Wildlife & zoos

High Country is a great place to see wildlife in its natural habitat. In summer you may encounter swamp wallabies, wombats, echidnas and possums. Wombats can even be found in the middle of winter ambling across the snow looking for a patch of grass to feed on. Rare or threatened wildlife including the mountain Pygmy-possum, the world's only exclusively alpine marsupial, also inhabit the region. The noisy birdlife includes Gang-gang cockatoos, Pied Currawongs and sleek ravens.

You will encounter plenty of wildlife driving through the national parks of the region, but here are some of the best viewing spots viewing spots.

Lake Eildon

See kangaroos at dawn or dusk as well as abundant bird life at Candlebark Creek around the Fraser camping area off the UT Creek Road, Eildon

The Pines Clearing near Mansfield

A popular place at dusk, when hundreds of kangaroos come out of the State Forest to graze. Travel approximately 5 kilometres along Walsh's Road to a cleared area just before the Ranger's Hut.
Walsh's Road, off Goughs Road, near Mansfield

Mount Buffalo

During the summer holidays National Park Rangers run free guided spotlight tours in the national park in the Eurobin Creek area. Gliders, possums, bats and wombats may be encountered. The activity is free but bookings are essential.
For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Mansfield Zoo

Make your way around the park-like setting of regional Victoria's largest zoo and get up close to lions, wallabies and alligators. Have a go at feeding the monkeys, spend a wild night camping among the animals, or get a tour around the grounds with the zoo keeper. With over 100 animals from across the globe there's plenty to keep the kids excited and entertained.