Escape the urban rush at Greswell Wildlife Reserve, a hidden gem where nature reigns supreme. Walk quiet forest trails and catch glimpses of native wildlife—kangaroos hopping, birds chirping, trees whispering secrets. It’s the perfect reset button for your soul, offering peace, fresh air, and a deep connection to the wild right in the heart of Melbourne!

Perched on a hilltop in Melbourne's northeast, this hotel boasts 183 elegant rooms with stunning city views. Steps from Westfield Doncaster for shopping convenience! Enjoy the indoor pool, state-of-the-art gym, or 6 versatile event spaces perfect for weddings and meetings. Families will love the childcare services and kids' menus, while business travelers appreciate valet parking and the business center. Unwind with cocktails at the bar or soak in rooftop vistas – pure relaxation awaits!
Everything you need to know about Greswell Wildlife Reserve
Melbourne Royal Park Resort is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, offering eco-lodges with direct access to Greswell Wildlife Reserve. Guests can participate in guided night walks to spot native kangaroos, koalas, and rare bird species like the Superb Lyrebird. The resort provides electric shuttles to the reserve entrance, minimizing carbon footprint.
For a more immersive experience, Greenwood Nature Cabins offers secluded treehouse-style lodges surrounded by eucalyptus forests. Each cabin includes a private observation deck perfect for spotting nocturnal animals. Both properties are certified by Australia's Ecotourism Association, ensuring sustainable practices and minimal environmental impact.
The most efficient route is via public transport: take Tram 96 to Dandenong Station, then transfer to Bus 102 (South Melbourne) and alight at "Greswell Road Stop"—a 15-minute walk from the reserve entrance. Alternatively, rent an electric car or book a guided eco-tour that includes door-to-door shuttle service, taking about 45 minutes.
The reserve features a loop walking trail with accessible pathways, making it suitable for families and elderly visitors. Some nearby lodges, such as Greenwood Nature Cabins, offer complimentary daily shuttles departing at 8:00 AM, eliminating the need for complex transfers and enhancing convenience.
Guests can join exclusive activities such as nighttime koala spotting tours (book in advance), Aboriginal cultural walks exploring traditional plant uses and land spirituality, and wildlife photography workshops led by expert naturalists.
During spring, the Morning Bird Survey invites visitors to assist in recording over 30 native bird species using professional equipment. Families can also enroll in the Junior Conservationist Program, where children learn to set up kangaroo monitoring traps, create specimen cards, and participate in habitat restoration projects.
All experiences follow strict ecological guidelines to minimize disturbance to wildlife, promoting responsible tourism and raising awareness of conservation efforts.
Greenwood Nature Cabins offers the "Forest Breakfast Box" featuring organic fruits from local farms, house-made bread, and eggs seasoned with native Australian vanilla. A highlight is the limited-edition kangaroo soup, served fresh each morning.
At Melbourne Royal Park Resort, the Starlight Dinner takes place on an open-air terrace, showcasing modern Australian cuisine infused with Aboriginal ingredients—such as eucalyptus-roasted lamb and native ginger sauce.
All restaurants use compostable tableware and emphasize zero-waste practices. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Post-dinner, guests can attend a "Food Origin Workshop" to learn about sustainable farming and ingredient traceability.
Yes, Greswell Wildlife Reserve is highly family-friendly. It features child-safe walking trails, an interactive eco-education center, and weekly "Animal Track Treasure Hunts" that engage kids in exploration.
The reserve provides baby-changing rooms, stroller rentals, shaded rest areas, and free children’s activity packs with stickers and scavenger hunt cards. Nearby Greenwood Nature Cabins offers a dedicated outdoor play zone built with natural materials—complete with sand pits and climbing structures.
Parents can enroll children in the Junior Conservationist Program, where they learn about ecosystems through hands-on activities. The safe, educational environment makes it an ideal destination for family travel.
The reserve is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Admission fees are $18 for adults, $9 for children (5–12), $12 for seniors, and $45 for family passes (2 adults + 1 child). Holders of the Melbourne City Pass receive free entry.
Note: Night tours cost $30 per person and require HopeGoo at least 3 days in advance. Eco-workshops range from $45 to $80 depending on duration and content. All tickets are available via digital payment; automated kiosks and staffed counters are available onsite for quick access.
See what other travelers say about Greswell Wildlife Reserve

I stayed at Quest Ivanhoe for 80 nights and couldn’t have been happier with the experience. The apartment was spacious, comfortable, and felt like home from day one. Thanks to the long-term stay discount, the nightly rate was incredibly reasonable—great value for such a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed space. The staff were consistently friendly and attentive without ever being intrusive, which made the whole stay feel personal yet private. I appreciated how easy it was to live independently while still having support nearby when needed. The location is quiet but convenient—everything I needed was just steps away, from shops to transport. Bianca and her team clearly care about delivering genuine hospitality, and that shows in every detail. I highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a reliable, homely base in Melbourne. Wishing Bianca and her amazing team continued success—they’re doing something special here.

Staying at Punthill Ivanhoe was a great experience overall. The apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen, which made cooking meals at home super convenient—no need to rely on takeout. I also appreciated having both a washing machine and dryer, perfect for longer stays. The only downside was some road noise during the night, which slightly disrupted sleep, but it’s manageable. The location is very central, close to public transit, making it easy to explore Melbourne. If you value independence and comfort, this is a solid choice with excellent value for money.

I had a fantastic stay at the Centrepoint Units Heidelberg! The host, Leigh, was incredibly welcoming and responsive—offered to store my luggage after check-out until my flight, which was such a helpful gesture. The unit is perfectly located just steps away from hospitals, restaurants, and a supermarket, making it super convenient for both short visits and longer stays. The space itself is clean, tidy, and well-maintained, with everything I needed right at hand. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free base in Melbourne’s Heidelberg area.
Explore more amazing destinations