The sanctuary is one of the few places globally that has successfully bred the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot.
It is the only accredited wildlife park in the Melbourne area that offers guided evening tours to view nocturnal marsupials.
The park maintains a zero-tolerance policy for direct physical contact with koalas, prioritizing animal welfare over tourist photo ops.
Much of the sanctuary's land has been revegetated to replicate the original woodland ecosystems of the Mornington Peninsula.
It houses a significant population of the rare southern bettong, a small nocturnal marsupial once considered extinct in the wild on the Australian mainland.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is a 10-hectare biocentric reserve dedicated to the protection of endangered Australian species. The facility is uniquely noted for its lantern-lit nocturnal tours, which provide opportunities to view rare animals not typically seen during daylight. It houses a diverse collection of native fauna, including rare ghost bats, squirrel gliders, and endangered brush-tailed rock-wallabies. The park operates as a private conservation initiative focused on captive breeding and rewilding programs. Unlike traditional zoos, the sanctuary emphasizes immersive, fence-free interactions with kangaroos and wallabies in a bushland setting. Its ecological restoration project has transformed 25 acres of former pasture into native woodland habitat. The site is a registered zoo and wildlife shelter, actively involved in the recovery of the orange-bellied parrot.
The central kangaroo and wallaby paddock, where you can photograph these animals at eye level against a natural bush backdrop.
Bring a red-filtered flashlight if permitted, as white light can startle or disturb nocturnal animals during evening tours.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the unpaved bushland tracks comfortably.
Book evening tours well in advance as these limited-capacity experiences frequently sell out.
Visit during feeding times to see the more elusive species move out of their nesting boxes.
Feeding the animals with outside food, as the sanctuary has strict dietary protocols for all resident species.
Open daily, including public holidays, except for Christmas Day.
Do not chase, pick up, or crowd the animals; maintain a quiet demeanor to ensure wildlife remains active and natural.
