The Otways is a unique region of significant conservation importance - from the windswept coasts, heath lands and cliff tops of the wild shores to sheltered coastal inlets, peaceful woodlands, majestic forests and pristine rainforest gullies. These are the habitats of some of the most intriguing animals on earth; a myriad of indigenous species including 174 species which are known to be rare or threatened and some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Conservation of the biodiversity of the region and the ecological processes that maintain it cannot be managed without better understanding the particular ecological needs of species or the threats that they face. The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology (COCCE) is dedicated to protecting and understanding Australian biodiversity, ecosystems and the ecological processes that maintain them.

"In the end we will conserve only what we love, and we will love only what we understand"

Baba Dioum, African Ecologist

The Great Ocean Ecolodge lies within the grounds of The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology and is a major supporter of our work and an integral part of our stewardship program - to visit the Great Ocean Ecolodge website please click here.