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Moonlit Sanctuary

Moonlit Sanctuary: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

1. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

Discover some of Australia's most well-loved creatures on a bus tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the beloved Penguin Parade. See the best of Victoria’s nature and wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, getting up close to its animals and learning about them. During the day, get up-close-and-personal with the friendly residents of the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala, and learn about the conservation of these lovable native animals. While at the sanctuary, see some lesser known, but equally adorable, endangered species, including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. Visit the stunning Cape Woolamai surf beach (time permitting) and the Nobbies before arriving at Summerland Beach for the nightly Penguin Parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland Beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and through the sand dunes to their burrows. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife of Phillip Island and make this a journey to remember.

Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

2. Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

Experience a day of Australian animals and nature on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Begin your animal adventure with hotel pickup and a trip to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Experience up-close encounters with kangaroos, wombats and echidnas in this unique habitat. Next, it's time for Phillip Island. Witness the waves and die-hard surfers of Woolamai Surf Beach, then journey to the dramatic west coast and the dramatic scenery of the Nobbies. Enjoy the commentary and learning about the scenery from your expert, local guide. Finally, settle into your seat on a beachside protective platform for the famous Penguin Parade. Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle out onto the beach in this adorable natural spectacular.

Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park - Entry Ticket

3. Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park - Entry Ticket

Melbourne's award-winning wildlife park invites you to explore 10 hectares of bush-land, feed kangaroos and wallabies, pet koalas and enjoy encounters with colorful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals, including endangered species. More than 60 species native to Australia reside at the Sanctuary, including about 80 kangaroos and wallabies that roam free in the bush, and others that are housed in large natural enclosures. Waterbirds populate the wetlands, and colorful parrots flit through the air, including the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot. The sanctuary also protects red-bellied pademelons, southern bettongs, spot tailed quolls, and Tasmanian devils. Moonlit Sanctuary is only 50 minutes south-east of central Melbourne, at the top of the Mornington Peninsula, and on the way to the Penguins on Phillip Island. Come visit the Sanctuary for a full day of presentations and animal shows that will be sure to entertain you and touch your heart!

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour

4. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour

This tour departs from Melbourne and includes the very best of the region’s wildlife. Journey to the city’s most colourful attraction, the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, for an opportunity to visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Take a guided tour of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and get an opportunity to interact with and learn about an array of Australian animals. Hand feed the kangaroos, emus, and wallabies and learn about the numerous breeding programs undertaken here to preserve many endangered native species including Tasmanian Devils, Spotted Quolls, and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats. Afterward, enjoy a visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies, taking in the views of Westernport Bay, Bass Strait, and Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest fur seal population. Finally, it's time for the main event. As the sun goes down each evening, the world’s smallest penguins come ashore after fishing out at sea all day. Your guide will help you get the best seats possible so you'll have a great view of the Penguin Parade.

Melbourne: Peninsula Nature Private Day Trip with Dinner

5. Melbourne: Peninsula Nature Private Day Trip with Dinner

This all inclusive tour begins with your driver and tour guide picking you up from your location. The drive will take you along the scenic route which follows the curves of Port Phillip Bay, until we reach our first destination - Dendy St Beach. After a short photo session at the beach your luxury, air-conditioned, leather seated vehicle will take you further along the scenic coastal route where you will experience the breath-taking views of the bay on side and be amazed at the beautiful architecture of the various palatial villas on the other side. There will be opportunities to stop for photos. Our first key Peninsula destination is the Moonlit Sanctuary, about 60km from Melbourne's CBD. You will spend 90 minutes here enjoying the various wildlife that live at the sanctuary. You will see and hear Australian native animals such as the koala, kangaroo, dingo, wombat and many others. There are animal sessions for you to enjoy where trained wildlife staff discuss the lives and habits of various native animals. Our final destination is The Eagle, where you will fly high in a chairlift and the end of which you will be invited to enjoy an Australian picnic dinner in a bush setting. To burn those newly acquired calories, we go for a short bushwalk to a lookout where you will have great view of the Peninsula, before being chauffeured back to your destination.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Private Tour

6. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Private Tour

Phillip Island is a popular tourist destination located south of Melbourne, Australia. A tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island typically includes visits to some of the island's most popular attractions, such as the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, where visitors can see a variety of native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and penguins. Another popular attraction is the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Visitors can also take a tour of the circuit and learn about its history. The island's coastal areas offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and surfing. Visitors can also explore the island's scenic beaches and natural reserves. The tour usually takes a full day and includes return transfer, guided tour of the island, and entry to the Penguin Parade.

Other Sightseeing Options in Moonlit Sanctuary

Want to discover all there is to do in Moonlit Sanctuary? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Moonlit Sanctuary

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 496 reviews

Overall great experience. Really packed in a lot. Highly recommend if you only have a few days in the area as it's a great way to see a lot in a little time with included transportation.

This all day tour was great! Sarah - our guide - was super informative, knowledgeable and friendly. We got to visit few beautiful places prior heading to the little penguin parade.

It was a wonderful day from the minute we were picked up from the hotel. The coach driver Aaron was fantastic including all his passengers in the commentary he gave

It was extremely cold at the beach but worth being there seeing the little penguins. We get to follow the walking path to looked below the penguins burrow.

Absolutely loved this experience - Aaron was a great driver and guide for the day - take his advice it gets very cold!