Victoria Tours

In the wilds of Victoria kangaroos and wallabies are a common sight grazing on the grasslands and in the woodlands. In the rural towns of the state and in the areas surrounding Melbourne kangaroos roam freely.
 
If you compare the population of kangaroos and people in Australia, heck, the marsupials outnumber humans. There are more than 45 million kangaroos in the wilds and grasslands of Australia whereas the nation’s population is only around 24 million. This population boom of kangaroos has prompted the Australian government to encourage hunters to hunt wild kangaroos for meat.
 
The kangaroo’s large feet and powerful hind legs are ideal for hoping; the muscular tail is used for balancing when moving in a slow pace. A kangaroo’s single leap can be as long as 9 metres, and it can hop around from one place to another at the speed of up to 48 kilometres per hour.
 
Appearing on the Australian coat of arms, currencies, and bank notes, kangaroos are endemic to the region and have become a national/cultural icon. They’re ubiquitous. You can see them on logos, posters, neon lights, and on films and TV. Of course, you can also see them hopping around in great distances in Australian outback, in zoos, in the wilds, and even in a golf course in Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road.
 
To get up close and personal with the kangaroos and wallabies, travel to the Great Ocean Road. You can see them in the wilds of the Otways, in Anglesea, in Lorne, in Kennett River, and Warrnambool’s Tower Hill State Game Reserve. Travel to the Grampians where kangaroos roam freely in the charming town of Halls Gap or to the Gippsland and the Yarra and Dandenong mountain ranges. Check out Melbourne Zoo as well or the wildlife park on Phillip Island before you watch the penguin parade in the afternoon.
 
While in Australia it would be a pity if you missed out seeing kangaroos and wallabies roaming around. Set out on a journey to the Australian outback, you will see Jack and Jill with little joey in her pouch. If you’re lucky enough, you could get the chance to watch male kangaroos playing their favourite sport — boxing. But it going to be bloody dangerous to get closer.
 
If you’re into steak and wine in Melbourne, Yarra Valley, or Mornington Peninsula, try kangaroo meat steak. It’s a healthy alternative to beef. The meat is lean, and great for steak. You can even buy kangaroo meat from the market. If you like of course, pair it with a bottle of shiraz or cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir. It’s going to be magical.
 
Debates on whether it is ethical to have marsupial meat for human consumption can be endless. But we at Eco Platypus Tours love to travel across Victoria to see Australia’s native wildlife. We promote responsible eco-tourism where both the environment and local wildlife should be protected.
 
If you travel with us to the Grampians or to the Otways, you will sure get a closer look at Australia’s iconic kangaroos and wallabies.

See them on the forks and branches of gum trees either lazily dozing off or snacking on eucalyptus leaves. The ever-cuddly koalas never fail to amuse and delight people from the world over with their cuteness and fluffiness. The state of Victoria in southern Australia is the place to go to see the koalas in the wild and in the conservation centres.
 
The Otways, Great Ocean Road
If you want to see the koalas in the wild, in their natural habitat, travel to the Otways on Great Ocean Road. Koalas are everywhere in Cape Otway, Apollo Bay, and Lorne. You can spot them sleeping on the branches of eucalyptus trees. The Great Otway National Park is one of the largest koala colonies in Victoria. In the charming town of Kennett River, a ‘koala walk’ is designed for tourists to get up close and personal with the koalas.   
 
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Warrnambool
Located closed to Warrnambool at the other end of the Great Ocean Road is the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Sitting on an extinct volcano, Tower Hill is one of the best places to be near with the koalas and other Australian native animals and birds. You can see the iconic emus and kangaroos as well as echidnas, wombats, reptiles, and colourful birds. You can also enjoy the great views of the park. 
 
Halls Gap, the Grampians National Park
Explore the Grampians and experience natural wildlife first hand. The Grampians consists of rugged mountain ranges, rock formations and cliffs, and ancient rainforests that host diverse plant and animal life. In Halls Gap, kangaroos and wallabies freely roam around and on the treetops, you can see the koalas. And since you in the Grampians might as well explore more what it has in store for you — impressive waterfalls, fantastic landscape, and spectacular views from lookouts.
 
Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is famous for its wine and great food. That’s because the region is one of the top wine producers in southern Australia. But the valley also hosts the famous Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife conservation centre where you can spot wild animals endemic to Australia and of course, the koalas. There are boardwalks specifically designed for wildlife viewers. Get up close with the koalas and other wild animals and enjoy the experience. Afterwards, you can visit Yarra Valley’s cellar doors for their fine wines.
 
Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island
Take a 140-kilometre drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island. Before you witness the spectacular penguin parade at sundown, might as well visit the Koala Conservation Centre. Stroll down the designed boardwalk for you to see and take photos of the cuddly, gentle, and fluffy koalas. You can also learn more information about the koalas and other native wildlife at the centre. Then head to Summerland Beach to watch the daily show called penguin parade.
 
Eco Platypus offers affordable day trips departing Melbourne to scenic destinations across Victoria. Big-ticket tourist stops include the Grampians, the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, and Phillip Island.