Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park - Pearcedale (VIC)

4 /5 Michelle Mitton: We came for a koala encounter and private tour through the complex. It was nice, we saw wallabies and kangaroos everywhere and they let you buy feed for them. Theyre very docile and trained to eat from your hand. The people working there were nice, though it seemed kind of comical that they seemed very concerned about whether or not the animals "wanted" to be seen, "wanted" to come out and be fed, etc. It felt like the critters were unionized or something and have an active voice in their care. So if you get there and the people who speak animal hear that the dingoes dont want to perform that day you might be out of luck because they wont take an animal out to show you if theyve decided that the animal is not feeling up to it. But they were all very nice and friendly and I guess we got lucky because nearly all the animals were fine with our presence that day. We enjoyed the experience, if you want to see a koala up close its not a bad way to go. Oh, and the cafe is quite good too!

5 /5 Wanyue Fang: We visited Moonlit Sanctuary today and had a truly wonderful trip. It’s such a beautiful place with amazing Australian animals. We loved seeing wombats enjoying the sunlight while listening to the keeper’s talk, and loved watching wallabies hopping around and smiling at us, koalas peacefully eating leaves and napping. This is definitely a place we’d love to visit again and again.

5 /5 Ben Barnes: Had a great time at Moonlit sanctuary, feeding the kangaroos and wallabies is a highlight! We paid extra for a private experience walking the dingos, the keep was incredibly knowledgeable was wonderful. The only issue I had was paying online, I had some troubles with their payment gateway but they were very helpful in finding a solution! over all wonderful time highly recommend.

5 /5 krrazie: 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 Australias 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 conservation efforts.

5 /5 Shirley Cao: Great place to get close encounters with kangaroos and koalas! You can feed kangaroos and wallabies within the park. Really recommend the koala encounter if youre interested in cuddling a koala. You can gently touch the koalas back and they are so friendly and cute! Very knowledgeable and friendly staff.