You may have driven past the koala sign on your way to Phillip Island, but Maru Koala & Animal Park in Grantville is a destination in itself!

Mamma’s crew are BIG animal fans, and this park has ALL the favourites covered! It is the perfect place to experience Australian wildlife close up, without the huge crowds and long walks that the bigger zoos encompass.

Mamma’s crew were lucky to partake in the Koala Feeding experience. Wow. What a privilege this is, to be within their habitat and hand feed them their brekky! You can see their little faces light up as they eagerly move closer to you to munch on their leaves. They are such beautiful animals and being this close to them makes you see how each of their personalities really shine. These experiences are held at 9am - before the centre opens so it is a quiet and very calming experience.

Once the koalas have eaten and resumed their sleep - explore the rest of the park and watch the cheeky wombats dig their holes, hand-feed the little wallabies and majestic kangaroos, enter Fang Island and check out the crocodile and snakes, chat to Charlie the cockatoo, walk with the emus and hang out with dingoes.

There are also other animal interaction experiences available with the Dingoes, Reptiles, Gliders and Cassowary’s. There are additional fees for these experiences, but there are also free daily talks you can listen to about each animal happening at different times throughout the day. The rangers and staff here are INCREDIBLE, full of knowledge and passion for these gorgeous creatures.

When you have worked up an appetite, head indoors to the bistro and enjoy some devonshire tea - or a parma if that’s more your style! The kids will love the ice-cream bar (and the gift shop!).

And it that’s not enough fun - included in your entry price is Pete’s Mini Golf - a Pirate themed course out the front!
It’s a really lovely day out and a great chance to meet and learn about our beautiful native animals. Add it to your list!!