When you are in Australia, it seems compulsory to visit many wildlife sanctuaries and many open range zoos. One of these cool wildlife attraction is just in Gippsland, called Maru Koala and Animal Park. It is only a 1-hour, 15-minute drive from Melbourne, and only a 15-minute drive from Philip Island.
Enjoy hand feeding and patting the koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, which includes rare albino animals (one of our favorites!).
* Join hourly koala tours inside the koala enclosure with the opportunity to have your professional photo taken with one of the koalas (Henry, the koala).
* See a range of animals including dingoes, Tasmanian devils, quoll, crocodile, including nocturnal and reptile houses, and meet the keepers at regular talks including the Wildlife show in the auditorium.
* Offers gifts and souvenirs, with some packages available to purchase online.
* Also caters to a group and private bookings and children’s parties and has an outdoor play area.
Owned and run by the Heffer family for 30-years, they personally take time to ensure you enjoy your visit.
Maru Koala and Animal Park
One of the highlights is the keeper’s talk. During our visit in November 2020, we are required to wear a mask during the whole session. At least once a day, you can watch the shearing demonstration, where you can learn the proper way of shearing sheep (unfortunately, we missed it).
Aside from meeting the koalas, another favorite is this albino kangaroo. I’m not sure if it has a human name but, this creature is so gorgeous, and just relaxing on the ground. You can pet it and touch its heavy whitetail!
You can also feed them! Just buy the molasses available at the registration counter for A$3.00 per cup.
Don’t miss having a close encounter with their friend koalas, dingoes, and snakes! Though we don’t need to have this montage photo, we still grabbed it as our souvenir, and our fees will help them more to rescue and care for many wildlife animals.
Maru Koala and Animal Park is open daily, seven days a week from 10:00Am until 5:00PM
They accept cash payment, but due to COVID using the EFTPOS is encourage.
ADMISSION PRICES:
All-Day Pass
Adult (16 and over) A$30.00
Child (4 to 15years old) A$16.00
Senior (Australian Citizen) A$20.00
Family (2 Adults + 2 children) A$85
Kangaroo food (combinations of molasses) – A$3.00
Pirate Pete’s Mini Golf Adventure
Maru Koala and Animal Park also offer another attraction called the Pirate Pete’s mini-golf adventure. Ideal for family gatherings and children, this 18-holes of pirating fun around the 30-meter pirate ship is something that you should let your kids enjoy perfecting their tee. Then enjoy a meal in the licensed Homestead Bistro with a range of fresh foods and refreshments. They do dine-in and serves good lunch and some pastries.
Address: 1650 Bass Highway, Grantville Victoria 3984 | Google Maps here
Phone: +61 3 5678 8548
Email: fun@marukoalapark.com.au
Website: www.marukoalapark.com.au
Watch our experience here!
DISCLAIMER: We visited back in November 2020 after the first Victorian COVID restriction was lifted. For more COVID restriction advice, please refer to the DHHS website.
Acknowledgment of the Country:
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Country throughout Victoria and recognize their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and ask that during your travels you respect these cultures, peoples, and land.
I've met the most friendly kangaroo ever! You can pat them and take closer photos with them. Normally, I can't get too close with kangaroos coz they are dangerous.
oh how great! I love visiting Zoo's and animal parks like that one, but have not since the pandemic. You guys in Australia are making it safe to do those things again, but here in the US, it is better to stay away from groups of people for now. Maybe one day I get to visit your continent! I hope so - blessings!
I wanna hold a koala! My life long goal is to pet a cow. I don't know why. It just is. I love the Kangaroos. I like feeding them when we go to Busch Gardens.
That is true, and this place is only a small operation. Many zoo and sanctuaries like this in Australia receives funding from the Australian Government, and also from generous private entities and individuals, including guests who believes in this cause.
DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any partner brands/company(s), beauty & lifestyle brands, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities, unless specified.
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You are in a very photogenic place. Sure you had a great time in there. Stay safe! Hows the Kangaroos?
ReplyDeleteI've met the most friendly kangaroo ever! You can pat them and take closer photos with them. Normally, I can't get too close with kangaroos coz they are dangerous.
Deleteoh how great! I love visiting Zoo's and animal parks like that one, but have not since the pandemic. You guys in Australia are making it safe to do those things again, but here in the US, it is better to stay away from groups of people for now. Maybe one day I get to visit your continent! I hope so - blessings!
ReplyDeleteYes, we can still visit zoo and sanctuaries and many places are not crowded.
DeleteThe koalas are so cute. The park looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThey are all rescue koalas.
DeleteLooks like a really fun and wholesome day!! Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteYes it is! More sanctuary blog soon!
DeleteThis place is amazing. I really want to meet koalas in person. they're too cute!!
ReplyDeleteThat is true! But the scary thoughts of them having chlamydia is scary.
DeleteI wanna hold a koala! My life long goal is to pet a cow. I don't know why. It just is. I love the Kangaroos. I like feeding them when we go to Busch Gardens.
ReplyDeleteAww you will be glorious sharing your love as volunteer in Australia's many animal sanctuaries :)
DeleteSo many cute animals. Love to see them. While I would never travel now, I will keep this in mind for the future.
ReplyDeleteFor now, you can enjoy watching them from live streaming.
DeleteThis looks like an awesome place and fun for the whole family! The animals are also so cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great getaway! It must take enormous effort and hours to run that place.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth O
That is true, and this place is only a small operation. Many zoo and sanctuaries like this in Australia receives funding from the Australian Government, and also from generous private entities and individuals, including guests who believes in this cause.
Delete