Moonlit Sanctuary is a wildlife conservation park in Pearcedale on the Mornington Peninsula, home to native Australian animals and immersive wildlife experiences. This page provides essential visitor information including location details, opening times, booking info, animal encounters, and frequently asked questions.
General
What is Moonlit Sanctuary?
Moonlit Sanctuary is a wildlife conservation park in Pearcedale, Victoria focused on native Australian animals, conservation breeding programs, and immersive wildlife experiences.
I’ve found an injured animal. What do I do?
We cannot accept injured or displaced animals at Moonlit Sanctuary as we do not have a veterinarian onsite. For help, contact Wildlife Victoria at 8400 7300 or wildlifevictoria.org.au
Do you host children’s birthday parties?
No, but you can reserve our undercover picnic area and you are welcome to bring in your own food, hire our BBQ or purchase food from our café. We can also store your cake in our café until required. For more information, email bookings@moonlit-sanctuary.com
How do I report lost property?
Email bookings@moonlit-sanctuary.com and include a description or photo of your lost property. If it is found, we will contact you and you can come and collect the item. We can organise postage, if required, for a small charge..
What are your opening hours?
9:30am to 4:00pm every day except Christmas day
Do you accept cash?
Yes
What can I use my gift card for?
Day admission, night tours, and encounters. Gift cards cannot be used in the cafe or gift shop.
Is Moonlit Sanctuary suitable for kids?
Yes! Moonlit Sanctuary is great for the whole family. We also have programs like Jnr Keeper Club in school holidays for kids aged 7-14 years.
How long should I spend at the Sanctuary?
2 hours is average. This gives you enough time to walk around the park, enjoy a show and some keeper talks. If you have booked several encounters and are having lunch with us, you may need more time.
Where is Moonlit Sanctuary located?
We are located in Pearcedale on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately one hour from Melbourne. Our address is 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale, Vic 3912
Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on site.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes are recommended, as the sanctuary is an outdoor bushland environment.
Bookings
Do I need to book admission only tickets in advance?
Bookings are essential during peak periods including school and public holidays. At other times, we recommend and prefer bookings for admission.
Do I need to advise that we are running late for my scheduled day admission session?
No, not unless you have also booked an encounter or tour and will arrive less than 10 minutes before your booked encounter or tour start time.
How do I re-schedule or cancel my booking?
Please email bookings@moonlit-sanctuary.com
Having trouble booking online?
The session time or encounter may not have capacity. Choose the next session time or encounter time, if available.
Do you accept Companion, Carer or DVA cards?
Yes, Pensioners with a Companion Card receive free entry for their carer or worker. Carer Card & DVA cardholders are offered Concession entry. Please produce your card on arrival.
Do you offer Memberlink discounts to Emergency Services members?
Yes, go to Book tickets>Discount Vouchers on our website and choose “Memberlink Admission” Please produce your card on arrival.
Can I book a wheelchair?
Yes, we have two wheelchairs available free of charge at admissions on presentation of a current license or passport. Book the wheelchair online when pre-booking your admission and encounters.
Can I book a pram?
No, prams are not available for hire.
Talks & Shows
What are Keeper Talks?
Keeper talks are scheduled presentations where staff share information about animal behaviour, conservation, and care practices.
Do keeper talks run every day?
Yes, most keeper talks and presentations run daily as part of our visitor program.
Do I need to book keeper talks?
No, keeper talks are included with general admission.
What is the Conservation in Action Show?
It is a live wildlife presentation showcasing native species and their behaviours, combined with conservation messaging and education.
Memberships
I’m a member, do I need to book?
Only for encounters, non-members who are accompanying you, and Night Tours. Staff will scan your member card on arrival.
What discounts do members receive?
Free admission for 12 months, 20% off gift shop purchases and the cost of day admission off night tour tickets.
I’ve lost or misplaced my membership card. Can I attend?
Yes, we can issue a new card or add your membership to your digital wallet on your next visit.
Cafe & Food
Do you have a cafe?
Yes, the cafe is open from 9:30am to 3:00pm daily.
Can I bring my own food or picnic to the sanctuary?
Yes, we have picnic tables available. These cannot be reserved.
Do you have BBQs for hire?
Yes, BBQ’s can be hired for $10 an hour. Book the BBQ when pre-booking your admission and encounters. You may not bring in your own portable BBQs.
Animals
What animals can I see at Moonlit Sanctuary?
Visitors can see many species of Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dingoes, quokkas, quolls, Tasmanian devils, and a range of native birds and reptiles.
Are the animals free-roaming?
Some animals, such as kangaroos and wallabies, may roam in designated areas, while others are housed in natural-style habitats designed for their welfare and safety.
Can I feed the animals?
You can feed the kangaroos and wallabies by purchasing a container of Roo Food at admissions or the gift shop.
Night Tours
What is a Night Tour at Moonlit Sanctuary?
A Night Tour is a guided evening experience where visitors explore the sanctuary after dark and observe nocturnal Australian wildlife behaviours that are not typically seen during the day.
What animals might I see on a Night Tour?
You may see animals such as wombats, bettongs, gliders, owls, kangaroos, koalas and other native species that are more active at night.
Are Night Tours suitable for children?
Yes, Night Tours are suitable for families and children, though parental supervision is recommended as the experience takes place in low-light conditions.
How long does a Night Tour run for?
Night Tours typically run for approximately 1.5 hours, depending on group size and wildlife activity on the night.
Do I need to bring a torch?
No torch is required. Visitors are given low light lanterns to help guide them. The tour is guided by experienced keepers using controlled lighting designed to protect animal welfare and enhance viewing opportunities.
Do animals behave differently at night?
Yes. Many Australian native animals are nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are more active at dawn, dusk, or night, making this the best time to observe natural behaviours.
Can I take photos during the Night Tour?
Yes, photography is allowed, but flash photography is not permitted as it can disturb wildlife.
Is the Night Tour included in general admission?
No, Night Tours are a separately ticketed experience due to their guided and limited-capacity nature.
What should I wear on a Night Tour?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, as the tour takes place outdoors at night.
What happens if it rains?
Night Tours generally proceed in rain. In the case of severe weather, tours may be rescheduled or refunded depending on conditions.
Encounters
Is there a cancellation fee on encounters?
Not if 24 hours notice is received, if less than 24 hours, a cancellation fee may be applied. Email bookings@moonlit-sanctuary.com
Is there a fee for re-scheduling encounters?
No, not if we are contacted before the encounter is due to take place. Email bookings@moonlit-sanctuary.com
Do I need to arrive early for my encounter?
Yes, please arrive at the Park 20 mins before the start of your first encounter so you have time to check in and reach your encounter meeting place. You may wish to arrive a little earlier in peak periods.
Can I hold a koala and how long is the koala encounter?
Victorian law does not allow koalas to be held but you can pat, cuddle up to them and take a selfie. It is a short but memorable one-minute encounter.
Is the koala encounter an individual experience?
Koala encounters are for a maximum of 40 guests per session. The encounter is in a small pod where you can go alone or with your group as other guests line up for their turn. To alleviate guests needing to queue for long periods, you will be given a lanyard at admissions with a time for one of the three sessions within the encounter period.
Encounters are sold out online, can I buy on arrival?
To avoid disappointment, we do encourage guests to book their encounters. A small number of encounter tickets may be available to be purchased on arrival.
