The Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wildlife Sanctuary is a special place. An ark, that nurtures, protects and celebrates the incredible flora and fauna of the Mornington Peninsula.

Briars Emu.jpg

You may encounter animals including koalas, emus, bandicoots, kangaroos and echidnas. Into the future, animals and plants which are currently locally extinct will be re-introduced here – brought back to their home on the peninsula.

Our animals move around the sanctuary, and their behaviour changes depending on the weather, time of day and season. Please feel welcome to chat to our friendly Briars team about the animals in the sanctuary and discover what’s been spotted by other visitors

We also have special programs that take place during the school holidays like our Sanctuary Twilight Tours – the best time to see Aussie nocturnal animals!

Briars Sanctuary expansion - now open!

There’s a new reason to visit The Briars, with the expanded Wildlife Sanctuary opening up more space for nature, conservation and discovery.

Thanks to a $1.53 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, the sanctuary has grown from 90 to 130 hectares, creating additional protected habitat for threatened native species and restoring former pastoral land.

The sanctuary provides a safe, predator-proof environment that supports the conservation of the Peninsula’s unique flora and fauna. Acting as an ‘ark’ for threatened species, it plays an important role in protecting biodiversity and restoring natural ecosystems for future generations.

Visitors can now enjoy the new 2.6-kilometre Grasslands Walk(PDF, 1MB), which winds through the restoration area and features interpretive stops sharing the story of the landscape’s regeneration.

As the landscape continues to regenerate, visitors can return time and again to witness nature’s progress and enjoy one of the Peninsula’s most important conservation areas, helping to preserve its unique biodiversity and natural heritage for generations to come.

Briars Ark Conservation Plan

The wildlife sanctuary is an integral part of the Briars Ark Conservation Plan

Its purpose is to inspire and nurture the conservationists of tomorrow to care for wildlife, wild places, and community.

The project is a bold, collaborative, and science led plan for the conservation of the Peninsula’s most threatened species, with a vision to protect the future of our unique biodiversity.

You can find out more about the plan here Briars Ark Conservation Plan(PDF, 3MB)

Briars Macropod Management Update(PDF, 3MB)

The Sanctuary is open 9.00am - 4.30pm every day except Christmas Day, days of Total Fire Ban and days when a severe weather warning is issued. Closures are listed on our Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Walking Trails

The walking trails in the Briars Wildlife Sanctuary are popular for walkers and families alike. There are three trails you can do, our Wetland walk, Woodland Walk and Grasslands Walk.

Discover the Ken McArthur Wetlands, woodlands, bird hides and a scenic lookout along walking trails that begin near the Visitor Centre.

For more information on the different walking trials follow this link -Walking Trails at The Briars

Walking map and park notes(PDF, 1MB)

Safety in the Sanctuary

Stay on the paths to avoid disturbing wildlife (including snakes, who will leave you alone if you give them space).
On days of strong winds, especially following heavy rain, the Sanctuary may close for visitor safety.