Moonlit Sanctuary | Discover Australia’s Native Species
Moonlit Sanctuary is a captivating wildlife conservation park that is a haven for native Australian animals. From cuddly koalas to adorable kangaroos and elusive Tasmanian devils, Moonlit Sanctuary provides an intimate and immersive experience with these remarkable creatures. And what’s more, is that you can explore this award-winning park along with Phillip Island, allowing you to discover plenty that Australia has to offer.
Dive in for more information about this wildlife conservation park. Discover ticket options and also explore the enchanting Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Quick Facts about Moonlit Sanctuary
Official name: Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Address: 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, VIC 3912, Australia
Founder: Michael Johnson and family
Species: Over 60 species (mostly native Australian animals)
Function: Wildlife conservation park and education centre
Why Visit Moonlit Sanctuary?
- Unique Wildlife Encounters: Experience close-up meetings with over 60 species of native Australian animals in a natural bush setting.
- Nocturnal Adventures: Embark on enchanting lantern-lit guided tours and witness Australia's elusive nocturnal species in their natural habitat.
- Iconic Australian Animals: Meet koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and more in an intimate and engaging environment.
- Conservation Focus: Support the sanctuary's important conservation efforts, breeding programs, and environmental education initiatives.
- Accessible and Relaxing: Enjoy wheelchair-accessible pathways, picnic areas, a cafe, and a gift shop, making for a comfortable and convenient visit.
Book Moonlit Sanctuary Tickets
Plan Your Visit to Moonlit Sanctuary
Day Time Visits
- Every day: 9:30 AM to 4 PM; Last admission: 3 PM
- Closures: Christmas Day
Night Time Visits
- Timings will depend on the tickets, which will need to be booked in advance.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Moonlit Sanctuary depends on your interests. Daytime visits offer keeper-led presentations and the chance to see the animals roaming freely. Evening tours provide unique guided encounters with nocturnal animals. Both experiences are worth considering, based on your preferences.
Moonlit Sanctuary is located in Pearcedale, about 30 minutes from Melbourne. Set amidst natural bushland, it offers a serene environment for encounters with native Australian wildlife.
Address: 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, VIC 3912, Australia. Find on Maps
Moonlit Sanctuary Highlights
Keeper-Led Animal Encounters
During daytime visits, guests can wander through the sanctuary and witness Australian animals in their natural habitat. Keeper-led feeding sessions and educational presentations enhance the experience, as they provide insight into the behaviours and conservation efforts of various species.
Nocturnal Wildlife Encounters
Moonlit Sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to explore the captivating world of nocturnal Australian wildlife. Experienced guides lead lantern-lit evening tours, providing close encounters with elusive nocturnal animals such as sugar gliders, bush stone-curlews, and tawny frogmouths.
Koala Experience
Get up close and personal with Australia's beloved koalas at the Moonlit Sanctuary. Visitors can book a close-up koala encounter session and even have a photo taken with these iconic marsupials. The daily koala keeper talk provides further insight into their unique characteristics and conservation status.
Kangaroos and Wallabies
Moonlit Sanctuary is home to a variety of kangaroos and wallabies that roam freely and can be hand-fed by visitors. This provides an intimate opportunity for guests to interact with these marvellous Australian animals while learning about their habitats, behaviours, and efforts taken to conserve these species.
Phillip Island Nature Parks
A must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, Phillip Island is a pristine sanctuary that boasts stunning coastal landscapes, including the iconic Penguin Parade, where you can witness adorable penguins returning to their burrows at sunset. Several parks within Phillip Island offer opportunities to observe seals, koalas, and native bird species in their natural habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moonlit Sanctuary
Moonlit Sanctuary is a wildlife conservation park in Melbourne, Australia, focusing on education and conservation while offering unique wildlife encounters with native Australian animals.
Your tickets to the Phillip Island Nature Parks also include a visit to the Moonlit Sanctuary, allowing you to make the most of your wildlife expedition. You can easily book these tickets online.
You can purchase these tickets online while booking your Phillip Island tickets. The Phillip Island Nature Park tickets include Moonlit Sanctuary as a stop before heading to the island.
Daytime visits are from 9:30 AM to 4 PM daily, and nocturnal tours require advance booking.
Moonlit Sanctuary is located at 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, Victoria, about 30 minutes from Melbourne. Find on Maps
The sanctuary is home to over 60 native Australian species, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, wombats, bush stone-curlews, orange-bellied parrots, and southern bettongs, among others.
Yes, the sanctuary features wheelchair-accessible pathways, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.