Frequently asked questions

 

These are the questions we are most frequently asked; if yours is not answered here please do not hesitate to contact us!

 

Our mission is: 'To conserve the natural environment for the indigenous flora and fauna, and to share this with people in order that understanding be gained, the ecological systems always protected, and the admiration for them never lost.'

 

The Cape Otway Centre, which opened in April 2004, is a 165 acre wildlife rehabilitation and ecological research centre adjoining the Great Otway National Park.  Accredited at the highest level by Ecotourism Australia and benchmarked by Green Globe 21, The Centre is recognised internationally for leadership in environmentally sustainable tourism and has been awarded on many occasions for environmental leadership, including the prestigious Banksia Foundation's Award - 2005 Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year. 

 

Access to The Cape Otway Centre is exclusive to guests of the Great Ocean Ecolodge.

 

The Great Ocean Ecolodge is a luxurious, environmentally sustainable lodge, offering accommodation within the grounds of The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology.  The magnificent passive solar Ecolodge is powered by the sun, collects its water from the skies and leaves an almost imperceptible footprint upon the earth.

 

Bookings are absolutely essential!  We pride ourselves on offering an exceptional, personalised experience to all our guests and it is only possible for us to do this if we know in advance of your special interests and requirements.  Booking enquiries can be made by checking availability and completing the enquiry form on that page of our website.

 

Many of our guests require privacy, discretion and undivided attention.  Accordingly we have developed Exclusive Experiences - unique itineraries which are completely flexible, personalised and private for between one and ten people.

 

Every journey to Cape Otway is a delightful adventure!  There are many ways you can reach us - please see our page on getting here for details.  Remember to keep an eye out for wildlife on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk.

 

Children are the environmentalists of tomorrow and we enjoy sharing the wonder of the Australian bush with them!  We offer a special orientation, fun children's ecology experiences special meals, cots and children's beds.  For older children we are happy to arrange a twin share room adjoining your own.

 

A stay at the Great Ocean Ecolodge is the highlight of the Great Ocean Walk! Many walkers base themselves at the Great Ocean Ecolodge (our close proximity to the Great Ocean Walk enables you to walk in to the Ecolodge from the track). Our guests enjoy special services including complimentary local transfers, gourmet picnic lunches, massages and guided nature interpretation.  Please refer to our Great Ocean Walk page for details. For exceptional Great Ocean Walk experiences please refer to our special Exclusive Experiences page.

 

Our chefs are amazing! Craig and Holly harvest fresh produce from our kitchen garden and local suppliers and create superb dining experiences. They are happy to prepare meals to suit special requirements, please be sure to let us know if you have any particular allergies or requirements when you complete your booking form.

 

The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology is a wildlife rehabilitation and ecological research centre adjoining the Great Otway National Park. Accordingly we are not able to host your cats, dogs or other pets. Wildlife carers with joeys, please see below…

 

The Cape Otway Centre is a renowned Wildlife Shelter and understands the challenges of travelling with joeys. We are pleased to welcome you and offer a dedicated joey bottle preparation station, incubator, safe joey exercise areas, qualified and understanding staff and peace and quiet. Please include details in your booking enquiry so we can prepare for you.

 

While we welcome guests and visitors we stress that advance bookings and appointments are strictly necessary.  Please contact us.

 

We can make anything happen! From wildflower wedding ceremonies in the bush to magnificent intimate receptions at the Ecolodge we offer stress free magical weddings. Please refer to our weddings page for details.

 

Australian and international companies treasure the privacy and seclusion offered at the Great Ocean Ecolodge. We would be delighted to help you organise the perfect meeting. Please see our conferences page for details.