Melbourne's award-winning Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park invites you to come and visit and get an up-close look at Australia's amazing animals.
Explore the bushland while feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting friendly koalas and enjoying encounters with colourful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals including endangered species. More than 60 Australian species are waiting to meet you at Moonlit Sanctuary.
Just 50 minutes from central Melbourne, Moonlit Sanctuary is the ideal place to learn more about the fascinating animals that call Australia home with their free keeper presentations and shows every 30 minutes. And don't forget to stop at the Koala Encounters to snap a photo with one of their cuddly little Australian icons.
At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive with their magic night tours. Join them on this unique wildlife safari and you'll get up close to pythons, potoroos, tiny feathertail gliders, endangered quolls and many other animals in their natural nocturnal environment.
Hours
See listed hours
Daily: 09:30–16:00
Facilities and visitor features
29 features
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Zoo Aquarium Association Australasia
Australian Tourism Export Council
Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
Visitor Information Centre
Barbeque
Cafe
Carpark
Coach Parking
Enquiry Desk
Family Friendly
Food and Refreshments
Interpretive Centre
Kiosk
Non Smoking
Picnic Area
Public Toilet
Shop / Gift Shop
Free Wifi
Family
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
History & Heritage
Nature & Wildlife
ECO Certified (Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
A highlight for the family visiting Melbourne. While it's a decent hike out from the city (took us close to an hour when driving), it's worth the journey to get close up to a great variety of Australian fauna. I like that the whole site feels very spacious but also very compact. I feel like you could walk the loop in 10 minutes if you wished, but will invariably spend much more time interacting with the different animals and criss crossing to the different learning and interaction sessions.
The kids loved the opportunity to feed the kangaroos and wallabies and pat the koala (optional extra).
Edi Brandli
Google review
It’s cool place for family with kids, schools and tourists who don’t expect a Disney World experience. Generally you walk around an midsized zoo area from exhibit to exhibit. Unfortunately I picked a warm midday time around 1pm. Lot’s of animals were either having a snooze or were simply not there. But regardless it is quite educational in regards of more common Australian animals. Every 30 minutes there are special talks or close to animal events which adds considerably on the visiting value. Some animals on show are close to extinction or slowly on the way to it. The park staff is very friendly and helpful. They are answering any questions and thoroughly explaining what they do there, especially with endangered animals.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy your day out at the Moonlit Sanctuary…
Michael Dixon
Google review
This afternoon, my parents and I visited the Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale for the first time. It was a beautiful sunny day with a top temperature of 24 degrees.
I've driven past this place a few times via Tyabb-Tooraddin Road and today I had the opportunity to finally check it out. This is a wildlife sanctuary for endangered Australian animals featuring several species of birds, mammals and reptiles.
The Sanctuary features a large Wetlands cafe with boardwalk and outdoor decking area, gift shop and public toilets plus talks with the Zoo Keepers and private encounters with the koalas and emus. Also, you're able to feed the kangaroos and wallabies with special food.
There are lots of different bird species roaming around the Sanctuary including Australian Wood Ducks, Grey Teals, Dusky Moorhens, Swamphens, Cape Barren Geese and more.
Overall, this is an amazing place to visit. I'd recommend booking your tickets online before you arrive as it does get quite busy. Allow 1-2 hours to walk around the Sanctuary and have lunch or coffee.
Christina Nihira
Google review
Excellent zoo to see wildlife with talks on animals, conservation and education. Good for small kids, big kids and adults looking for a 'small' journey through some of Australia's most famous creatures. Easy walking especially through the wallabies and kangaroos. Be sure to buy a cup of food upon entry. You will have them literally eating out of your hand. An amazing and personal experience ❤️
Rochelle
Google review
I had a really beautiful experience at Moonlit Sanctuary today. The place is so peaceful and well looked after, and the animals are clearly cared for with so much love. Walking around and seeing the wildlife up close was such a special experience for me, especially because I love animals and nature.
The only sad part was that the koala tickets were sold out, so I missed that experience, which was my favourite part of the day. I was a bit sad, but overall it was still an amazing visit and I can’t wait to come back again 😌 next time for the koalas 🐨🤍