Wildlife Encounter at Maru Koala & Animal Park

Read the full experience

Maru Koala & Animal Park is a vibrant sanctuary where visitors can get up close with some of Australia’s most beloved creatures. Situated just outside the city, this park offers a hands-on experience that’s ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. As you step into the park, the air buzzes with anticipation—kangaroos hop freely across lush fields, and koalas nap peacefully in their eucalyptus trees. The park’s diverse habitats host a variety of native fauna, including wallabies, wombats, and colorful parrots that delight visitors during keeper talks. One of the park’s standout features is the interactive wildlife encounters, where guests can feed kangaroos and learn about conservation efforts from knowledgeable staff. In addition to animal interactions, the ticket grants access to mini-golf, making it perfect for a full day of outdoor fun. Maru Koala & Animal Park stands out because of its commitment to education and conservation, offering a hands-on approach that fosters a genuine connection with Australia's unique wildlife. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of local species and their habitats, making this experience both fun and enlightening. Whether you're here for a quick visit or a day-long adventure, the park offers a welcoming environment that celebrates nature. Its proximity to the city makes it an easy day trip, ensuring that you can enjoy quality outdoor time without the long drive. Popular with both tourists and locals, the park combines the thrill of wildlife encounters with family-friendly activities, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the Australian outdoors firsthand.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–4 hours.

Fitness level

Open to all fitness levels, suitable for families and children

Frequently asked questions

Can I feed the animals at the park?

Yes, kangaroo food is provided, and staff give guidelines on what and how to feed the animals safely.

Is the park suitable for young children?

Absolutely, the park is family-friendly with engaging activities and educational talks perfect for kids.

Are there any age restrictions?

There are no strict age restrictions, but very young children should be supervised during interactions.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not permitted inside the park to protect the animals and ensure safety.

Do I need to book in advance?

It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your spot.

What are the park's opening hours?

The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm; check their website for seasonal hours and special events.

Local insights

Wildlife

Black cockatoos
Short-beaked echidnas

History

The park was established in 1995 as part of a regional conservation effort to protect native species and provide educational outreach.

Conservation

Maru Koala & Animal Park actively participates in local conservation programs, promoting habitat preservation and wildlife rehabilitation.

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.

Base locationGrantville, Victoria

Tours offered15+

Adventure tips

Arrive earlyGetting to the park early allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy more personal encounters with the animals.

Bring sun protectionWear hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during your outdoor adventures.

Footwear mattersWear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Plan for extra timeAllow additional time for interactions, keeper talks, and the mini-golf course.

Recommended gear

Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV rays during outdoor activities.
Hat and sunglasses: Stay comfortable and shield your eyes from the sun.
Comfortable walking shoes: Ideal for walking and outdoor exploration.
Camera or smartphone: Capture memories of your wildlife encounters.

Photos of the experience

Wildlife Encounter at Maru Koala & Animal Park photo 1

Wildlife Encounter at Maru Koala & Animal Park photo 2

Wildlife Encounter at Maru Koala & Animal Park photo 3

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