AusLeisure

The Victorian Government is investing in an eco-tourism project on the Great Ocean Road to broaden the range of experiences and encourage visitors to stay longer in the destination.

In Apollo Bay at the end of last week, Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford announced a $1.5 million grant to the Conservation Ecology Centre’s Wildlife Wonders project.

The Conservation Ecology Centre will create a new nature park, Wildlife Wonders, on a dramatic 50-acre site just outside Apollo Bay that will give visitors the chance to observe and learn about native animals in their natural setting.

Visitors to Wildlife Wonders will receive a guided walking tour by qualified conservationists through protected habitat where they will encounter native animals living freely in natural bushland overlooking the ocean.

The Wildlife Wonders experience will be designed by Brian Massey, art director from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies and landscape designer of the highly successful Hobbiton tourism experience in New Zealand.

With over 2.1 million people visiting the 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast region each year, the project seeks to capitalise on this tourism market while also delivering environmental benefits.

All profits generated by Wildlife Wonders will go towards conservation of the region’s flora and fauna through investment in ecosystem restoration, ecological research, species recovery programs, and community education programs.

The project is expected to create 44 jobs during the construction phase and 35 jobs in ecotourism and environmental conservation once the project is complete.

The $9.64 million project has been in development for several years and has the support of the Federal Government though a $2 million grant from the Regional Jobs and Investment Package.

Commenting on the project, Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio stated “we know visitors love to see our native fauna, and we know the 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast region attracts two million visits each year, so the Wildlife Wonders project outside Apollo Bay is destined for great things.”

Main image courtesy of Doug Gimesy/Conservation Ecology Centre. Lower image shows the planned location for the Wildlife Wonders attraction.

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