctuary where emus, kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas roam freely. It is one of the few places in Victoria where all of these species can be reliably seen together.

Warnings

Do Not Feed WildlifeDrive Slowly — Emus And Kangaroos Cross The RoadNo Dogs AllowedSome Walking Tracks Are Unpaved And Can Be Muddy

Getting There

Map of Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Tower Hill is located 14km west of Warrnambool on the Princes Highway (A1), near the town of Koroit. The reserve entrance is signposted on the highway.

Visitor Tips

  • Arrive early morning for the best wildlife sightings. Emus are almost guaranteed year-round. The Peak walk (30 minutes return) gives excellent views from the volcanic cone summit. Visit in conjunction with the Warrnambool coast.

Quick Facts

At a Glance

The Place

Significance
State

Plan Your Visit

Entry
Free
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Time
Year-round; early morning for wildlife activity; winter for birdwatching
Hours
Open 24 hours. Visitor centre 10am-4pm.

Location

Area
Koroit

Good to Know

Wheelchair Accessible

Highlights

Free-Roaming Emus, Kangaroos, Koalas, And EchidnasScenic Drive Through The Volcanic CraterHistoric Visitor Centre In The Old Volcanic Stone HomesteadPeregrine Falcons Nesting On Volcanic ConesPeaceful Lake With Birdlife

Activities

Wildlife WatchingWalkingPhotographyBirdwatchingGuided Tours

Features

Available:Wheelchair Accessible
Not available:Dog Friendly
Not available:Pram/Stroller Friendly
Not available:Camping Available
Not available:Tours Available
Not available:Guided Walks
Not available:Swimming Allowed
Not available:Lockers Available

Facilities

Visitor Centre (Historic Volcanic Stone Building)ToiletsCar ParkWalking TracksPicnic AreaBBQ

Nearby

Dump Points(3)

14.3km

Kepler Street

Free · 14.3km

15.1km

Surfside Holiday Park Caravan Dump Point

caravan-park · 15.1km

15.3km

Warrnambool Caravan Dump Point

caravan-park · 15.3km