Things to do in Pearcedale

No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, about an hour's drive from the city. This bushland sanctuary focuses on conserving native Australian wildlife, and many travelers heading to Phillip Island to see penguins include it in their itinerary. The park is home to dozens of Australian species - koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats, the pitch-black Tasmanian devils (about the size of small dogs), cheerful kookaburras and adorable quokkas - all observable at close range. It also undertakes breeding programs for endangered species, with the orange-bellied parrot being one of its key conservation focuses. Day visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, then join keeper talks and wildlife shows to learn about these animals' behaviors. The park's signature experience is its lantern-lit night tour: after dark, follow an experienced guide carrying lanterns through the bush as daytime-sleepy animals become active - wombats emerge to forage, endangered quolls dart through grass, owls widen their eyes, and feathertail gliders (no larger than mice with plume-like tails) glide between branches. With luck, you might hand-feed nectar to sugar gliders or have kangaroos and wallabies approach for treats. Night tours have limited spots requiring advance booking; remember to turn off camera flashes to avoid startling animals. Note that Victoria prohibits holding koalas, but you can snuggle close for photos - plan ahead for such interactive experiences.

No. 9 of Family-friendly Attractions in Victoria

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Mornington Peninsula Shire is located in Victoria, Australia, on the southern side of the Melbourne metropolitan area, and is connected to the mainland at its northern end via the Frankston area. The peninsula is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The western side of Port Phillip Bay is calm, while the southern side faces the open waves of Bass Strait, across from Phillip Island. It is about a 1-hour drive from Melbourne to switch into this seaside vacation rhythm. This peninsula has several highly recognizable highlights: Arthur's Seat in the center features a sightseeing cable car, and as it slowly climbs to the summit, you get a panoramic view of Port Phillip Bay and the peninsula's coastline. In the Point Nepean National Park at the southern tip, coastal trails extend along the cliffs, with the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and military relics from over 100 years ago scattered throughout. It is also a well-known cool-climate wine region in Victoria, with a high density of wineries around Red Hill, known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Taking a cruise from Sorrento Pier offers the chance to encounter wild dolphins and Australian fur seals in Port Phillip Bay. The town of Sorrento is worth setting aside half a day for: European settlers arrived as early as 1803, more than 30 years before the founding of Melbourne, and the main street still retains old buildings constructed from local limestone. After exploring the town, you can browse local markets for produce and handicrafts, or soak in an open-air hot spring built along the hillside. If you enjoy the water, the beaches on the western bay side have shallow water and calm waves, suitable for swimming and kayaking. The ocean beaches on the southern side have larger waves and are a haven for surfers. There are well-established spots for diving and fishing here, and you may even have the chance to see weedy seadragons underwater. If you have extra time, you can also take a ferry from Sorrento across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff on the other side, which offers another perspective of the peninsula from the sea.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island and is the signature viewing experience of Phillip Island Nature Parks, taking place every day around sunset: after a day of foraging at sea, flocks of little penguins ride the waves ashore, first gathering in the shallows and peering around, then waddling across the beach and following a fixed route back to their burrows in the dunes. Spectators on the viewing stands and boardwalks can watch this "little parade" of the natural world up close, and the penguins often pass just a few steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little penguins. They have blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, and as adults they stand only just over 30 cm tall and weigh about one kg; their round bodies and waddling gait make them endearingly cute. During the day they head out to sea to forage, and after dusk they return to their nests together, traveling back and forth between the sea and their burrows along almost unchanged routes for generations, and on site you can also hear their calls rising and falling. A few points are worth noting when watching: little penguins' eyes are very sensitive to light, so cameras and video recorders cannot be used on site, and only by waiting quietly can you avoid disturbing them; after sunset the seaside is windy and rather cool, so even in summer it is advisable to bring a warm jacket and to arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle takes place all year round, and during the spring and summer of the Southern Hemisphere (roughly August each year to February of the following year), which is the breeding season, the penguins come ashore and move in and out of their burrows more frequently, so the scene is usually livelier. △ The little penguins leave the island during the day to forage at sea, and return to their nests on the shore in groups at night to rest. △ These little penguins are timid and highly sensitive to light, so photography and video recording are prohibited on site; only by waiting quietly can you avoid disturbing them. △ The Penguin Parade can be viewed year-round. From September to January, the weather is warm and it is the breeding season, so the penguins are more active and it is a good time to watch them.

No. 5 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Puffing Billy Railway

Puffing Billy Railway is an experimental narrow-gauge railway built at the turn of the 20th century. It is Australia's historic steam train and one of the best-preserved steam railway lines in the world. The train trip covers 25 km,Along the way from Belgrave to the Dandenong Ranges, you will pass through beautiful forests and fern-filled gullies. The open-sided carriages on both sides allow you to enjoy the scenery along the route, such as the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, a famous landmark on the Puffing Billy Railway line. In addition, there are many stations along the way where passengers can get off and explore. △ Ride a steam mini train with over a century of history △ Breathe fresh air and enjoy the lush natural scenery along the way △ Put your legs outside the train car, as if traveling back to the 20th century

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Phillip Island

Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.

No. 12 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Maru Koala and Animal Park

Maru Koala and Animal Park (Maru koala and animal park) is a zoo founded, owned, and operated by a private family. The park is home to koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, crocodiles, emus, and a variety of native birds, with rare albino animals being a major highlight of the park. Step inside and immerse yourself in the joy they bring. Visitors can hand-feed, pet, and take photos with kangaroos and wallabies in the free-range area, or join a keeper-led koala interactive experience to get up close to the koalas and take a souvenir photo. The zoo regularly holds multiple animal talks, where keepers introduce the habits and conservation knowledge of species such as koalas, reptiles, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils.

No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Churchill Island

Churchill Island is located on the side of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, connected by a bridge. In 1801, Lieutenant Grant cultivated the land here, planting crops such as wheat and corn, marking the beginning of European agriculture in Victoria. Today, the farm retains the layout of an old estate: the 1872 mansion built by former Melbourne mayor Amess, two 1860s stone cottages, as well as barns and a blacksmith shop remain well-preserved. The old houses display antique furniture, and between the English gardens and pastures, flocks of Australian gray geese can often be seen, along with shaggy Scottish Highland cattle grazing leisurely—descendants of the livestock that once accompanied their owners to the island. Daily demonstrations of traditional farm activities, such as sheep herding by dogs, sheep shearing, milking cows, whip cracking, and blacksmithing, are arranged for travelers to observe up close, with children having the opportunity to participate under staff guidance. The island loop trail is approx. 4–5 km, taking about 2 hrs to walk leisurely, offering views of Western Port Bay's wetlands and birdwatching huts. The Wadjil'garook Wetland Trail near the entrance showcases local Indigenous culture and is often overlooked. Additionally, the island hosts a monthly farmers' market featuring local produce and handmade goods from Phillip Island, worth a visit if your itinerary aligns.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Phillip Island Nature Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks was established in 1996, located on Phillip Island, covering an area of 2,750 hectares. It features four main attractions: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the Nobbies Centre. △ The Penguin Parade is a highly popular attraction within Phillip Island Nature Parks, where you can hear the "huffing" sounds of penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ The Koala Conservation Centre features viewing trails where you can walk along boardwalks to explore the treetop homes of the furry koalas and get up close to wild koalas. △ The Nobbies Centre is surrounded by long, winding cliffside boardwalks. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the ocean view and gaze out towards Seal Rocks, the fur seal colony. △ Churchill Island Heritage Farm holds significant historical importance, preserving well-maintained traditional sites and serene natural scenery. There are also wonderful farm demonstrations every afternoon.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museumis a large and highly innovative museum in the Southern Hemisphere, and withRoyal exhibition hallCo-locationKadun ParkMedium,Is a comprehensive museum covering natural history, indigenous culture, and urban transformation. The museum's collection and exhibitions are both stunning.Step into the lobby,A blue whale skeleton specimen approx. 18 m longSuspended in midair,It is one of the museum's iconic exhibits.Across more than 20 exhibition halls and independent pavilions, the museum offers all-encompassing content, with more than a dozen permanent exhibitions open. The indoor forest area introduces the ecological functions of forests from the perspective of forest hierarchy, water conservation, plant composition, seasonal differentiation of Australian forests, and forest fires that often occur in the Australian dry season, and houses some common Australian birds and ants. The "forest secret" inside the museum is located at the center of the building, creating an ecosystem identical to the natural environment and showcasing the trees, plants, wildlife, and insects of the Victorian Alps. Walking into the forest corridor, you will see approx. 8,000 Australian plants planted here. In addition, the insect exhibition area and evolution area showcase the mysteries of the biological world. The style museum has a highly modern design, and next to itRoyal exhibition hallThis forms a striking contrast with the classical style. In addition to creating a visual effect, the metal frames and glass curtain walls also draw more natural light into the museum's public spaces. You will see staff members wearing brightly colored uniforms that exude a rich indigenous cultural flair, creating an interesting contrast with the avant-garde architectural forms.