Activities at the Maru Wildlife Park

Activities at the Maru Wildlife Park

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 04/22/2019

Reading time: 3 mins

This family-owned establishment is a 15-minute drive away from the Penguin Parade in Phillip Island and has activities that are fun for the whole family.

Not only are there animals on display, you can try your hand at Pirate Pete’s Mini Golf, indulge at the Homestead Bistro and there’s even an Indoor Dinosaur Playroom for the little ones. With daily shows and sheep shearing to watch, it’s easy to see why many make a stop at this attraction when they visit Phillip Island.

  • Wildlife at the Park

    Maru Wildlife Park is home to many native Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and crocodiles to name a few. You can pat, feed and have a play with some of the cuddly wildlife all conveniently located on the site. Close Encounters are even available for an extra fee with the kangaroos, koalas, snakes, dingoes, and joeys which brings you up close to these friendly animals. If you choose this option, you’ll even get a photo to take home for an everlasting memory.

    If you’re wanting to spend a little more time with the cute koala or dingoes at the park, you can purchase an Experience with one of these animals which will see you spending an educational 30 minutes learning everything there is to know about the cuddly koalas, or some more time with the cheeky dingoes who will be happy to just sit there and play with you.

  • Pirate Pete’s Mini Golf

    This 18-hole golf course is pirate themed and perfect for the whole family. Navigate through a 30 meter Princess Caribbean Pirate Ship and walk under the waterfall with challenging holes that will have you face to face with life-size pirate sculptures through the Outback Australian bushland scenery. During autumn, the park holds its Pirate Festival, with a new theme and family fun activities like a jumping castle and best-dressed competition every year.

  • Homestead Bistro

    For a bite to eat, head to the Homestead Bistro which is open 7 days a week and has a variety of menu items made on the premises. The bistro is open for breakfast and lunch, with fresh pastries, cakes, and scones available as well as a more comprehensive breakfast list on Sunday mornings. Maru Wildlife Park even offers private function rooms and catering for all your special events.

How to get there

From Melbourne, a car ride to Maru Wildlife Park is just over an hour and a half and we recommend booking your tickets online before you go. As there aren’t any trains that will take you straight to the park, if you choose to take public transport you will need to make your way to the Queensferry bus stop outside of the attraction. However, the easiest way to get to Maru is by tour bus! Most tour operators will make a stop at the attraction so all you’ll have to do is sit back and relax while you drive past lush scenery. After this, you’ll be able to visit the Penguin Parade all in one fun-filled day.

Related article: What world-famous attractions are held at Phillip Island?

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.