Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Kids can safely roam flat paths, hand-feed wallabies for $3, attend lively talks every 30 min, and join school-holiday programs; fencing keeps dangerous species separate, so engagement stays fun and secure.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: Main tracks and boardwalks are flat and wide, making it easy to bring prams or wagons for younger kids.
- Picnic and rest spots: Benches and picnic tables throughout the park allow for frequent snack and rest breaks.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Many paths are exposed; pack hats, sunscreen and refillable water bottles for hot days.
- Night tour length: The Family Night Safari lasts about 2 hours in the dark. Toddlers may find it tiring or unsettling.
What is Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park?
- A 25-acre wildlife conservation park in Pearcedale, southeast of Melbourne, set within native bushland
- A refuge for over 60 species of Australian wildlife, including free-roaming kangaroos and nocturnal marsupials such as sugar gliders and Tasmanian devils
- A research and breeding facility engaged in rescue, rehabilitation and species recovery programs for endangered native mammals and birds
What is so special about Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park for with kids?
- Hand-feed free-roam kangaroos and wallabies
- Short, frequent keeper talks engage kids
- Raised boardwalk offers safe koala views
- Lantern-lit Family Night Safari for after-dark adventure
- Flat, accessible paths and picnic areas support families
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time for daytime shows, animal feeding, boardwalk visits and a quick evening safari without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Wander with free-roam macropods:
Follow the Wallaby Walk to see kangaroos and wallabies up close in their natural habitat.
Tip: Buy a small feed jar ($3) at the ticket booth and share between children for hands-on feeding.
Attend keeper talks and wildlife shows:
Catch 10-minute talks every 30 minutes to learn about koalas, quolls and nocturnal creatures.
Tip: Check the daily schedule at the visitor centre and arrive 5 minutes early to secure a front spot.
Explore the Koala Boardwalk:
Walk the raised boardwalk to view koalas relaxing in gum trees from a safe vantage point.
Tip: Go early around 10 am when koalas are most active to see them climb and eat.
Join the Family Night Safari:
Experience a guided lantern-lit tour after dusk to spot gliders, quolls and pademelons.
Tip: Book the $175 family pass online in advance to guarantee your group’s spot.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- Buy tickets online: Secure general admission and night safari spots in advance to skip the ticket line.
- Share feed jars: Use one $3 jar of kangaroo feed for every two children to keep costs down and reduce waste.
Reviews of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Rossco Butler
If you've ever been to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, you like I would find this complex totally under whelming. In fact it was basic in my opinion. I'm a 68 year old so was given a concession ($3 off) the price but still OTT given the lack of actual animals visible. Not to mention, any activities where one may have had exposure to them, it was an cost & way out of reach of a pensioner. Sorry for th...
Omri Dahan
Love this place, small and cozy, kids love the fact the animals (kangaroos, ducks & birds) are free around the park to feed. The shows are Ok and give the kids a bit more interaction with different animals.
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.
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.
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. They're 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 fe...
When is the best time to visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park (Melbourne, Australia)?
In summer, visit early or late to avoid the heat. In winter, bring waterproof layers for possible showers. During school holidays, book children’s Keeper Club programs on the Sanctuary website before arrival.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult general admission | AUD 64 |
| 1 child general admission (age 4–12) | AUD 20 |
| 2 kangaroo feed jars | AUD 6 |
| Family Night Safari pass | AUD 175 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 265 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Address: 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale VIC 3912, Australia
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About Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 3 5978 7935Explore Popular Things to Do
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