The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Melbourne

attended the nocturnal nature experience. highlight was a 30 minute experience learning more from a wildlife handler that had a few rescues that we could hold. it was fantastic learning more about some of these creatures. we also spotted a powerful owl on the trail, highlight number two!!!

few tips for your trip: the event listing said that you would be provided with red light torches, so i left my torch in the car (it does not have a red light function) turns out only the two guides had these torches, and another person on the tour brought their own torch, but it was an extremely powerful torch with a very wide beam. they did not know how to use a torch, and were waving it by their side. this ruined part of the experience, as it kept shining in our eyes and we couldn't see in the dark anymore, so moved away from them to the back of the group. hopefully you don't get anyone like this on your trip! there was another person that brought a torch, and others using their phone flashlight to see where they were stepping. these were not a problem, as the phone light isn't super bring, and the other person was not waving their torch around (actually using it to scan the sides)

the start of the tour we were by the front, near the guide i highly recommend trying to get near them, as you will be on narrow walkways (2 ppl wide) and if you are near the back in a full group then you will barely be able to hear them. they did speak pretty loud but there were others in the group talking which meant at the back, you couldn't hear them. the guides also swapped near the end (the rear guide went to the front to lead) and this guide wasn't very loud, and didn't really explain anything about the animals we saw, however i think they are fairly new so that's ok.

things that would change to make this a 5 star review: if we all got those red torches as i thought, or if we got red filters to put over our torches if the rear guide somehow knew what the front guide was saying, and could relay it back to us.

otherwise i think it's a great experience worth doing, the team here were really lovely and doing amazing work. i hope to come back during the...

A lovely peaceful place for reflection. See the wonderful bird life. (although sadly the lakes have dwindling water supply at present. The roos & wallabies. Kookaburras. Sometimes Emus strutting about. I am sure their is much more wildlife to delight in - just need to be very observant & patient. Fabulous nursery to stock up on native plants. Nice little coffee shop. It has become my favourite place to go & relax & find calm & peace in our troubled world. So lucky to have it. Information area has a large tank of fish, turtles etc. Lots of information on the local flora & forna. And I think many opportunities for school groups etc. Helpful staff to...

A well kept secret in Mount Martha that allows you to be one with nature, without actually disturbing the natural wonders. A wonderful raised walkway allows for a great 3 or more km walk in an almost undisturbed reserve. I found myself stopping quite often to not only watch the animals, but to ensure that they were not too scared by my presence. I cannot wait to go back time and time again. Do not forget to go to the main office where you will find historical information as well as talk to some of the nicest people...