Wildlife of the 12 Apostles Coast & Hinterland
Explore the fascinating wildlife of the 12 Apostles Coast, from cuddly marsupials to elusive monotremes and vibrant birdlife. Here's a guide to the animals you can encounter along the coastline and surrounds.
Koalas
Where to Spot Them:
The largest populations of koalas can be found in Cape Otway National Park and Kennett River, with smaller pockets around Port Campbell. Keep an eye out on the Timboon Rail Trail and Power Creek Reserve, where these iconic animals might even wander into Timboon or Port Campbell itself!
Safety Tip: Drive carefully along Cape Otway Road and use designated parking areas to safely view koalas.
Fun Facts:
- Victorian koalas are twice as heavy as their Queensland counterparts.
- They eat so many eucalyptus leaves that they smell like the tree!
Koalas’ pouches open to the rear, similar to their closest relative, the wombat.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Where to spot them:
Best seen at Gellibrand River Estuary, particularly at dawn or dusk when they’re most active. Look for kangaroo footprints near the river mouth. They’re also common in Port Campbell National Park and Bay of Islands Coastal Park.
Fun Facts:
- They can reach speeds of 60 km/h and jump up to 3 metres high.
- Unlike their stiff land movement, kangaroos swim by moving their legs independently.
- Adult males can weigh up to 66 kg!
Short-Beaked Echidna
Where to Spot Them:
Echidnas often wander along trail edges and sandy estuarine areas, appearing at any time of day.
Fun Facts:
- They’re covered in fur and spines and use a long, sticky tongue to catch insects.
- Echidnas are monotremes, laying eggs instead of birthing live young.
- They can only open their mouths about 5 mm wide!
Muttonbirds (Short-Tailed Shearwaters)
Where to Spot Them:
Witness their return to Muttonbird Island from September to April, especially from the Loch Ard Gorge viewing platform.
Fun Facts:
- Their annual migration spans 30,000 km, taking them from Australia to the Bering Strait.
- Both parents incubate the egg and feed the chick by regurgitation.
- Despite their numbers, only 10% survive to their third year.
Platypus
Where to Spot Them:
These elusive monotremes are best observed in Lake Elizabeth, near Forrest. Guided tours are recommended due to their shy nature.
Fun Facts:
- Platypuses are one of the few venomous mammals; males can inflict immense pain with their spurs.
- They detect prey using electroreception, sensing electric fields produced by other animals.
- There’s no official name for baby platypuses—though some call them “platypups”!
Ringtail Possum
Where to Spot Them:
Ringtail possums inhabit rainforests and eucalypt forests along the coast and hinterland, often near water sources. You might even find them in local backyards!
Fun Facts:
- Their prehensile tails curl up like rings when not in use.
- A group of possums is called a passel.
- They can live up to 8 years and grow to the size of a small cat.
Potoroo
Where to Spot Them:
Potoroos thrive in dense understories, eucalypt forests, and coastal heaths. Look for areas with thick groundcover, essential for their foraging and nesting.
Fun Facts:
- These rabbit-sized macropods hop like kangaroos.
- Classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and predators like foxes and cats.
- Females carry nesting materials with their semi-prehensile tails.
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Where to Spot Them:
Rare but possible sightings occur in Port Campbell National Park, especially around Loch Ard Gorge or the Port Campbell Discovery Walk in early morning or evening.
Fun Facts:
- These threatened marsupials are vital to their ecosystem, dispersing seeds and aerating soil.
- Habitat fragmentation has severely impacted their population.
- They’re shy and stick to dense clifftop cover for protection.
Swamp Antechinus
Where to Spot Them:
These insectivorous marsupials live in woodlands, wet heath, and coastal grasslands.
Fun Facts:
- Males die shortly after mating due to stress-induced immune breakdown.
- They measure up to 25 cm long and dine on spiders and cockroaches.
- Their breeding season sees females develop a shallow pouch-like fold.
Common Brushtail Possum
Where to Spot Them:
These adaptable creatures are found in rainforests and urban areas alike. Listen for their distinctive hiss at night.
Fun Facts:
- They have a prehensile tail with a naked patch for better grip.
- Their diet includes flowers, leaves, and fruits.
- Predators include dogs, dingoes, and foxes.
Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and stick to designated tracks to preserve their natural habitats. For injured wildlife, call 03 8400 7300.
