Maru Koala and Animal Park
Visit Maru Koala and Animal Park for an exciting day of encounters with fascinating animals.
Visit the family attraction to observe koalas, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, Australian birds, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, emus and a host of other animals! This incredible Australian wildlife park is combined with the thrilling Pirate Pete’s Miniature Golf Course, where you can be transported to another world and meet life-sized pirate figures, including Captain Jack Sparrow! Eighteen fun-filled holes will take you through a variety of Australian landscapes, from the exquisite beach to the bush and outback. After meeting the animals, treat yourself to a delicious breakfast or lunch at the Homestead Bistro.
Situated in Grantville VIC, on the Bass Highway, the location is only fifteen minutes from Phillip Island, home to penguins. The perfect place for a day trip from Melbourne or a stopover on your way to an adventure on Phillip Island tour.
Visit Animal Park
Get up close and personal with wild animals at Volunteering.
I love hand-feeding and petting koalas, majestic kangaroos and wallabies, some of which are rare albinos. Attend regular talks with the keepers and take a professional photo with one of the koalas or other animals. See a range of animals, including dingoes, Tasmanian devils, wombats, chickens, a crocodile, and reptiles and lighthouses, and meet the keepers at regular talks, including an auditorium exotic wildlife show.
Afterwards, embark on Pirate Pete’s golf adventure and enjoy 18 holes of pirate fun. Savour a delicious meal at the licensed Homestead Bistro and enjoy a talented team’s selection of fresh foods. Maru has paved walkways and facilities to suit all tastes, with plenty of seating and sheltered, shaded areas. It also provides a wide range of gifts and souvenirs; some packages can be purchased online.
Maru accepts group and private bookings, offers childcare and has an outdoor playground. The Heffer family, which has owned and operated the facility for over 35 years, pays a lot of attention to ensuring you enjoy your visit.
An adventure that involves animals
But Maru doesn’t just share animals with its visitors. It offers a fun day out for the whole family with a game of miniature golf on the beautiful grounds.
The 18-hole course, styled after a pirate ship, is a great way to relax in the afternoon before dining at the Homestead Bistro.
After a light lunch, stroll along the park’s winding trails, passing through landscaped areas and enjoying the natural scenery for which the park is famous.
Mini Golf
Tired of the wilderness? Take a break and play a round of miniature golf with the kids. This interactive course, Pirate Pete’s MiPete’sf, will transport you to another world where pirates swarm in search of treasure. The course has eighteen holes and is an ideal challenge for children and adults. Each section crosses the Australian landscape so you can visit the beach, bush and outback in one day.
Activities available at Maru Wildlife Park
Cuddle a koala
Koalas are one of the most famous inhabitants of the Maru Wildlife Park. These adorable creatures sit in the trees and chew on eucalyptus leaves. You can walk along a raised walkway to get up close and personal with them or enter their enclosure with the keepers to cuddle one—an unforgettable highlight of any Phillip Island day tour.
Feed kangaroos
Try your hand at hand-feeding kangaroos. The Maru Wildlife Park is home to these cute Australian creatures, which you can feed and get up close to. Maru Koala Animal Park visitors are enchanted by the adorable sight of baby kangaroos hopping around the park’s grounds. You have the opportunity to snuggle with the baby kangaroo named Joey and feed them from a bottle.
Hold a snake
Swap your scarf for a snake crawling on the ground at Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Along with the python, the maru snake is always happy to wrap itself around visitors. Come face to face with your fears and stroke the smooth scales of these incredible creatures as they slowly slither down your shoulders, arms and neck.
Sheep shearing
Maru Wildlife Park is not only home to wild animals. It also has a lot of livestock, including sheep, which regularly participate in sheep shearing shows. During this time, you can watch a local shepherd shear the sheep, learning more about the process and what happens to the wool after shearing. Maru Koala Animal Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, showcasing must-see baby animals and charming wildlife alongside iconic attractions.
Volunteering
Pirate Festival
Plan your trip to coincide with the park Pirate Festival at the Maru Koala and Animal Park. Enjoy a great day out with the perfect mix of animal park and festival activities. Children and adults can enjoy the pirate theme with stalls, food and entertainment. Fancy dresses, rides, and lots of prizes await you!
Maru Wildlife Park is a great place to spend the day. You’ll discover the natural beauty of Phillip Island and get up close and personal with some of the Australian creatures. If you are afraid your beak will fall into the water, the park has a safe. Maru Koala and Animal Park, which has a wide variety of Australian animals and unusual animal species, provides the ideal motivation for animal lovers to get up close and personal with wildlife.
Dinner at the restaurant
After a busy day, you can recharge your batteries at the on-site restaurant. Open for breakfast and in the lounge; the restaurant offers a wide range of gourmet dishes that satisfy even the hungriest palates. It’s delicious every day, so take a break before heading to the park or end the day with a tasty treat. The restaurant uses only local ingredients, and the menu changes according to the season. With offerings for children, families and seniors, this restaurant can be the perfect place to relax between the countless attractions of Phillip Island.
FAQ
Where is Maru Koala and Animal Park located?
It’s in Grantville, Victoria, along the Bass Highway, about 15 minutes from Phillip Island.
What animals can I see at the park?
You can encounter koalas, kangaroos, wallabies (including albinos), Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats, emus, crocodiles, reptiles, and native birds.
What activities are available besides seeing animals?
You can play Pirate Pete’s 18-hole miniature golf, enjoy the Homestead Bistro, join keeper talks, and take professional animal photos.
Can I have close encounters with the animals?
Yes, you can cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, hold a snake, and watch sheep shearing shows.
Does the park host special events?
Yes, events like the Pirate Festival feature themed activities, rides, prizes, and entertainment for all ages.