Is this experience suitable for children?

Yes, the Echidna Experience is suitable for all ages, with adult supervision recommended for younger children.

How close do I get to the echidna?

Participants assist in feeding and gentle training under keeper supervision, allowing for close but safe encounters.

Are there any physical requirements?

No, this activity is primarily seated and standing with minimal movement involved.

How many people participate at once?

The experience is limited to two participants per session for a more personalized interaction.

Yes, photography is encouraged, so bring your camera or phone.

Is advance booking necessary?

Yes, it's recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time due to limited availability.

Wildlife & Animal Interactions at Echidna Experience | Attraction

Located within the Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Echidna Experience offers visitors a rare chance to get hands-on with one of Australia's most intriguing creatures. This intimate 15-minute session immerses guests in the fascinating world of Snorkles, a friendly, highly trainable echidna. Limited to just two participants, the experience begins with a guided introduction by expert keepers, who share insights into echidna behavior, diet, and conservation efforts. As visitors assist in feeding and gentle training, they gain a deeper understanding of this unique monotreme—an animal that embodies evolutionary history with its spiny exterior and specialized adaptations for foraging. The park itself sprawls across lush grounds teeming with native flora and fauna, enhancing the connection between visitors and natural Australia. The encounter is not only a memorable photo opportunity but also a meaningful education about the importance of protecting native wildlife and their habitats. The park’s staff emphasize sustainable practices, ensuring that interactions contribute to conservation awareness without compromising the animal’s wellbeing. The Echidna Experience is carefully designed to be engaging yet respectful of the wildlife, giving participants a glimpse into the everyday lives of these curious creatures. Visitors often leave with newfound respect for Australia's wildlife and a collection of photos capturing their close-up moments.

Situated in a region renowned for its diverse ecosystems, the park is an essential stop for nature lovers and families alike. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a novel outdoor activity, this experience combines educational value with genuine interactions, making it a standout activity in the area. Don’t miss the chance to forge a personal connection with one of the world’s most peculiar mammals at Echidna Experience—an unforgettable highlight of your Australian adventure.

About Maru Koala and Animal Park

Maru Koala and Animal Park in Grantville, Victoria, is a wildlife park offering hands-on animal encounters, keeper-led experiences, and family attractions. The park features a range of wildlife interactions including koalas, quokkas, gliders, cassowaries, pythons, shingleback and blue-tongue lizards, echidnas and dingoes. Visitors can book focused experiences such as Meet a Koala, Koala Feeding Experience, Quokka Experience (limited to four participants daily), Glider Experience, Cassowary Experience and Meet a Snake or Meet a Lizard sessions.

Maru also hosts specialist activities and events: an Animal Enrichment Workshop for teenagers that includes a catered lunch and supervised creation of enrichment items; Maru Birthday Party packages with exclusive park access and mini-golf; and general admission options like Maru Entry Ticket and Maru Entry Voucher. Pirate Pete's Mini-Golf and the Homestead Bistro are on-site, and the Koala Feeding Experience includes a complimentary scone and drink at the Homestead Bistro.

Keeper-led sessions take place in dedicated viewing or private areas, offering close observation of animal training and behaviour under staff supervision. The park emphasises education and conservation messaging through guided encounters with keepers. All visitor experiences are scheduled and require booking to manage animal welfare and participant numbers. Maru Koala and Animal Park serves visitors to Gippsland and wider Victoria seeking authentic Australian wildlife encounters in a controlled, keeper-supervised setting. Many experiences include photography opportunities, with the Meet a Koala offering unlimited photos during the session. The Cassowary Experience takes place in a private keeper area and can include close observation and possible hand-feeding safely.