mount rothwell conservation and research centre

The Mount Rothwell Conservation Centre is located some 27 kilometers west of Werribee in an area devoid of many buildings or other landmark features to find your way there. However if you are fortunate enough to decide to go you will not be disappointed especially if you go, as we did, for a night-time guided, torch-light tour. Managed by Zoos Victoria, the conservation centre is a 400 acre protected property centered around the rocky outcrop of Mount Rothwell. You need to book for the tours, but this is not difficult. An electrified fence that is inspected daily by staff ensure that this is, from what we were told, the largest predator free ecosystem in Victoria. For our group, who gathered at the Rangers station for a BBQ tea (BBQ on-site) prior to taking our guided torch light night tour at 8.30pm, this meant seeing a huge variety of native wildlife literally walking and feeding around our feet without fear. The centre aims to breed highly endangered native species to ensure their survival in Australia. The movie star of the night for us was the Eastern Barred Bandicoot which, thanks to the program, appeared to be in healthy numbers on the night of our visit. The most prolific of the marsupials appeared to be the Bettong, followed by Rock Wallabies and the occasional Grey Kangaroo and Brush Tailed Possum. The mystery animal for us on the night also provided the greatest piece of amusement. The elusive Eastern Quoll was no where to be see throughout our 2 hour torch light search, only to have she who must be obeyed squeal with delight on returning to the Rangers hut to find a small Quoll sitting under the table in the room. Overall this was a really rewarding and educational way to spend several hours on a Saturday night. The instruction from the rangers was insightful and amusing. The animals, stars in their own right. The centre is not well sign posted so you have to be alert to spot the small road-side entrance sign - made even more difficult if you arrive in the early evening. Highly recommended for families or walking groups if you are in the Werribee area taking in the other attractions on offer.