Can I touch the koalas?

Visitors can observe and participate in feeding but physical contact is limited to ensure animal safety.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes, children of all ages can enjoy the Koala Feeding Experience, with supervision.

How long does the experience last?

The feeding session lasts approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the group.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

The experience involves natural eucalyptus leaves, which are suitable for the animals; dietary restrictions are not typically an issue.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, advance booking is recommended as sessions may fill up quickly.

Is there an additional fee?

The feeding experience fee is included in the general admission or can be purchased separately.

Wildlife Nature & Koala Feeding at Maru Koala and Animal Park

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s lush landscapes, Maru Koala and Animal Park offers a truly intimate encounter with some of the country’s most beloved wildlife. The Koala Feeding Experience is more than just a visitor attraction; it’s a rare chance to get face-to-face with these iconic, eucalyptus-loving creatures. Visitors start their morning with a guided session where keepers introduce them to the gentle world of koalas, sharing interesting insights into their behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts.

During this exclusive experience, you'll get to hand-feed the koalas with fresh gum leaves, an act that creates a special bond with these sleepy, tree-dwelling marsupials. The park’s natural setting, with its verdant foliage and carefully maintained habitat, mimics their native environment, making the interaction authentic and safe. As you observe these slow-moving creatures munching on leaves, you'll learn about their unique adaptations, including their specialized diet and slow metabolism.

In addition to koalas, the park features a variety of native Australian animals, enriching the experience with opportunities to spot wallabies, kangaroos, and more. After feeding sessions, visitors can relax at the Homestead Bistro, enjoying a complimentary scone and drink, overlooking the scenic grounds.

Maru Koala and Animal Park is a vital part of regional conservation efforts, working tirelessly to protect Australian wildlife and educate visitors on ecological importance. Its focus on ethical animal interactions and environmental responsibility makes it a standout in the area. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or traveling with family, this park offers an engaging, educational dive into Australia’s extraordinary fauna. It’s a must-visit for those seeking authentic animal encounters in a beautiful, natural setting.

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.