Pet a Kangaroo, Cuddle a Koala and Stroke a Wallaby

If you travelled to Australia and didn’t get the chance to pet a Koala or a Kangaroo, you will be on the plane kicking yourself all the way home. These animals are celebrated as huge icons in Australia, attracting visitors from all over the world. The best and safest place to clap eyes on one of these amazing creatures is in Melbourne’s very own Maru Koala & Animal Park.

The family-run business started as a hand-made ceramics shop that gradually acquired animals over the years, which started to attract fascinated tourists making their way to Phillip Island. It has since grown into a large park that houses Tasmanian Devils, Emus, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Alpaca and Blue Tongue Lizards. It’s even got a mini-golf course to help you wind down after a busy day of petting.

These guys pride themselves on the fact that you get the opportunity to feed the animals, take photographs of them and you can even pet the Kangaroos and Wallabies. Another selling point here is the park keeper’s introduction of the guests to all of the animals when you arrive. Customers get the chance to learn about the wildlife with special talks every hour between 10am and 3pm.

For the chance to get up, close and personal with a Koala, every guest is offered a guided tour of the koala enclosure. This means you’ll get a shot at going into the Koala enclosure, accompanied by a keeper, to meet and greet the animal. You’ll also be given the opportunity to capture your special moment by having a photograph taken.

On top of all this, the park also offers other programmes like Keeper for the Day, Twilight Tours, Volunteering at Maru and Wedding Photos in the Animal Park. Admission is $17 for an adult into the Animal Park only and an All Day Pass, which includes mini golf for $25. For more information visit:

What: Pet Australia’s Most Famous Furry Creatures
Where: Maru Koala And Animal Park
More Info: www.marukoalapark.com.au