Charity Partner

The Conservation Ecology Centre

As you run past towering eucalypts and tree ferns and emerge from rugged coastal heathlands onto wild beaches, you’ll soon realise that the Great Ocean Trail Ultra takes you through some pretty special ecosystems.

That’s why we’ve selected the Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC) as our charity partner: to make sure it stays that way.

All runners have the option to fundraise for the CEC, and we’ll be sharing special offers with you and your support crew to visit their wildlife sanctuary in Apollo Bay to see what your efforts are supporting.

The coastal heath along the Great Ocean Walk is home to a vast array of small mammals, including Long-nosed Potoroos and Swamp Antechinus, which have been lost from many other parts of Australia.

The manna gum woodlands of Cape Otway provide important habitat for koalas, as well as rare orchids and many other unique species. And some of the tree ferns you pass on your route are over one-hundred years old, with ancestors dating back to Gondwanan times.

For over 20 years, the Conservation Ecology Centre has been studying these ecosystems and generating the knowledge needed to nurture this landscape, ensuring it is healthy and resilient for generations to come.

Their team of researchers work collaboratively and innovatively with universities, land managers, and other partners to develop and deliver solutions to the most urgent conservation challenges in the Otways and along the Great Ocean Road.

As a runner in the Great Ocean Trail Ultra, you have the opportunity to support the beautiful landscape we run through by fundraising for the Conservation Ecology Centre via DETAILS HERE.

In turn, we’ll let you know how the funds raised are:

·       Restoring the coastal woodlands on Cape Otway to recreate a functioning ecosystem that supports native plants and wildlife.

·       Helping Long-nosed Potoroos and other small mammals survive the dual threats of fire and feral predators.

·       Protecting native species by monitoring and controlling of feral pigs and deer across the Otways.

·       Improving planned burning to preserve biodiversity and reduce risk in an increasingly flammable landscape.

We can’t wait to share more with you about the work of this incredible organisation that is protecting nature for us all to enjoy. We do hope you will join us in supporting them.

Wildlife Partner

While you’re in Apollo Bay… take the time to visit Wildlife Wonders.

Wildlife Wonders is a unique wildlife sanctuary established to give back to environmental conservation while inspiring visitors about the natural wonders of the Otways and Great Ocean Road.

Established by the Conservation Ecology Centre as a social enterprise, all profits from Wildlife Wonders’ guided walking tours, gift shop, and café are directed back to their vital research and conservation programs that are working to protect the wildlife and landscapes we all love.

On a 75-minute Walk with Wildlife Tour, your conservationist guide will share the secrets of the bush with you, drawing your attention to intimate details about the plants and animals who call the Otways home.

You’ll learn all about the work being undertaken by the Conservation Ecology Centre and you’ll have a chance to view some of the more elusive wildlife of the region –  such as potoroos, bandicoots and pademelons – as well as iconic Australian species like kangaroos, wallabies, emus and koalas. 

Find out more at: https://wildlifewonders.org.au

Direct Action / Membership Partner

 
 


For Wild Places is a community of runners with a purpose: to use our love for trails as a tool to make a difference.

If that sounds like you, join FWP today!

We need action to protect our planet and its precious ecosystems now more than ever. At FWP, we’re united by a desire to use our love of trail running for good.

Events, like Great Ocean Trail Ultra are not only wonderful experiences in beautiful areas, but they also build and support campaigns to protect these areas. This work needs resources. Our team is full of passion and dedication to the job at hand, but that only goes so far.

By joining FWP you help:

  • Create a team of activist runners with the capability to fulfil our wildest dreams!

  • Fund our core operations in an ongoing and sustainable way

  • Build a foundation from which more meaningful work can happen

  • Maintain FWP as a good place to work

What you receive:

  • Member-only discounts with our awesome partners

  • Go in the running (pun intended) to win quality gear

  • Early registration access to FWP events

  • Updates on our latest projects, adventures and events

  • FWP welcome pack including upcycled, trail running trash bag

Become a FWP Member today and turn your running into a tool for making a difference. Help us build a team of activist runners with a purpose – to fight for our planet and protect the wild places we love to run in.

Member-only discounts:

  • Tarkine Running – 20% off all gear

  • Trail Brew – 15% off online purchases

  • Adventure+ – 6 month free subscription

  • WILD, Trail Run & Vertical Life mags – 50% off NEW subscriptions

  • ioMerino – 15% off all standard items

  • Paddy Pallin – complimentary membership with 10% discount

  • Coast To Mountain Running – 15% off all standard items (excludes COROS and gift cards)

  • Fractel – 15% off purchases

We appreciate your support. Happy trails and, as always, thank you for taking the time to support wild places!

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