Moonlit Sanctuary

Cuddle up to koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, meet endangered species in a beautiful bushland setting at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park located only 50 minutes’ drive from the centre of Melbourne. Colourful parrots abound, waterbirds are at home in extensive wetlands and visitors can sample the flourishing bush foods garden. Meet critically endangered orange-bellied parrots and regent honeyeaters.

Inspired by the work of famous British conservationist Gerald Durrell, Moonlit Sanctuary is now home to over 60 Australian species, including about 80 wallabies, free to roam through the bush and give visitors a rare natural encounter. Others are housed in large natural enclosures, including endangered creatures such as the strange-looking bush thick-knees bird whose calls have not been heard on the Mornington Peninsula for more than 60 years.

At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive in a remarkable way, with world-famous lantern-lit tours. Owls and other night birds are active, tiny feather-tail gliders and giant yellow-bellied gliders swoop around, and quolls, pademelons and bettongs forage for food. You can visit Moonlit Sanctuary via a Bunyip Tour, GoWest or Gray Line day tour to Phillip Island, while transfers from city hotels are available for evening tours.