Conservation Park on Mornington Peninsula

Moonlit Sanctuary is a conservation park on the Mornington Peninsula and was established by Michael Johnson who was inspired by the British Naturalist Gerald Durrell.  Michael's concept was to develop a park where people could expierence the animals that roam Australia's bushland.

From humble beginnings the Park has now grown into a very popular tourist attraction on 25 acres with wetlands, bushland and more than 30 animal enclosures.

Tawny Frog Mouth

Wetlands early development

You can wander around the park and feed some of the animals and listen to a range of keeper talks. You can also book in for a range of animal experiences.

We take tours to visit the Park on the way to see Phillip Island Penguins and combining the two makes it an amazing day of wildlife experiences. We usually include a koala and dingo experience on our tours.

The koala experience is probably the most popular

The dingo experience is also great fun

The Park has a wide range of Australian animals including our favourite the Tasmanian Devil.

The Park has a cafe and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also book a night tour, sponsor an animal or be a keeper for a day.

Book a private tour with us

Phillip Island Nature Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks was established to conserve the natural beauty and historic and archaeological history of Phillip Island. 

The Park is part of the UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Reserve with wetlands, woodlands, wildlife sanctuaries and coastal areas. The area is rich in bird life with significant populations of little penguins, shearwaters and hooded plovers and wildlife including koalas, swamp wallabies and Australian fur seals.

Swamp Wallaby

The Park Service manages a number of tourism attractions including the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, the Nobbies and Churchill Island Heritage Farms.  The profits generated are used to invest in conservation, research, ecotourism, environmental and education initiatives within the Nature Parks. 

The most cost effective and best way to enjoy the range of activities of the Nature Park is to purchase a 3 Parks Pass as it allows you to attend the Penguin Parade, visit the Koala Conservation Centre and learn about Victoria's early farming history on Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

Penguin Parade

Most people are drawn to Phillip Island to see the iconic Penguin Parade where you can watch the little penguins make their way across the beach heading towards their nesting areas after spending their day hunting in the ocean.

This is a fascinating experience as you watch and wait in anticipation of the sun setting and the little penguins arriving. It often feels like they will never come and then it seems that a sole little penguin emerges from the sea. Maybe this is a scout as shortly others follow. Sometimes they stop and some will scurry back as if they are too frightened to leave the ocean but slowly crowds of them appear and wander into their nesting areas.

At one stage you could sit on the beach in the evening and the penguins would wander past quite close to you.  It was an amazing experience, but as crowds grew the need to protect the penguins and their habitat meant viewing platforms and walkways were constructed. 

Today there are a range of experiences that you can purchase including having a Park Ranger guide you to a private area to view the penguins on the beach (Ultimate Experience) or enjoying the penguins in the comfort of a Sky Box (VIP Experience) where you'll also have fantastic views across the beach and help the Ranger count the penguins as they return for the night. Another option is the Research Tour where a Ranger shows you how researchers collect data and you'll see the weigh bridge where penguins that cross are weighed. You'll also visit the Sky Box before seeing the Penguin Parade from front row seats at the Penguins Plus viewing area.

You can download a free Penguins App which provides interesting insights into the penguins, statistics on their return from the ocean, pictures and a game. 

Koala Conservation Centre

At the  Koala Conservation Centre you can wander along an elevated boardwalk and see these amazing furry mammals in their natural habitat. You can get fairly close and sometimes you may be lucky if one climbs down the trees and settles very close (like the one in this picture). 

You may also see  koalas with a joey (its baby) clinging to its mother. Rangers wander the board walks during the day providing you with an opportunity to ask questions about the koalas and their habitat.

The Visitor Centre is interactive and you can learn all about the koala and purchase gifts from the gift shop.

The Nobbies 

The Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the marine life of the Southern Oceans.  From the centre and board walks you can look across to Seal Rocks; a breeding ground for over 20,000 Australian Fur Seals.  

There are binoculars set at strategic points where you can get a closer view across to the Rocks. 

If you want to see the Seals up close its a good idea to organise a boat tour of Seal Rocks from a range of operators. 

Entry to the Nobbies is free and there is a large cafe. information centre and gift shop.

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island Heritage Farm provides insights into what life was like living on a farm in the early 1900’s.  The 57 heactare Island was originally inhabited by the Bunurong people with the first European inhabitants finding remains of canoes and fires.

European settlement started when Lieutenant James Grant sailed the Lady Nelson to the island in 1801. He planted seeds he'd been provided, felled trees and built a hut making this the first European agricultral pursuit in Victoria.

The farmhouse has been beautifully restored and furnished with antiques. There are also a range of interesting outbuildings that give the impression that you’ve travelled back through time. 

You can see a range of farm animals and experience some of the farm activities like shearing, whip cracking and wagon rides.

There are also beautiful views across to the mainland. For more information see our blog on Churchill Island Heritage Farm

1 day private tour of Phillip Island

Canberra for free

One of the great things about visiting our nation's capital city - Canberra is the fact that many attractions are free.

Australian War Memorial

One of my favourites is the Australian War Memorial. Not as a celebration of war but because its a haunting reminder of the sacrifice people make in war time and a testament to the courage of the individuals and Australia as a nation.

Walking up the steps and into the Commemorative Area and seeing the Roll of Honour lined with poppies to remember the fallen is just the start of a the journey of understanding Australia's war history. 

I also particularly admire the tomb of an unknown solider as a sombre and reverent resting place for the remains of this unnamed soldier.  The remains were removed from a cemetery in France and transported back to Australia in 1993. 

You need to allow at least a day to be able to see all the exhibitions which include the First and Second World Wars as well as more recent conflicts.There are also range of special exhibitions in the Memorial; to find out current information see their Exhibitions page. 

The view along ANZAC Parade to Parliament House is also  a spectacular sight. 

The War Memorial is open 8.am. to 5 p.m. daily - closed Christmas Day.

Canberra Space Centre

Our children's favourite place in Canberra is the Space Centre located in Tidbinbilla which is about a 35 kilometre drive from the city.  

Here you can see the deep space antennas (Deep Space Stations) each identified by a number sequence relevant to their country of location. In Australia ours are numbered in the 30s and 40s. The antennas receive and transmit data to robotic spacecraft exploring our solar system - something I find fascinating. 

At the visitor centre displays include a 3.8 billion year old piece of the Moon, spacecraft models, space hardware and memorabilia including the foods astronauts eat, movies on space exploration and the latest images from across the solar system. 

We always take a picnic but the centre has a cafe. Open 9.am. to 5 p.m. daily - closed Christmas Day.

Parliament House

No visit to Canberra would be complete without visiting Parliament House where both Houses of Parliament sit. The design of Parliament House is impressive and positioning it on top of a hill overlooking Canberra makes sure it can be seen from many locations and is a constant reminder of the important business that is conducted within.

You can wander the public areas of Parliament House and see Parliament in action if your visit coincides with a sitting day. The impressive red chamber is where the Senate sits and shares the power to make laws with the House of Representatives.  Debating in the equally impressive green chamber is the House of Representatives. Here they debate, pass laws and watch over government administration and expenditure. You can also take a guided tour. 

The building itself is impressive and within its walls there is a stunning art collection which includes a very impressive tapestry which hangs in the Great Hall. The gardens and surrounds of Parliament House are also worthwhile exploring. 

The view from outside along ANZAC Parade to the National War Memorial is also  a spectacular sight and demonstrates how well designed or planned the location was. 

Opening hours vary on sitting days from 9.00 a.m. Monday and Tuesday and from 8.30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday. When Parliament is not sitting its open from 9.a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. 

Old Parliament House

Down the hill from Parliament House is Old Parliament House where Parliament sat from 1927 to 1988. The building now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy.  This Museum has displays that show Australia's social and political history through interpretation of the past and present and exploring the future.

For details of current exhibitions

Although not free entry is relatively cheap $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day

On either side of the building are the Old Parliament House Gardens which are lovely to wander through. The Gardens include seating pavilions, pergolas, rose arbours and pathways.

National Museum Australia

The National Museum of Australia explores the land, nation and people of Australia. It focusses on Indigenous histories and cultures, histories of European settlement and their interaction with the environment.

You can wander the Museum at your leisure and there are a range of free Host talks throughout the day (check with the information desk on timing) or you can take a guided tour at a cost. 

Details of current Exhibitions 

The Museum is open every day from  9 a.m.-5 p.m. except for Christmas Day.

National Gallery of Australia

If art and culture interests you the National Gallery of Australia has a permanent collection of more than 160,000 works of art including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Australian art and International art.

A range of special exhibitions constantly change see the exhibitions page for more information. 
Whilst entry to the Gallery is free special exhibitions will often come at a cost. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

National Portrait Gallery

Located just across the road from the National Gallery of Australia is the National Portrait Gallery.  The Gallery's purpose is to broaden the understanding of Australian people through portraits that display our identify, history, culture, creativity and diversity.

My favourite is a very compelling portrait of blind indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu by Guy Maestri. This portrait also won the Archibald Prize in 2009.

For information on current exhibitions 

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. some special exhibitions will have entry fees.

Royal Australian Mint

For something completely different visit the Royal Australian Mint where all the coins in Australia are made.  Here you can wander the observation gallery to see how coins are produced, see the rare and significant coin collection or watch a behind the scenes video in the theatrette. You can even mint your own $1 coin.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. 


National Film and Sound Archive 

This is said to be Australia's living archive as it displays images and sound from film, television, radio and other recordings that reflect Australia's life stories and place in the world.

The Archive includes a range of sound and film galleries and regular presentations. Find out more about current exhibitions.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Australian National Botanical Gardens

The Australian National Botanical Gardens are located on the lower slopes of Black Mountain in Canberra. Established as a place for recreation and learning the gardens have the world's most comprehensive display of Australian native plants. 

Displays include the Red Centre Garden which has plants such as majestic desert oaks, ghost gums and spinifex grasslands.

Entry to the Gardens are free. They are open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8 p.m. week days in summer) closed Christmas day.  

Telstra Tower

If you're looking for great view of Canberra go to the Telstra Tower on Black Mountain. The tower stands 195 meters tall and has stunning 360 degree views of Canberra and surrounding areas.

You can also enjoy a coffee or snack at the cafe located at the Tower which is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m.

Embassies

Another great free attraction in Canberra is take a drive around the Embassies. Many buildings reflect the culture of the Countries they represent.

National Carillion

The National Carillon located on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin was a gift from the British Government. The Carillion stands 50 metres and is a musical instrument with 55 bronze bells.
You can hear recitals Wednesday and Sundays 12.30 to 1.20 p.m.

Entry is free.

Parks and Recreation

There are a range of parks in and around Canberra where you can walk, cycle or just relax and enjoy nature.

There are self guided walks, Ranger guided walks and of course you can also relax and enjoy Lake Burley Griffin which Canberra is built around. The Lake is also a site for many Canberra celebrations including Fireworks on Australia Day (26 January).

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is located approx 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne and is famous for its beaches, motor racing circuit and wildlife.

Penguin Parade

The highlight of any visit to the Island is the iconic Penguin Parade where you can watch the little penguins make their way across the beach heading towards their nesting areas after spending their day hunting in the ocean.

Penguin Parade

Tourism Victoria

Once upon a time, you could sit on the beach in the evening and the penguins would wander past quite close to you.  It was an amazing experience, but as crowds grew the need to protect the penguins and their habitat meant viewing platforms and walkways were constructed. Today there are a range of experiences that you can purchase including having a Park Ranger guide you to a private area to view the penguins on the beach (Ultimate Experience) or enjoying the penguins in the comfort of a Sky Box (VIP Experience) where you’ll also have fantastic views across the beach and help the Ranger count the penguins as they return for the night.

Sky Box
Phillip Island Nature Parks

Koala Conservation Centre

The Koala Conservation Centre is set up to show you how koalas live in the wild with very little human intervention. You can wander along an elevated boardwalk and see these amazing furry mammals in their natural habitat and have the opportunity to ask questions of the Rangers who manage the Centre.

There is also an interactive Visitor Centre where you can learn about the koala and purchase gifts from the gift shop.

Koala Conservation Centre

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island Heritage Farm provides insights into what life was like living on a farm in the early 1900’s. The farmhouse has been beautifully restored and there are a range of interesting outbuildings that give the impression that you’ve travelled back through time. You can also see a range of farm animals and beautiful views across to the mainland. For more information see our blog on Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Parks Victoria manage these 3 tourist attractions and you can purchase tickets individually or buy a 3 Parks pass which provides great value. See Phillip Island Nature Parks

Nobbies

The Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the marine life of the Southern Oceans. Entry is free and there is a large cafe. information centre and gift shop. From the centre and boardwalks you can look across to Seal Rocks; a breeding ground for over 20,000 Australian Fur Seals.  

If you want to see the Seals up close you can organise a boat tour of Seal Rocks from a range of operators.

Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm

This attraction provides activities for people of all ages. Fish for a trout in the outdoor or indoor ponds and you can take your fish home with you or have it cooked and eat it for lunch. 

Take a walk around the Bush Tucker Trail and learn about the 22 varieties of bush tucker that are grown on the property. Paul Mannix and his family have re-vegetated the area with 22,000 trees which has converted pastures into an amazing natural bushland wonderland.

Or take a Tea Trail walk and pick leaves that you can later drink as tea with some lovely home-made wattleseed  scones. The licensed cafe also sells a range of products that are made from   the bush tucker or trout caught on the lake. We enjoyed a delicious smoked trout and smoked trout dip with some mountain pepper and chilli chutney.

Beaches 

Phillip Island has a range of beaches suitable for swimming, fishing and surfing.  Woolamai is the longest beach on the Island and the site of the only Surf Life Saving Club.  When visiting the beaches you should be aware that Australian beaches can be dangerous so you should always swim on a patrolled beach and between the flags. To learn more about  beach safety.

Cowes Beach

Cowes is a relatively calm beach and popular with families. Cowes is also home to the Island's main shopping strip with a range of specialty stores, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and other stores.

Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach caters for both sufers and families and is located between Woolamai and Cowes.

 

Beach near Forrest Caves

Forrest Caves are part of eroding red basalt cliffs located between Woolamai and Surf Beach. You can wander through the caves at low tide and swim on the adjacent beach care should be taken as high waves and rips are common. 

Newhaven and San Remo (on the mainland) are popular for fishing.

National Vietnam Veterans Musuem

The Island is also home to the National Vietnam Veterans Musuem which has displays of photographs, memorabilia, vehicles and aircraft that detail the history of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1972.


Phillip Island Racing Circuit

Celebrating 60 years in 2012 the Phillip Island Racing Circuit is home to car racing and motor bike racing drawing large crowds to the Island for major events.

Other regular activities include go carts, hot laps and team building. To learn more Phillip Island Racing Circuit

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Another popular attraction is Panny's Phillip Island Chocolate Factory where you can buy or taste Belgium chocolates and learn about chocolates in the Amazing World of Chocolates.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park

The Phillip Island Wildlife Park is set over 60 acres and home to more than 100 species of animals and birds. Its a little tired and in need of work but popular with visitors as you can feed a range of animals as you wander through the park.

1 day Phillip Island Private Tour

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island is a working Heritage Farm that  can be accessed from Phillip Island.  The 57 heactare Island was originally inhabited by the Bunurong people with the first European inhabitants finding remains of canoes and fires.

European settlement started when Lieutenant James Grant sailed the Lady Nelson to the island in 1801. He planted seeds he'd been provided, felled trees and built a hut making this the first European agricultral pursuit in Victoria.

The Island  forms part of the Churchill Island Marine National Park and is maintained by Parks Victoria. From an Indigenous cultural perspective Aborigianl middens and the remains of stone foundations are also preserved  with  the area of Western Port surrounding the island listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention).

One of the sculptures in the garden

The gardens are extensive and  well maintained. They include some interesting sculptures, Norfolk Pines, ancient Moonah trees, wetlands and a range of plants and herbs. You can wander around the gardens, house and farm buildings on a range of paths.  The grade is very easy.

A cottage

Kitchen garden

In the kitchen garden

There are also extensive walking tracks including through the wetlands. For more information on walking the Island see Walks Victoria

The main house

James Amess, a former mayor of Melbourne, purchased the island  in 1872 and built the substantial home that still stands today.  

Informal dining room

The main house has been restored and provides a fantastic glimpse into what life was like for the well to do early European settler.

Bedroom in the main house

Antique spinning wheel

Stump Jump Plough an Australian invention

One of the workshops

Black faced sheep

A range of activities including sheep shearing, cow milking, blacksmithing and working dog demonstrations run every day. To find out details  see the updated schedule.

Farm animals include this horse

There is a Visitor Centre on the Island which features an exhibition on the history of the island, a quality gift shop and a licensed café.  You can enjoy a snack or lunch including a glass of wine and take in the breathtaking views of Western Port. 

Ticket prices are around $10 for an adult or you can purchase a 3 Park Pass and visit the Island along with the Koala Conservation Centre and end the day with the Penguin Parade. Further information and to purchase tickets

If you're interested in helping preserve the history of Churchill Island you can join the Friends of Churchill Island Group

The Island is also the site of a regular farmers market, normally the 4th Saturday of the month. See Market dates

Peacock wandering around the animal corrals

1 day Phillip Island Private Tour