Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Moonlit Sanctuary is Melbourne’s award-winning wildlife park. Come and visit and get an up-close look at Australia’s amazing animals. Explore our bush-land while feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting friendly koalas and enjoying encounters with wombats, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals including endangered species. More than 70 Australian species are waiting to meet you. Moonlit Sanctuary is conveniently located at the top of the Mornington Peninsula and only 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- RanganaRadiniMelbourne, Australia71 contributionsGet up close with roosFantastic place to view Australian native animals. Can get very crowded during weekends though. So many wild kangaroos and wallabies roam so you can feed them and take close up photos. Best time would be opening time as less crowded also the animals haven't had too many treats from visitors so they are enthusiastic to come to you for a treat.Good Cafe on site as well.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 June 2023
- JohnstannoSingapore, Singapore363 contributionsExcellent sanctuary to be up close with wildlifeI saw many kids and adults feeding kangaroos and wallaby as they are free to roam around and they will come close to you if you have feeds. Animals are placed spaciously apart and look well taken care of. Especially love the variety of birds enjoying the pond in the middle of the sanctuary. We had lunch at the cafeteria - service was simple and food tatse good.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 August 2023
- krocchiSingapore, Singapore1,430 contributionsNot worth itNot worth a visit hence do not recommend. Entry fee is kinda expensive for so little animals. Snacks for kangaroos cost $3. Very little animals to see. Didn’t see much kangaroos and wallabies as all of them are sleeping around 2pm. Lots of birds tho!Sorry you didn't enjoy visiting us. We have over 60 species of Australian animals and free shows or presentations every 30 minutes so there are a lot of opportunities to see and learn about our animals. Our kangaroos and wallabies are usually pretty keen to meet our visitors in the cooler months but, as a species, they are more active early mornings and later in the afternoon and evening. I hope you enjoyed seeing the many species of birds that call Moonlit home. We have some critically endangered species that we have conservation programs for, as well as many cheeky cockatoos and lorikeets.Written 3 September 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
720 reviews
Excellent
506
Very good
166
Average
27
Poor
15
Terrible
6
ADocUk
Melbourne, Australia196 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
A really fantastic day out. Opportunities to see a big variety of native wildlife and a good selection of animal encounters available. The keepers are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We can’t thank you enough for the kind words about our Sanctuary. Your review means a lot to us and lets us know the work we are doing is appreciated!
Looking forward to seeing you again soon and thanks again!
Written 19 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyn B
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Friends
We did the night tour with one of the naturalists and it was a wonderful experience. At night time is when they feed the animals so you are walking around at dusk and in the dark with lanterns and the kangaroos and wallabies and possums are all around you. You get to feed them! (except for the nosy possums), including going into the the enclosure with the gliding squirrels to give them nectar! The guide was informative and passionate about the animals and their wellbeing; we learned a lot, and we felt we were encountering the animals close up without endangering or intruding on their living spaces. All in all - recommend 150%.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to recommend us with such a lovely review.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit and meeting our awesome animals and staff.
Thank you for your support and we hope to see you at the sanctuary again soon.
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
reeceyb
Chichester, UK1,584 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
This is a great place to observe and get up close to some of Australias most famous residents it’s not to expensive and well worth a visit especially if your on your way down to Phillip island
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yadeesha R
Melbourne, Australia69 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
We did the night tour. It was a great experience. The lady who did the tour for us was very informative. Everyone enjoyed. I highly recommend it to everyone young and old. The place is well maintained and clean.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martyna Mateja-Pluta
5 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
The experience of our lives! Amazing very close contact with kangaroos, wallabies and koalas was out of this world. The staff at the sanctuary is incredibly nice and very helpful. I recommend it to anyone who wants close contact with Australian animals.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to recommend us.
We are so pleased that you enjoyed your visit and meeting our awesome animals and staff.
Thank you for your support and we hope to see you at the sanctuary again soon.
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
krocchi
Singapore, Singapore1,430 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Not worth a visit hence do not recommend. Entry fee is kinda expensive for so little animals. Snacks for kangaroos cost $3. Very little animals to see. Didn’t see much kangaroos and wallabies as all of them are sleeping around 2pm. Lots of birds tho!
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry you didn't enjoy visiting us. We have over 60 species of Australian animals and free shows or presentations every 30 minutes so there are a lot of opportunities to see and learn about our animals.
Our kangaroos and wallabies are usually pretty keen to meet our visitors in the cooler months but, as a species, they are more active early mornings and later in the afternoon and evening.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the many species of birds that call Moonlit home. We have some critically endangered species that we have conservation programs for, as well as many cheeky cockatoos and lorikeets.
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johnstanno
Singapore, Singapore363 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
I saw many kids and adults feeding kangaroos and wallaby as they are free to roam around and they will come close to you if you have feeds. Animals are placed spaciously apart and look well taken care of. Especially love the variety of birds enjoying the pond in the middle of the sanctuary.
We had lunch at the cafeteria - service was simple and food tatse good.
We had lunch at the cafeteria - service was simple and food tatse good.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSQRD1
Kent, OH807 contributions
Jun. 2023
We paid a short visit to Moonlit Sanctuary and enjoyed the grounds. It was pretty busy when we were there. Got up close to kangaroos (the free roaming area was a really neat environment) and the staff in the gift shop were very friendly. We visited three other wildlife parks while traveling around Australia and this is the only one where we saw quolls and they also have the usual Australian mammals plus a some bird species.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience- we're so happy to hear you enjoyed your time here at Moonlit! We are very proud of all our team and the incredible work they do, and how they share their passion for wildlife with all of our guests. We look forward to welcoming you back to the sanctuary again sometime soon. :)
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Antony B
Melbourne, Australia21 contributions
Aug. 2023
We are regular daytime visitors to Moonlit, however we recently did a night tour of the sanctuary and were amazed with the experience. Our guide was fantastic with her knowledge of the animals, to see many of them so active a night was incredible and highly recommended.
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We can’t thank you enough for the kind words about our Night Tours. Your review means a lot to us and lets us know the work we are doing is appreciated!
Looking forward to seeing you again soon and thanks again!
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The_Indulging_Chef
Melbourne, Australia30 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
I purchased the ‘Keeper For A Day’ experience for my wife’s birthday and we had such an awesome day we will be recommending it highly to our friends and family. We learnt so much about the animals and the life of being a sanctuary keeper in this wildlife conservation park. From cleaning the enclosures to feeding some of the parks residents, we came away with a newfound respect for the work the keepers do on a daily basis. A massive thank you to Jake, Claudia, Connor and of course the great and wonderful Lucy, they all made our day one that we will never forget.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ToasterMichelle
Singapore, Singapore122 contributions
Hi, what's the approximate starting time of the night tour in May? I'm doing the penguin parade at Philips Island, not sure if i can arrive on time. Thanks.
catsinthebelfry
Canada96 contributions
Do two separate trips. It’s a long drive between the two.
S9214KBkim
Melbourne, Australia
Has anyone visited this place then it rained? It will rain on tomorrow’s forecast and we are already booked :(
rohitagar23
India259 contributions
Its ok till it pours down, an Umbrella shoukd be fine. Till the moment, its a drizzle to some light rain, it alright
Carolyn J
Melbourne, Australia114 contributions
I'm thinking of booking an evening tour for my family, my kids are 5 and 8. Is it suitable for children their age or should i wait until they are older and just visit the sanctuary during the day?
Shahfii
Singapore, Singapore152 contributions
Brought our 12 months old kiddo. It was sure fun.
Alireza B
San Diego, CA4 contributions
Hi there,
I and my wife are planning to come to Melbourne on Dec. 30, 2017. If I am not mistaken, all the day tours to the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife, that I found through internet, only provide standard admission to the park and may arrive later than the available times for Koala encounter at 11:00 am or 1:00 pm.
Do you know any day tours that provide guaranteed standard encounter package with Koalas?
cb512016
London, UK203 contributions
We attended on a tour and the timings worked well for us.
I would email them and ask if they can help.
Please note that the State has a no handling policy. You can pet it but not hold. My wife enjoyed taking a selfie with a koala. Some states allow you to cuddle a koala. Try aptly named Cudilee creek near Adelaide.
This place is worth a visit and
Lynda M
Hong Kong, China9 contributions
I thought it might be interesting to head there first after leaving Melbourne. We could do the day tour, camp that night, and come back the next night for a night tour. Is there a campground you might recommend that will give us plenty to do that next day? Maybe on the beach? TIA
jen8579
Chicago147 contributions
Big 4 Beacon Resort was great! They offer camping and rental cabins. They are also located directly across the street from the beach. A 3 minute walk at the most
celina2436
Johor Bahru, Malaysia1 contribution
I'm planning to stay overnight during 18 March. Now I'm not sure i should go for penguin parade or Moonlit Sanctuary evening tours? or
is it possible to go after penguin parade?
Jerry C
Largo, FL66 contributions
I don't see how you could do both. The penguin parade is at sunset, when they come back to the island. The Moonlit evening tours are are approx. 1 hour, at 5:30pm and 7pm. It is about an hour drive, without any traffic, between the 2 attractions.
I am planning to drop by on the way heading back to Melbourne from Phillip Island, is there any public transport available?
MoonlitSanctuary
Australia98 contributions
If travelling back from Phillip Island the only option would be the 10.18am bus from Cowes. You would have to get off the bus at Cranbourne where you would have to get a taxi to the Sanctuary (18km/20min). This should get you to Moonlit Sanctuary around 12.40pm. Please check timetables prior to your journey.
cd-travelr
bangkok33 contributions
Can I see the sugar Glider closer? What's time that I should go there if I would like to see and close to sugar glider? I had take care 10 sugar gliders before I move to Australia and feeling miss them, that's why I would love to see some, thank you
MoonlitSanctuary
Australia98 contributions
Sugar gliders are wild at Moonlit Sanctuary and can occasionally be seen on evening tours.We do have feathertail gliders, squirrel gliders and yellow-bellied gliders all for which are of course nocturnal and can only be seen on an evening tour. There is an opportunity to feed a yellow-bellied glider during our behind the scenes tour. See our website for details:
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Claim your listingMoonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park:
- Phillip Island Penguin, Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary from Melbourne (From AU$162.10)
- Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne (From AU$151.91)
- Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne (From AU$213.09)
- Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne (From AU$653.51)
- 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade (From AU$509.75)
- Hotels near Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park:
- (13.59 km) Quest Frankston on the Bay
- (13.73 km) Quest Frankston
- (13.53 km) Woodman Estate
- (4.31 km) Kanturk Country Retreat
- (13.69 km) Frankston Holiday Park
- Restaurants near Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park:
- (1.22 km) Betta Pizza
- (11.41 km) Tides Bar and Grill
- (13.78 km) Waves on the Beach Restaurant
- (14.48 km) Dashi Modern Japanese Tapas & Sake Bar
- (4.09 km) Cptn Jack's
- Attractions near Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park:
- (8.57 km) Mystery Adventures
- (12.68 km) The Funky Farm
- (9.12 km) Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- (15.28 km) Sup-Fit
- (13.88 km) Frankston Beach