Located in the heart of Victoria, Moonlit Sanctuary offers more than just a typical tourist attraction; it is a conservation centre dedicated to protecting some of Australia’s most vulnerable species. From playful kangaroos to mysterious nocturnal creatures, Moonlit Sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to connect with Australia’s incredible wildlife.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family looking for an educational adventure, or a traveller seeking authentic Australian experiences, Moonlit Sanctuary promises unforgettable moments that will inspire and educate you about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Moonlit Sanctuary Animals’ Conservation Beyond Sanctuary

Here’s the list of some of the Moonlit Sanctuary animals that the team is working to protect and save them from extinction.
- Bush Stone-Curlew: It is Australia’s second-largest glider, and inhabits across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. With habitat loss causing a 30% population decline, Moonlit Sanctuary is developing innovative breeding strategies to prevent potential extinction.
- Koala: Moonlit Sanctuary’s Koala Corridor Project addresses the critical challenge of koalas being confined to small, fragmented bushland areas. This three-year project aims to support regional koala recovery and protect other threatened Moonlit Sanctuary animals by implementing targeted conservation activities across their habitat.
- Pookila: Pookila faces severe population decline due to multiple environmental challenges including inappropriate fire management, and climate change. Currently, these animals are not on public display but are carefully maintained in Moonlit’s Mammal Conservation Breeding Centre.
- Regent Honeyeater: The honeyeater bird’s population has been reduced to fewer than 500 birds remaining in the wild and rare flocks of just 20 birds. Moonlit Sanctuary actively participates in the captive management program, having successfully bred 7 birds, with 40 birds released into the wild in 2013. Four more birds are scheduled for release in New South Wales.
- Tasmanian Devil: Tasmanian devils, once widespread in Australia, now survive only in Tasmania’s diverse habitats. They face critical extinction due to the Devil Facial Tumor Disease, which emerged in 1996. Their population has dramatically dropped to just 10% of their original numbers. Wildlife parks and zoos have established a managed population of around 500 devils to prevent their complete disappearance.
- Squirrel Glider: The squirrel glider faces survival challenges. Extensive logging has destroyed old trees drastically reducing their natural nesting hollows. Despite these challenges, the gliders continue to breed annually. Moonlit Sanctuary collaborates with zoos and wildlife parks to maintain a captive population.
- Spot-Tailed Quoll: Quoll populations are rapidly declining due to multiple threats. Land clearing has destroyed and fragmented their habitat, while predators like cats and foxes compete for prey. Moonlit Sanctuary is collaborating with the Zoo and Aquarium Association to develop and manage a national breeding program.
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Top Things To Do At Moonlit Sanctuary Australia

- Take Guided Tours: There are guided tours for each animal ranging from 30 minutes to One hour. Getting up close to animals in their natural habitat is one of the best things to do at Moonlit Sanctuary. While booking your visit, you can check out the animal encounter timetable to choose your tour.
- Feed Moonlit Sanctuary Animals: Explore the bushland and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Strictly follow the guide’s instructions.
- Learn From Keeper Talks: Learning about the animals from the park’s keepers in the show arena is one of the best things to do at Moonlit Sanctuary. You can also take the Threatened Species Tour. This tour helps Get up close to some of Australia’s most endangered species.
Moonlit Sanctuary Australia Timings

- Moonlit Sanctuary is open every day except Christmas.
- Moonlit Sanctuary Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Note: Any entry won’t be allowed after 3 PM
Tickets For Moonlit Sanctuary Australia
- Tickets for Moonlit Sanctuary for Adults: $32 per person
- Tickets for Moonlit Sanctuary for Children( aged 14 to 17 years): $16 per person
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Moonlit Sanctuary Australia Location
550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd.
Pearcedale,
Victoria 3912
Australia
Best Time To Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Australia

Best Season
The best time to visit Moonlit Sanctuary is during the summer months (March to May) when the climate is perfect. Also, this is when you can fully enjoy wildlife experiences.
The Best Time In A Day
Mornings are the best time to visit Moonlit Sanctuary, offering the most active and engaging animal encounters.
Please note that the encounters might get cancelled if there are any severe weather conditions.
Moonlit Sanctuary: More Information
Moonlit Sanctuary Night Tours
- Joining a night tour to see native Australian animals active in their natural habitat is an incredible experience.
- These tours run for 1.5-2 hours, starting between 7 to 8:30 PM based on the season.
- You will see unique animals including potoroos, gliders, quolls, and pademelons.
- You need to book in advance as the spots are limited.
Education Programs
Things To Remember While Visiting Moonlit Sanctuary

- Students must be supervised at all times by their teachers and attending staff.
- All the visitors are expected to follow the sanctuary’s Code of Conduct and be taught to respect wildlife.
- Dress appropriately with closed-toe shoes, a hat, and layers for changing temperatures.
- Bring a raincoat if rain is expected, and don’t forget insect repellent during warm, wet seasons.
- Students can pack a lunch box and water bottle. They can have lunch at the designated area in the sanctuary.
- Don’t litter the sanctuary as it causes inconvenience to both the animals and the sanctuary’s staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold a koala at Moonlit Sanctuary?
Holding Koalas isn’t allowed. You can only pat or cuddle a Koala. But be gentle towards wildlife throughout your visit.
Are there any feeding sessions with the animals?
There are feeding sessions with animals, however you need to be extremely careful and follow your guide’s instructions.
Can I book tickets online for Moonlit Sanctuary?
You can book tickets online by choosing the desired date and time by visiting the official website of Moonlit Sanctuary.
Are there guided tours available at Moonlit Sanctuary?
Yes, there are guided tours for almost every species with a scheduled timetable.
Does Moonlit Sanctuary have a café or picnic area?
Yes, the Wetlands Cafe lets you enjoy a variety of tasty meals including burgers, and fresh salads. You can eat inside or relax on the deck with beautiful views of the surrounding wetlands. The cafe is open from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM daily. For those who prefer a picnic, the park offers plenty of picnic tables perfect for groups and families.
What is the best time of day to visit Moonlit Sanctuary?
Morning is the best time to visit Moonlit Sanctuary Australia to actively engage with the wildlife.


