Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park — Attraction in Melbourne

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is a hidden gem located in Pearcedale on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, just under an hour’s drive from Melbourne. This 25-acre sanctuary is home to over 400 animals across more than 60 species native to Australia, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, dingoes, reptiles, and a wide variety of birds. It offers a rich and engaging wildlife experience, perfect for families, nature lovers, and tourists interested in learning more about Australia's unique fauna.

One of the sanctuary’s standout features is its deep commitment to conservation. It actively participates in national and regional breeding programs for endangered species, including the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot, Tasmanian devil, eastern quoll, and southern bettong. The sanctuary has notably bred hundreds of orange-bellied parrots, contributing meaningfully to this species’ recovery.

Visitors can enjoy a number of close-up animal encounters that are both educational and respectful to the animals. You can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, take part in koala photo sessions, and even go on walks with friendly dingoes. These activities are well-supervised to ensure the animals remain comfortable and stress-free.

Another popular feature is the “Conservation in Action” show. This informative and entertaining presentation allows visitors to observe animal behaviors demonstrated through positive reinforcement training. Animals such as owls, quolls, and bettongs showcase natural behaviors while trained staff share conservation facts and insights.

For those interested in nocturnal wildlife, the sanctuary offers evening tours where guests explore the park by lantern light. These small-group tours provide a chance to see animals like sugar gliders, quolls, and owls in their natural nighttime environments—a magical and rare experience.

Accessibility is thoughtfully considered throughout the park. The pathways are flat and consist of hard-packed gravel, making them suitable for both wheelchairs and strollers. Other amenities include a café with views of a peaceful lake, a gift shop with nature-themed souvenirs, and picnic areas ideal for families who want to spend the whole day exploring.

Some visitors have noted that the café could offer a broader range of food options, and a few areas of the park could benefit from further maintenance. However, these minor points don’t detract from the overall experience.

In summary, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is a wonderful destination that blends wildlife discovery, conservation education, and interactive fun. It’s an ideal outing for anyone wanting to connect with Australian animals and support meaningful...

My "Keeper for a Day" experience at Moonlit Sanctuary was absolutely worth every dollar I paid! Billed as "The Dream Job," I wasn't sure what to expect. I volunteer at a local exotic animal rescue in the U.S., so I was prepared to get my hands dirty, assisting the staff. I am so appreciative of the Keepers and Keepers-in-training who took the time to let me get a little hands on with picking up food dishes, rinsing out and refilling water bowls, and putting fresh food out for some of the birds and small mammals. Kallum, Steph, Gabby, Emily, and Shibohn (Shev) were all very welcoming and informative. I got to see their food prepping station, where they have meat eater diets on one side and veggie diets on the other. I had a sneak peek at the volunteers as they were using some industrial sized food grinders in an assembly line fashion to grind up all the veggies in nice small bites for the animals. Shev explained the posted weekly menus they had on the walls in the prep room and then walked me over to the enrichment shelves. We created some enrichment for the King Parrots, using seed pods and foliage from a gum tree and placing them in a metal box (photos attached). I was thrilled to meet many birds, and while the Barking Owl has a special place in my heart after my previous visit to their nighttime tour, the Tawny Frogmouth won me over this time. It probably helped that I got to feed one and meet a young one who was just turning one year old. Petting the juvenile Emus was also a treat. Feeding the Squirrel Gliders nectar was another memorable experience, made more memorable by a warm wet gift left on my arm by Rocky. No worries; that's what soap and water are for! There is a Long-nosed Potoroo that still enjoys being snuggled in a makeshift pouch. I could have pet him all day; he was so relaxed. I had a photo op with one of the sweet Koalas, Mellie. Then, I spent time with Emily, who introduced me to her reptile friends. I held an Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard and a Centralian Carpet Python. I love animals, so this experience was heaven for me. I am so inspired by those who work with animals every day. It is obvious that they love what they do. I highly recommend this experience. One note: as your experience begins prior to the park opening, you will need to follow one of the staff members in through the exit. Just let them know you are signed up for the Keeper for a...

During my recent travels, visiting Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park was undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences. This sanctuary offers an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse array of Australian wildlife, including wallabies, emus, koalas, wombats, and dingoes.

What sets Moonlit Sanctuary apart is not just the variety of animals, but their strong commitment to conservation and education. It’s evident that the staff here are passionate about wildlife preservation and dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of protecting these unique species.

The park itself is beautifully maintained, providing a natural and spacious environment for the animals. The guided tours and informative talks were both engaging and educational, offering fascinating insights into the lives and habitats of the animals.

One of the highlights for me was the chance to feed and interact with the wallabies and kangaroos, which was a truly enchanting experience. Additionally, seeing the nocturnal animals during the evening tours was a unique aspect that you don’t find in many other places.

Overall, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Australian wildlife and conservation. It’s a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while also learning about the crucial efforts being made to protect these incredible animals. Highly...