The reserve offers both guided and self-guided tours to admire the volcano, old lava flow, wetlands, birdlife and Aboriginal heritage of the area. You may also spot koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, turtles and possums.
Located in the picnic area, the Visitor Centre, which is managed by Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative, has environmental and cultural displays and offers aboriginal arts and crafts for sale, as well as light refreshments. Opening hours of the visitor centre are 10am to 4pm daily, including public holidays, except Christmas Day.
How to get there
Tower Hill Visitor Centre
Tower Hill Reserve is located 18 km west of Warrnambool and can be accessed from the Princes Highway.
When you're there
Did you know: Tower Hill's visitor centre was built by one of Australia's greatest architects?
The Tower Hill Natural History Centre was designed by Robin Boyd in 1962 and completed in 1969. Boyd is one of Australia's most famous architects, but he is best known for designing houses in urban environments. As a public building in a rural setting, that makes the Natural History Centre pretty unique.
Boyd believed in designing functional buildings tailored to the specific site in which they were constructed. You can see this in the shape of the building, which recalls a volcanic cone and affords 360-degree views of the park. Inside, a hollow central stone column supports the roof and calls to mind the core of the volcano.
The visitor centre was constructed on the main island using local limestone and other materials. It is currently managed by the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative in partnership with Parks Victoria and features displays on the geology, flora, fauna and human history of the area.
* The Tower Hill Visitor Centre is open 10am to 4pm including weekends and public holidays
except Christmas Day.
* Guided tours of the park run daily at 11am. Booking is required and other times can be arranged. Call the visitor centre on (03) 5565 9202.
The Tower Hill Natural History Centre was designed by Robin Boyd in 1962 and completed in 1969. Boyd is one of Australia's most famous architects, but he is best known for designing houses in urban environments. As a public building in a rural setting, that makes the Natural History Centre pretty unique.
Boyd believed in designing functional buildings tailored to the specific site in which they were constructed. You can see this in the shape of the building, which recalls a volcanic cone and affords 360-degree views of the park. Inside, a hollow central stone column supports the roof and calls to mind the core of the volcano.
The visitor centre was constructed on the main island using local limestone and other materials. It is currently managed by the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative in partnership with Parks Victoria and features displays on the geology, flora, fauna and human history of the area.
* The Tower Hill Visitor Centre is open 10am to 4pm including weekends and public holidays
except Christmas Day.
* Guided tours of the park run daily at 11am. Booking is required and other times can be arranged. Call the visitor centre on (03) 5565 9202.
Need to know
Tower Hill Visitor Centre
Guided tours
Guided tours of the park featuring wildlife and Aboriginal cultural heritage are provided for individuals and groups by Worn Gundidj. Tours run daily at 11am, and other times may be arranged by appointment. Bookings are required – please enquire at the Visitor Centre on (03) 5565 9202.
Facilities
The picnic area has picnic tables, electric barbecues and toilet facilities. The visitor centre has light refreshments. There are no drinking water taps or rubbish bins available. Staying overnight in campervans, caravans or tents is not permitted.
Dogs
Dogs and other pets are not permitted.
The Game Management Authority is responsible for regulating all game hunting activity in Victoria. Visit their website www.gma.vic.gov.au for all information regarding hunting in Victoria, including licences, where and when to hunt and all regulations.
Guided tours of the park featuring wildlife and Aboriginal cultural heritage are provided for individuals and groups by Worn Gundidj. Tours run daily at 11am, and other times may be arranged by appointment. Bookings are required – please enquire at the Visitor Centre on (03) 5565 9202.
Facilities
The picnic area has picnic tables, electric barbecues and toilet facilities. The visitor centre has light refreshments. There are no drinking water taps or rubbish bins available. Staying overnight in campervans, caravans or tents is not permitted.
Dogs
Dogs and other pets are not permitted.
The Game Management Authority is responsible for regulating all game hunting activity in Victoria. Visit their website www.gma.vic.gov.au for all information regarding hunting in Victoria, including licences, where and when to hunt and all regulations.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Tower Hill Picnic Ground (Tower Hill W.R)
Tower Hill Picnic Area - Electric BBQ's OUT OF ORDER
The 3 out of the 4 electric BBQ hotplates in the picnic area at Tower Hill are currently not working. Parks Victoria is looking into this electrical issue, we appreciate your patience at this time.
