Can I participate if I have no wildlife experience?

Absolutely, the experience is designed for all levels, and guides provide full support and instructions.

How long does the encounter last?

The guided session typically lasts around 1 to 2 hours, depending on wildlife activity.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome, but supervision is recommended for safety.

Bring warm clothing, a red flashlight, and a curious mindset—everything else is provided.

Is it safe to handle the animals?

No, the animals are observed respectfully without direct handling to ensure their well-being.

What happens if it rains?

The experience can be postponed or moved indoors—check with the park ahead of your booking.

Wildlife Nature: Maru Koala and Animal Park Glider Experience

Located in the heart of the lush wilderness surrounding Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Glider Experience offers visitors a rare chance to observe Australia's nocturnal creatures up close. This area, known for its diverse ecosystems, hosts a variety of wildlife, with the highlight being the agile Squirrel Gliders. Visitors typically arrive in the early evening, when the park's guides lead them into a tranquil, dimly lit habitat that mimics their natural environment.

As you step into the habitat, your senses sharpen. The gentle glow of the moonlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the ground. You might spot these tiny marsupials gliding effortlessly between branches, thanks to their gliding membranes stretched between limbs. Offering nectar to these curious creatures feels like a secret exchange—an intimate moment shared with nature. Beyond their charming antics, the experience emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique animals from habitat loss.

What makes the Maru Koala and Animal Park's Glider Experience stand out is its combination of education and engagement. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the species' behaviors and the ecological challenges they face. It’s a perfect adventure for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those craving a quiet yet captivating glimpse into nocturnal life. The park's dedicated staff ensure your safety and foster a respectful connection to these delicate animals, making every encounter a meaningful event.

In this region, known for its vibrant flora and fauna, the Glider Experience offers more than just a glimpse—it’s an invitation to participate in conservation. For a truly memorable night under the stars, this close-up encounter will stay with you long after the lights go out.

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.