Inspired by the work of famous British conservationist Gerald Durrell, Moonlit Sanctuary is now home to 50 Australian species. Many including about 80 wallabies, free to roam through the bush and give visitors a rare natural encounter. Others are housed in large natural enclosures, including endangered creatures such as the strange-looking bush thick-knees bird whose calls have not been heard on the Mornington Peninsula for more than 60 years. Cuddle up to koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, meet endangered species all in a beautiful bushland setting at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, winner of the Victorian Tourism Awards in Ecotourism. Only 50 minutes drive from the centre of Melbourne. At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive in a remarkable way, with world-famous lantern-lit tours. Owls and other night birds are active, tiny feather-tail gliders and giant yellow-bellied gliders swoop around, and quolls, pademelons and bettongs forage for food. Visitors are amazed that even animals such as wallabies are much more active and responsive at night. Pademelons, southern bettongs and quolls, endangered fluffy gliders, squirrel gliders and Tasmanian Devils are also protected at Moonlit Sanctuary, receiving the Sustainable Cities award for Preservation of the Environment. Colourful parrots abound, waterbirds are at home in extensive wetlands and visitors can sample the flourishing bush foods garden. Meet critically endangered orange-bellied parrots and regent honeyeaters. You can visit Moonlit Sanctuary via a Bunyip Tour or Gray Line day tour to Phillip Island, or transfers from city hotels are available for evening tours.