Who glows in the dark, is the perfect mimic, sleeps for 18 hours a day, only appears at dusk and dawn, and migrates to our shores in Winter..?
From watching whales breach, to spotting koalas snoozing in treetops - here's your guide to finding our most iconic and curious creatures up-close in the wild.
We would love to see your wildlife adventures - please share your discoveries with us on Instagram using @gumnut_trails
Remember to always observe animals from a safe distance - don't feed, scare or crowd them.
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14 up-close wildlife encounters in Victoria - Let's go!
1. Koala spotting on Raymond or French Island
Where to go: Raymond Island, near Paynesville or French Island near Mornington Peninsula.
When to visit: Year-round
In Gippsland Lakes, there is a small island with OVER 200 KOALAS sleeping and roaming free. The island is only 6kms long and 2kms wide, with lots of tracks and boardwalks to walk or cycle around. There's a free ferry that takes you to the island.
For an easy walk with guaranteed koala spotting, wander along the Koala Trail, and see how many koalas and other wildlife you can count! (We saw 20 on our short walk). Keep an eye out for echidnas and kookaburras while you’re there!
French Island (near Mornington Peninsula) also has more koalas than humans with over 2,000 in residence! Catch a ferry over to visit or stay on the island for an immersive nature experience.
Fun fact: Koalas sleep and rest 18 - 20 hours a day while tucked up in a tree!
2. Glow Worm magic in the Otways
Where to go: Kennets River Picnic Area in the Otways, Melba Gully in Lavers Hill and Wye River near Lorne
When to visit: After dark, year-round (warmer months are better)
When the sun finally sets, tiny Glow Worms light up the rainforest like shiny flickering stars right in front of you! It's a magical after dark experience your kids will never forget.
The Glow Worms will only appear when you turn off your torch or lantern and it can take a while for your eyes to adjust. Be prepared for the utter darkness and eerie rainforest sounds, which can be scary for little kids.
Fun fact: Glow Worms are actually fly larvae, that glow in the dark to catch insects!
3. 30,000 Flying Foxes at Yarra Bend Park
Where to go: Bellbird Picnic Area, Yarra Bend Park, Kew
When to visit: All year round, (numbers drop in Winter)
Squark, splash... what's that sound?! Sniff sniff… what's that SMELL?! That's the sound and smell of 30,000 (or more) flying foxes camping out at Yarra Bend Park!
There are multiple viewing areas just near the carpark. Head straight down the hill towards the river to see them hanging in the trees above you, or walk along the top trail to the viewing platform. Read blog for more detail.
Be respectful, quiet and keep your distance. Don’t startle the Flying Foxes, in case the Mother drops her pup to the ground.
Fast fact: These noisy creatures were moved from the Royal Botanic Gardens in 2003 and are now listed as vulnerable and at risk.
4. Whale watching in Warnambool and beyond
Where to go: Portland, Port Fairy, Warnambool and Phillip Island
When to visit: Late May to early October. Visit in the morning or midday when the sun is shining (they love the sun)!
In Winter the great whale migration begins, swimming from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland for calving. You will see Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Blue Whales and Orcas. (The Blue Whale can be spotted near Portland and Warrnambool).
The best places with purpose-built viewing platforms and information hubs are in Portland, Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Phillip Island. There are boat tours you can book for up-close viewing.
You can also see whales along the Great Ocean Road, Queenscliff and Sorrento, Wilsons Prom and Gippsland's south coast.
Helpful tip: Take a good pair of binoculars, warm jackets and lots of patience (as you maybe there a while).
5. The Penguin parade at Phillip Island and St Kilda
Where to go: Phillip Island penguin parade, St Kilda pier in Melbourne
When to visit: Early mornings and late evenings, when the Penguins are emerging or returning to their nests.
The Penguin Parade in Philip Island is famous for a reason - it has the LARGEST colony of little penguins with over 40,000 in residence! Seeing the penguins up close and watching them waddle back to their nests at night is a once in a lifetime experience. You will need to buy your tickets in advance as it can get very busy. Make sure you rug up as well, even in Summer. (No pictures are allowed).
Did you know: There is also a smaller fairy penguin colony on St Kilda Pier? The pier is re-opening in Spring 2024, so make sure you plan a visit.
6. Platypus paddling at Lake Elizabeth
Where to go: Lake Elizabeth, Forrest, Great Otway National Park
When to visit: Dawn or dusk, year-round
Hidden in the misty depths of Lake Elizabeth is one of Australia’s most elusive mammals — the platypus! Join a guided tour at dawn or dusk to increase your chances of spotting these shy and mysterious animals as they glide through the still waters. (Or you can spot them from the shores if you're lucky).
We joined the Platypus Paddle tour and spotted 8 - 10 platypus on this mesmerising lake! What did we see? A silver bill and head just above the water, and then a tail, before they dove back to safety.
Helpful tip: Make sure you bring warm clothes and binoculars! 
7. Lyrebirds in our dense rainforests
Where to go: Dandenong and Yarra Ranges, Kinglake and South Gippsland
When to visit: Early morning to hear their cry
The superb lyrebird, known for its incredible mimicry skills, can be found in the dense rainforests East of Melbourne. These birds are most vocal and active in the early morning. Listen for their impressive calls that mimic other birds and sounds.
The Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk (starts at the Lyrebird track) in the Dandenong Ranges is known for having LOTS of lyrebirds (7.2km and 2 hour loop walk). The nearby Eagles Nest Walk, Olinda is a shorter 3km with known sightings as well.
Badger Weir (near Healesville) has a lyrebird track and picnic ground loop (3km). It's a lovely rainforest walk with lots of opportunities to see and hear the lyrebird (we saw some)!
Also visit the Masons Fall and Lyrebird track in Kinglake National Park, plus the Lyrebird Forest Walk in Mirboo North Regional Park (South Gippsland).
Fun Fact: The Lyrebird appears on our $100 note and 10cent piece.
8. Pelican hotspots along our shores
Where to go: Bellarine Peninsula, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island
When to visit: Year-round
They gather in pods, have the BIGGEST of beaks and can glide through the air for up to 24 hours! Where there is sea and fish (and fishing boats), you will ALWAYS find Australian Pelicans! But where do they gather in BIG numbers?
In San Remo at 12pm everyday, (next to Phillip Island), a small crowd gathers to watch trained locals feed the Pelicans and educate tourists about Pelicans and conservation.
The Bellarine Peninsula is very close to the little known Mud Island - one of the main breeding grounds for Pelicans in Victoria! Head to St Leonards Pier and the small pier in Portarlington when the fishing boats return... you will find them lined up to eat.
The Hastings Pier on the Mornington Peninsula is also well known for Pelicans.
9 & 10. Kangaroos and Emus in the Grampians
Where to Go: Halls Gap, Grampians National Park
When to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, year-round
The Grampians is one of the best places in Victoria to see kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat. Visit Halls Gap in the early morning or late afternoon, when these iconic animals are most active. The sight of kangaroos hopping across the landscape or emus going for a ramble, is sure to be a hit with the kids!
Kangaroos can also be found all across Victoria and even parks in Melbourne. Visit Woodlands Historic Park in Greenvale, Gresswell Forest in Bundoora, Quarry Hills Bushland Park in South Morang, Westerfolds Park in Templestowe for guaranteed sightings!
You can also find emus in Tower Hill Nature Reserve near Warnambool and Wilsons Promontory in Gippsland.
11. Dolphin Watching in Port Phillip Bay and Gippsland Lakes
Where to Go: Mornington and Belllarine Peninsula
When to Visit: Year-round
Join a dolphin-watching cruise from Sorrento or Queenscliff and get up close with the playful bottlenose dolphins of Port Phillip Bay. The kids will love watching these intelligent creatures leap out of the water, and you might even spot seals and penguins along the way,
Gippsland Lakes is home to the rare and endangered barranun dolphin. Join a boat tour to see these, or you might be lucky from the shores.
12. Seals at Seal Rocks
Where to Go: Phillip Island, Wilsons Promontory, Port Phillip Bay and Portland.
When to Visit: Year-round, however they are more active in warmer weather
Seals are fascinating marine mammals known for their playful nature in the water. You will find the LARGEST colony of fur seals in Australia on Seal Rocks in Phillip Island. To see these mammals up-close you will need to join a boat tour.
You can also find seals on Montague Island in Wilsons Promontory, Chinaman's Hat (a man-made shipping marker between Sorrento and Queenscliff), Cape Bridgewater in Portland and Lady Julia Percy Island.
13 & 14. Wombats and Wallabies at Wilsons Promontory
Where to Go: Wilsons Promontory
When to Visit: Year-round
Wilsons Prom is a treasure trove of wildlife encounters. Wander through the park and you’ll likely come across wombats grazing and wallabies hopping through the bush.
If you're camping - make sure you don't leave food in your tent as the wombats will break through your tent to find the food!
