Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park grew out of the childhood dreams of Chief Ranger Michael Johnson. Inspired by the British naturalist Gerald Durrell, he imagined a place where people could experience the rare and unusual animals that once roamed the Australian bush.

Moonlit Sanctuary is that place. Opened September 2001 Size 25 acres or 10 hectares Development of the Sanctuary commenced in December 1998, and entailed:

* Construction of a modern, environmentally sensitive visitors centre.
* Planting of over 10,000 native Australian trees and plants.
* Construction of a 2 acre wetland with lake and water bird habitats.
* Construction of over 30 animal enclosures and support facilities.

Moonlit Sanctuary is located 50 minutes from central Melbourne at the top of the Mornington Peninsula, and on the way to Phillip Island.

Animals are protected by a 1.2 km by 2 m electrified predator proof fence. Over 200 animals of some 30 species make the sanctuary home. These include the Aussie icons, kangaroos and koalas, as well as many other species such as owls, dingoes, reptiles, birds, wallabies and possums.

Notable breeding successes of rare and endangered species include:

* Southern Bettongs
* Eastern Quolls
* Julia Creek Dunnarts
* Squirrell Gliders

Moonlit Sanctuary has an Education Officer, offering primary and secondary school wildlife and environmental experiences.

Members of:

* Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria
* Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Foundation
* Eco-tourism Association of Australia
* Mornington Peninsula Tourism; Western Port LTA
* Victorian Tourism Operators Association

Kiosk with light refreshments, and gift and souvenir shop. Disabled facilities and access. Catering available for groups of up to 60 people.

Attraction

Experiences

Self-Guided Tours
Wildlife Watching
Nature attraction
Retail

Guided Tours
Wildlife Park / Zoo
Restaurant & Café

Sustainability Commitment

Moonlit Sanctury’s vision is “To save species from extinction”. We have demonstrated the fulfillment of our vision through programs for species such as the orange-bellied parrot and the pookela, where we have participated in successful breed and release programs, and community-based programs such as our new Western Port Koala Corridor program. However, we realise that only through a sustainable world can species across the globe flourish. For that reason, we try to lead by example in creating a sustainable business enterprise, as exemplified by maintaining Ecotourism accreditation since 2005.

LEARN MORE

Accessibility

Actively welcomes people with access needs

Accessibility Details

Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person

Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss
Caters for people who use a wheelchair

LEARN MORE

Moonlit Sanctuary

‘Come on a magical, personally guided, interactive handson” encounter with some very special endangered species & other bush creatures. Our Wildlife Conservation Park is in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula & Western Port Biosphere Reserve.'”