Looking for a place where you can get up close with the Australian wildlife? Look no further. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is a great place to go with family and friends to see the native Australian Wildlife. No matter what your age, those willing can get a close up encounter with some of the much loved animals of Australia. Who didn’t watch Skippy growing up as a kid and wished they had a pet kangaroo. If you haven’t seen Skippy then this is a great TV series to catch up on. The sanctuary is also a great spot for photographers to capture awesome photos of Australian Wildlife.
The conservation park opened in September 2001 by the Johnson family who had a love for wildlife. Purchasing 25 acres of land in 1988 they commenced constructing the park. The family having a passion to help the endangered species of Australia. There was no government backing, where possible they invested in conservation breeding. By investing into conservation breeding the intent is to re-introduce the endangered species back into the wildlife. With a hefty food bill and through the money they generate they also continue to re invest the money back into the sanctuary. Their vision to ensure generations to come get to experience and enjoy the wildlife as much as or more than we do today.
When the sanctuary first opened it conducted night tours so tourists and animal lovers alike could see the nocturnal animals often never seen by some. In 2007 it started operating during the day. Again enabling tourists and animal lovers alike the opportunity to get up close to some of Australia’s most loved wildlife.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Our Experience
Visiting the sanctuary was our first visit, the family business vibe was apparent. All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful, you could clearly see that the staff all enjoyed what they do. Thus, being an animal lover was great sight to see.
It was a delightful time seeing the wildlife of Australia up close. A fantastic place for kids to feed and touch the wallabies and kangaroos.
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park, Pearcedale
Koala Encounter
We had a fantastic time getting up close with Victor the now 4 year old koala who has been hand reared. You could see the way Victor interacted with it’s keeper that it loved the interaction with humans and was very happy. Patting Victor was an awesome experience, one we wished didn’t have to end. If only we could keep them as pets to assist them from being an endangered specie. Victors fur was so soft to touch, he ate so much!! We were surprised how many gum leaves he ate and how fussy he was during our encounter.
If you’re looking to do one of the encounters on offer ensure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale
From here we strolled around the park. Our visit was during the Covid-19 restrictions, masks were enforced and social distancing required. The park abiding by the governments restrictions and making it a safe place to visit.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Wallaby Walk
Fun for all ages. We loved feeding not only the kangaroos but also the wallabies. There were numerous laying on the grassed areas either side of the walking track. Visitors required to stay on the track, the kangaroos and wallabies would come up to the tourists for a feed. It was lovely not only participating in this and patting the soft furred kangas but also seeing the smile on the kids dial as they fed and patted these gorgeous animals.
My great niece, Charlotte recently visited the sanctuary and had a lovely time getting up close and feeding the wallabies. It’s a perfect place for children to interact with these beautiful native animals.
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park, Pearcedale 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park
What wallabies and kangaroos will I see?
- Eastern Grey Kangaroo
- Kangaroo Island Kangaroo
- Tammar Wallaby
- Red-bellied Pademelon
- Swamp Wallaby
- Tammar Wallaby
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park, Pearcedale
Python Encounter
Whilst we didn’t experience the Queensland Carpet Python Encounter this trip, we will be back. Again the keeper showed so much passion. Here the keeper is with Twitch the Queensland Carpet Python before he headed back to the warmth of his enclosure.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale
Other wildlife at the sanctuary
Below are some of the other wildlife that can be seen, check out the Sanctuary to see all of the below and more:
- Arid zone lizards
- Barking Owls
- Bush Stone-curlews
- Dingoes
- Emu
- Koalas
- Kookaburras and Lorikeets
- Sacred Kingfisher
- Spot-tailed Quolls
- Tasmanian Devils
- Tawny Frogmouth
- Wombats
At each enclosure there is information to make your visit educational for all ages.
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park
Some think I’m crazy, however I enjoy visiting the reptiles. This visit was no exception.
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Wildlife Park
Facilities
- Car parking
- Cafetaria
- Gift Shop
- Toilets
- Picnic area
The Cafe is situated so you can sit and overlook the lake, its a beautiful setting to sit and relax. Recharge your batteries and explore some more. The food was really yummy.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Admission prices
Admission prices are applicable. Check out the Sanctuary official website to find out the up to date prices. Remember to book in advance to avoid disappointment….memberships are available for those that would like to make this a regular destination.
You can also purchase a tub of food to food the wallabies and kangaroos. The tub is recyclable and is to be handed in prior to leaving the premises. To assist with saving our planet the water sold in the cafeteria is in a can rather than a plastic bottle. We loved this idea and wish we saw more of it.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale
Other places to explore on the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula offers so much variety and places of interest. It is popular for tourists and locals for it’s selection of wineries, beautiful beaches, surf beaches, Arthur’s Seat chairlift and colourful beach huts to name a few. Below are some of the places we’ve explored. Click on the links to learn more:
- Mornington Beach, Mornington
- Mount Martha Beach
- Arthur’s Seat, Dromana
- Sweetwater Creek Nature Reserve, Frankston
- Rosebud Pier
- Ranelagh Beach, Mount Eliza
- Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Moorooduc
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park Location
The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is situated on the top of the Mornington Peninsula.
- 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale Victoria 3912
- Approximately 64km, 55mins with tolls from Melbourne CBD
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale
Feedback/Comments
Have you visited Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park? If you have we’d love to hear about your experiences. Perhaps you’ve visited another wildlife park or zoo that you’d like to share your adventures with us. We’d enjoy being part of your experience.
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