This winter, step beyond the ordinary wildlife experience and discover a deeper connection to Australia’s animals, conservation and care at Maru Koala and Animal Park.
Created for the winter season, this thoughtfully curated, small-group experience is designed for guests who want more than a visit - something immersive, meaningful and genuinely hands-on. From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of so you can slow down, switch off and be fully present in the experience. With intimate group numbers and a guided itinerary, you’ll move through the day with ease, purpose and a sense of behind-the-scenes access that goes far beyond a standard wildlife park visit.
1. Create for the Animals (Hands On Wildlife Experience)
Your morning begins at 10am with an interactive keeper-led enrichment workshop, where you’ll learn how enrichment supports animal welfare by encouraging natural behaviours, curiosity and mental stimulation. Working together with one of Maru’s experienced wildlife keepers, your group will design and create a unique enrichment activity for one of the animals cared for at the park.
Then comes the rewarding part - watching the animals interact with something you helped create. Observe their behaviours, ask questions and gain a genuine insight into the thoughtful daily care behind modern wildlife conservation.
2. Meet a Koala (Close Up Wildlife Encounter)
You’ll also enjoy a special up-close koala experience, entering the koala habitat to meet one of Australia’s most iconic species. Learn about the challenges koalas face in the wild, their conservation status and how everyday actions can help protect their future. You’ll have the opportunity to gently feel the fur of a koala and capture unlimited photos on your own device.
3. Warm Up with Lunch at the Homestead Bistro
After your experience, enjoy free time to wander the park before settling into a warming winter lunch, selecting an option from a specially curated menu at the Homestead Bistro.
Finish the afternoon mini-golf fun at Pirate Pete’s or take time to revisit your favourite parts of the park and listen to our interactive keeper talks.
This is a slow, considered wildlife experience designed to feel personal, exclusive and deeply connected — where guests don’t just observe animals, but actively contribute to their care and wellbeing. With every detail organised for you, all that’s left is to enjoy the moment, engage with the keepers, and experience wildlife in a way that feels both meaningful and memorable.
Times: 10am - 1pm
Pricing:
• Adults: $95
• Children under 12 (with kids meal): $89
• Groups of 4+ booking together: $89 per person
Capped at just 10 guests per session. Minimum 4 guests required for the experience to proceed.
Minimum age requirements: 6+ accompanied by a paying adult, 12+ unaccompanied.
Booking Link (opening soon!)
**Other Information**
- All interactions are at the keepers’ discretion and may be unavailable in extreme weather conditions to ensure the welfare and safety of our animals and visitors. If Maru cancels the experience for any reason, an alternative experience or full refund will be offered.
- Animals at Maru have the freedom to choose if and how they interact with visitors during experiences, so up-close touching and feeding usually occurs but is not guaranteed.
- All tickets require the Credit/Debit Card along with photo ID and signature of the purchaser, or a valid company email/voucher to be presented upon arrival, otherwise entry will be refused.
- Lunch options are set, with kids menu available for children under 12yrs. Dietary requirements can be catered for, please contact us in advance.
**Terms & Conditions**
This experience requires at least 4 people to run. In the case that we do not have the numbers, you will be contacted and a change of date or full refund will be issued. It is important that you arrive early as the experience will not be delayed and will start at the advertised time. If you are late you will miss out on the experience and refunds will not be provided. Please dress appropriately for the forecast weather on the day. The Keepers have the right to cancel this and all animal experiences due to extreme weather or any other situation they feel may compromise the safety and welfare of the animals and visitors and in that instance a different experience may be offered or a full refund. For safety, please wear closed in shoes, no thongs or sandals.
