Little River Earth Sanctuary, VICTORIA
Airing Date: Jun 23rd, 2003
Described as one of the best eco-tourism and conservation sites in Victoria, the new Little River Earth Sanctuary educates and entertains children and adults alike.
Located just 45 minutes from Melbourne, the sanctuary is an exciting new eco-tourism reserve where you can get up close and personal with Australia's nocturnal wildlife by joining a torch-lit dusk walk.
Most of the 200 native animals that call this place home are nocturnal and among them are the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Potoroo and Rufous Bettong. There have also been 97 species of birds spotted in the sanctuary including Swift Parrots (nationally endangered), Brown Falcons, Red-Browed Finches and Painted Button-Quails. As far as reptiles go, there are seven species here, and if you're lucky you may even spot a shy platypus as it paddles along the river.
But there's more to this place than just wildlife. Many scenes from the Ned Kelly movie were filmed at the other end of the park, and it now looks a bit like a ghost town. Walking along the quiet streets here, you'll be amazed by just how authentic everything looks, from the old pubs to the stone walls.
The facts
Qantas flies to Melbourne from all capital cities, with prices starting at $206 from Sydney and $446 from Perth
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
The two-hour evening walk at Little River Earth Sanctuary costs $59.50 for a family of two adults and two kids. Adults alone are $22 and kids $17.50. A combined wildlife walk and Ned Kelly tour costs $85 for families or $30 for adults and $20 for kids.
Little River Earth Sanctuary
Tel: 03 5283 1602
Aaron Lee Apartments in Geelong offer family accommodation starting from $220 per night per apartment.
Aaron Lee Apartments
Tel: 03 5222 7733
