The best way to see Aussie animals

Next time you’re thinking of visiting one of the big zoos, why not take a look at what’s on offer locally at the 25 acre Moonlit Sanctuary Conversation Park in Pearcedale. Not only is it open every day, but at night-time it comes alive with magical lantern-lit tours.

Currently the sanctuary is home to over 70 Australian wildlife species and is arranged for easy viewing. They also offer close-up encounters with wombats, dingoes and koalas.

We’ve all enjoyed visiting the sanctuary during the day with the children. The kids especially enjoy hand feeding the free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. Food for the animals is available at the ticket office for $3 a container.

But after nightfall the sanctuary takes on a new life full of different, amazing experiences. In the evening you can take part in their night tour which is an amazing way to get up close to Australia’s fascinating wildlife. After dark brings encounters with a wide variety of animals in their natural nocturnal environment where they are actively foraging for food and interacting with each other and the sanctuary’s guests.

The tour guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the animals and the groups are kept small. Tours are a maximum of 12 people.

Get up close to potoroos, tiny feathertail gliders, endangered quolls, Tasmanian devils, pademelons, kangaroos and many other animals for an unforgettable hands-on experience.

The children will love the hand-held lanterns that guide the way through the bush and wetlands of the sanctuary and brim with delight when feeding the super-cute gliders with capfuls of nectar.

Tours take 1½ – 2 hours to complete and begin at twilight. Private night tours are also available. Bookings are essential.