Resident Wildlife
The Source, Otways is teeming with beautiful and rare birdlife and is home to many iconic native Australian animals. As you come through the front gate and drive down the leafy driveway, look out for Barry White, our resident koala, who often hangs around greeting the visitor. His four legged friends are often seen sitting on the eucalyptus trees on the edge of the forest of this expansive property.
Be prepared for an encounter with the remarkable wildlife – from Koalas, Short-Beaked Echidnas, Grey Kangaroos and Southern Rock Wallabies, to Glow Worms and the endangered Otway Black Snails.
The Otway Black Snail, endemic to this region, is a carnivorous air-breathing, partially nocturnal land snail that hunts worms and similar invertebrates on the forest floor. It has no jaw as found in herbivorous snails but has long, sharp, backward pointing teeth arranged in v-shaped rows. Sounds scary, but they are small timid creatures that are perfectly safe for humans. You’re most likely to see the Otway Black Snail after rainfall, moving throughout the forest undergrowth.
A true birdwatcher’s paradise, you don’t need to go far beyond the door step to have close encounter with our wild winged neighbours. Wild birds frequently visit the two bird feeders in our gardens, and many will happily eat out of your hand. If you’re a bird watcher or just enjoy waking up to the sound and beauty of rich and diverse birdlife, you’ll encounter the Australian King Parrots, Galahs, Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, Sulphur-Crested and Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos, New Holland Honeyeaters, Eastern Yellow Robins, Superb Fairy-Wrens, magnificent Wedge-Tailed Eagles and many other species that are often spotted on the property.
In the meantime, the Grotto at The Source is home to the spectacular Glow Worms, whose luminous glow fills the grotto walls after dark. Glow worms are not actually worms, but the larvae of fly-like insects called Fungus Gnats, that are found only in a few rare spots of Australia and New Zealand. During the 9-month larval stage, the glow worms live in the damp and dark safety of the Grotto of The Source. Go on your own adventure or come along on one of our guided Glow worm tours and see hundreds of these tiny jewel like glowing creatures twinkling in the dark forest creating a mesmerizing magical effect. The Glow Worms experience if often one of the most treasured memories our guests take home to share with others.
What an awesome experience of walking through this magnificent property amongst old trees, seeing Glow Worms. I felt really humble and appreciative to see this beauty. Thank you sincerely for sharing this wonderful, rare and rich experience with my son and I. We’d love to visit you again.
Love, Biba