One of the best places to see Australian animals in Melbourne is the Moonlit Sanctuary. Get up close to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and more.

Moonlit Sanctuary

The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located just 50 minutes southeast of central Melbourne at the top of the Mornington Peninsula, and spans 10 hectares of bushland.

It is an award-winning wildlife park and a popular place for families to visit and meet some iconic Australian animals such as kangaroos and koalas and learn about a range of wildlife.

Here, visitors can feed kangaroos and wallabies, interact with koalas, and engage with a variety of animals, including colourful birds, reptiles, dingoes, and endangered species.

With over 60 native Australian species, Moonlit Sanctuary provides a home for approximately 80 free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies, alongside others housed in expansive, natural enclosures.

The sanctuary’s commitment to conservation extends to protecting endangered species like the orange-bellied parrot, red-bellied pademelons, southern bettongs, spot-tailed quolls, and Tasmanian devils.

Our favourite part was the wildlife shows and keeper talks which not only enhanced the enjoyment of our visit but also added an educational dimension.

Our little crew were not only entertained but also well-informed about the diverse wildlife found at Moonlit Sanctuary.

Feeding the Kangaroos was great, they were very friendly, allowing the little ones to also pat them.

For those thrill seekers seeking a more hands-on connection with the wildlife, there’s the option to have an up-close experience such as holding a large friendly python, dingo, or other animals, with the experience coming at an additional cost.

There is an on-site cafe if you want to buy lunch or snacks, otherwise you can bring your own with you. There is also a gift shop if you are looking for Australian souvenirs.

Tips for Visiting Moonlit Sanctuary

• Free easy parking in the car park at the venue.
• Paths are pram friendly.
• Bring the gumboots in winter as it can get muddy.
• Kangaroo food can be purchased for $3.
• Animal encounters come at an additional cost.

Details

Address:
550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale VIC
Opening Hours
Open every day 10am – 5pm
Website

Wildlife in Melbourne

Looking for more places to see wildlife in Melbourne or Victoria? Check out these posts:

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