Nocturnal Squirrel Gliders & Potoroos Encounter on the Great Ocean Road
Meet Australia's Enchanting After-Dark Marsupials Up Close
Step into our nocturnal habitat and meet two of Australia’s most captivating night-time creatures: the squirrel glider and the potoroo. In a calm, keeper-led encounter you’ll watch wide-eyed gliders launch between branches and shy potoroos snuffle through the leaf litter, all in a softly lit setting that shows them at their most active. No big crowds, no rushing, just real time with the small marsupials most visitors never get to see.
What to Expect
Because these are shy, nocturnal animals, the encounter unfolds at their pace rather than to a strict script, so no two are quite the same.
Each encounter runs for around 10 to 15 minutes and is guided by one of our trained keepers. Sessions are kept to a small group, and before you head in your keeper gives a short briefing on how to watch the animals calmly and respectfully so they stay relaxed.
In a typical session, you can:
- Watch squirrel gliders climb, leap and glide between branches in their specially lit habitat
- See potoroos forage through the leaf litter just as they do in the wild after dark
- Get up close while keepers point out gliding membranes, big night-vision eyes and other adaptations
- Take photos in the soft lighting while a keeper shares how we care for them day to day
- Learn why these species are so rarely seen and what life on a nocturnal clock really involves
Because squirrel gliders and potoroos are sensitive animals with their own rhythms, how active and visible they are on the day can’t be guaranteed. They set the tone, which is part of what makes it feel genuine rather than staged.
Why Visit Us For a Squirrel Glider & Potoroo Encounter?
A relaxed, keeper-led way to meet two rarely-seen nocturnal marsupials up close, built around the animals’ comfort as much as your experience.
- A close-up nocturnal encounter
Watch squirrel gliders and potoroos active in a softly lit habitat, guided by our wildlife team. It’s a look-don’t-touch experience, so the animals stay calm while you see them at their best. - A natural sanctuary setting
Their home is designed to reflect how these species live in the wild, so you’re meeting them in a low-stress environment. It’s also a chance to see how wildlife parks help protect Australia’s lesser-known natives. - Made for families and curious first-timers
Whether you’re travelling the Great Ocean Road with kids or simply love wildlife, this is an easy, all-ages way to meet animals you’d almost never spot in the bush. - Keeper-led education
Our team shares the things people don’t expect, from how a glider steers mid-air to why the humble potoroo is one of the bush’s most important gardeners. You’ll leave knowing more than when you arrived. - See species you rarely get to
Squirrel gliders and potoroos are shy and strictly nocturnal, so most people never see them in the wild. This is a rare, close encounter with both in one visit.
A Rare Chance to See Gliders & Potoroos in Victoria
A few hours from Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road, our nocturnal encounter is a calm, close-up way to meet squirrel gliders and potoroos. In a keeper-led session you can:
- Watch squirrel gliders glide and climb in a relaxed, respectful setting
- See potoroos foraging the way they do in the wild after dark
- Hear about their behaviour and conservation from our keepers
Afterwards, explore the rest of the park and grab a bite at our on-site organic café before carrying on to the Twelve Apostles.
Can you hold the gliders or potoroos?
No. Squirrel gliders and potoroos are shy, easily-stressed nocturnal animals, so this is a look-don’t-touch encounter for their wellbeing. Handling would stress these small marsupials, and keeping the experience calm is what lets you see their natural behaviour.
What you can do is watch them up close while they’re active, see how a glider moves and how a potoroo forages, learn from our keepers, and come away with some lovely photos. It’s a closer, calmer experience than most people expect, and a far better one for the animals.
Keen to see more native wildlife? Explore all our animal encounters and experiences.
Schools & Groups – Nocturnal Encounter
Discover Australia's Hidden Nocturnal Wildlife!
Squirrel gliders and potoroos are fascinating, lesser-known marsupials that highlight just how much of Australia’s wildlife lives out of sight. Our wildlife park is committed to educating the public through interactive, respectful encounters with these native animals.
Through our program, visitors gain deeper insight into:
How squirrel gliders glide, feed and live in tree hollows.
Why the potoroo is a vital “ecosystem engineer” that spreads native fungi through the bush.
The threats facing nocturnal species and how wildlife parks help protect them.
Our mission is to foster appreciation and action for native wildlife through guided, respectful nocturnal encounters in Australia.
Online Bookings
- Individuals and small groups can book online.
- School groups and bus tours – Please contact us for a quote or more information about tailored educational experiences.
Book now to secure your experience!
Over-the-counter Bookings
Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking online to guarantee your nocturnal encounter.