There probably isn't a bloke that lives along Australia's iconic Great Ocean Road in southern Victoria that wouldn't buy Shayne Neal a beer.
Though it's unlikely he'd ever find the time to collect it.
At 39, Mr Neal has achieved more than most will achieve in their lives, including representing Australia in the World Ploughing Championships.
Shayne Neal and a couple of Sugar Gliders at his Ecolodge in Cape Otway. The cheeky critters were searching for honey
A Long-nosed Poteroo enjoys a serving of fruit at the Conservation Ecology Centre in Cape Otway. She lives alongside a family of Sugar Gliders. The animals are at threat from foxes and feral cats out in the wild
The likable, knock-about farm boy from Scott's Creek - about 120kms northwest of Victoria's iconic Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road - decided as a university student that he was going to do his bit to save his part of the world.
His latest project promises to bring a slice of Hollywood to the Aussie bush.
Set designer Brian Massey, who brought to life The Lord of the Rings' Hobbit in New Zealand, has joined forces with Mr Neal to create a native Aussie wilderness experience like no other.
Nestled in the 50 acre property just outside of Apollo Bay, Wildlife Wonders will allow visitors to experience nature in its purest form outside of being lost in the bush.
'I think it's the only large property development in the region not to have received an objection from the local community,' Mr Neal said.
The zone itself is an ecological masterpiece, with Mr Neal and his team transforming the already lush forest into a nature reserve for popular and endangered wildlife and fauna.
The state and federal governments have already contributed about $3 million between them to the $12.6 million project, with the rest being sourced by environmentally friendly businesses and individuals.
Kangaroos and koalas are among a range of exquisite native animals that live at the Conservation Ecology Centre. Shayne Neal takes visitors on a dusk walk through the bush and shares the secrets of the elusive animals that live there.
Hobbiton in New Zealand has become a popular tourist attraction in New Zealand. Shayne Neal has the very same set designer working on his wildlife experience just outside of Apollo Bay
A section of Wildlife Wonders which is under construction. Shayne Neal has brought in native gum trees to line the paths that will be walked by tourists when it opens next year
An endangered Tiger Quoll lives at the Conservation Ecology Centre. Visitors are able to get inside the enclosure with him, but not too close. The Tiger Quoll has a powerful bite
When complete, visitors will be guided through the serene forest, which will hide the predator-proof fences that keep the native creatures safely inside and the scurrilous foxes and feral cats out.
The project has become Mr Neal's obsession after coming up with the idea over a bottle of red in his 20s.
Today it is almost a reality.
With his trusty 'scat seeking' dogs Gus and Teddy - and the not-so-helpful Neil the cheeky chihuaha - Mr Neal and his team work tirelessly to bring the experience to life.
Shayne Neal built the Ecolodge with his own two hands with a little help from his friends. They then replanted hundreds of gum trees which reconnected the farmland with the national park
The iconic Twelve Apostles brings in tourists from across the globe to the Otways and the township of Apollo Bay. Tourists can be seen parking along the Great Ocean Road and stepping out into danger's way to grab photos of native animals
From restoring endangered gums to saving mighty forest ferns from Country Fire Association fire tracks, Shayne and his crew hope to bring to life a natural experience unlike anything seen on the coast.
'At the moment you see tourists stopping along the Great Ocean Road and walking out onto the road to take photos of koalas and that makes for a very dangerous situation,' Mr Neal said. 'This will allow them to come and see the wildlife safely and in a very natural environment.'
Upon winding their way through the forest, visitors are greeted by an epic and unforgettable ocean vista.
Wildlife has
