Discover the Magic of the After Dark Wildlife Tour at The Briars, Mount Martha

Explore Nature Like Never Before – After Dark at The Briars

Looking for something different to do with the family these April school holidays? The After Dark Wildlife Tour and Animal Encounter at The Briars in Mount Martha is the perfect mix of adventure, education, and entertainment. Held on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, this one-of-a-kind event lets you explore the fascinating world of native Australian animals after sunset.

This is more than just a walk in the park—it’s a guided experience through bushland, where nocturnal creatures come to life. Great for all ages, it’s a chance to get up close with wildlife in their natural habitat under the stars.

What to Expect on the Night

The After Dark Wildlife Tour kicks off just after dusk and includes:

• Guided night-time bushwalks with wildlife experts

• Spotting nocturnal animals like sugar gliders, kangaroos, wallabies, and owls

• Animal encounters where kids can get hands-on with reptiles and marsupials

• Educational talks about local ecosystems and conservation

• A peaceful evening in the heart of Mount Martha’s nature reserve

With limited group sizes and a carefully planned route through The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s an intimate and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Why Visit The Briars in Mount Martha?

Located in the heart of Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, The Briars is a heritage-listed property with rich history and a thriving conservation park. It’s home to:

• Over 200 hectares of preserved bushland

• An active wildlife sanctuary

• A wetland area supporting birdlife and native fauna

• Walking trails, picnic areas, and nature-based events all year round

For anyone wanting to get closer to nature without leaving town, The Briars is the ideal destination.

Who Should Attend the After Dark Wildlife Tour?

Whether you're a local looking for something different to do, or visiting the Mornington Peninsula during the April school holidays, this event is great for:

• Families with kids

• Wildlife lovers

• School holiday activity seekers

• Couples looking for something unique

• Eco-conscious locals

It’s educational without being boring, adventurous without being extreme, and something everyone can enjoy regardless of age or fitness level.

What Makes This Tour Different?

Plenty of zoos and wildlife parks offer animal encounters—but few do it after dark in a completely natural bushland setting. The Briars offers a rare chance to:

• Experience wildlife behaviour at night, when most native animals are most active

• Walk through a predator-free sanctuary

• Interact with expert wildlife rangers and ask questions

• Enjoy a safe, family-friendly event backed by local conservation groups

Plus, with small group sizes and strict conservation practices, you're guaranteed a low-impact, respectful encounter with nature.

Key Event Details

• Event Name: After Dark Wildlife Tour & Animal Encounter

• Date: Wednesday, 16 April 2025

• Time: From 6:30 PM (approx. 1.5-hour tour)

• Location: The Briars, Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha VIC

• Cost: Adult $34.70, Child/Concession $28.10

• Bookings Essential: Yes – spots are limited and fill quickly

Bring a torch, wear sturdy shoes, and rug up—it can get cool once the sun goes down.

Tips for Attending

To get the most out of your After Dark Wildlife Tour:

• Arrive early to check in and explore the Visitor Centre

• Dress for the weather—layers and closed shoes are best

• Bring a red light torch (less disturbing for animals)

• Follow guide instructions to ensure the safety of wildlife and visitors

• Don’t forget your camera—but turn off the flash!

And most importantly, come with an open mind. You never know what amazing creatures you'll spot out there.

Support Local, Learn Local

Events like these are not only fun—they’re part of a broader conservation effort. The Briars team works hard to protect native habitats and educate the public about local flora and fauna. By attending, you're helping fund and support this important work.

It's a great way to show the kids that learning about the environment can be exciting, and it’s an easy way to support a local initiative while making lifelong memories.

Perfect April School Holiday Activity

The After Dark Wildlife Tour falls right in the middle of the April school holidays in Victoria, making it a perfect mid-week activity to break up the screen time and get outdoors.

It’s also a great alternative to traditional school holiday programs, giving kids a more hands-on experience of the natural world.

Make a Night of It

Why not make a full evening out of it? The Mornington Peninsula has plenty to offer:

• Grab dinner at one of Mount Martha’s cafes or restaurants beforehand

• Book accommodation locally and enjoy a midweek Peninsula getaway

• Combine your visit with a day at the beach, a walk through local vineyards, or a drive down the coast

Book Early – Limited Spots Available

Because of the intimate nature of this event and environmental restrictions on group size, spots are limited. Early booking is strongly recommended.

Visit the official Mornington Peninsula Shire website or click here to secure your place. This event is popular every year, and 2025 is expected to sell out fast.

Event Recap

Final Thoughts

The After Dark Wildlife Tour and Animal Encounter at The Briars is a truly unique experience—ideal for families, couples, and curious minds of all ages. If you're looking to connect with nature, learn something new, and do something totally different these school holidays, this event is a must.

Spending time outdoors, supporting local conservation, and making memories under the stars? That’s what the Mornington Peninsula is all about.

Want More Local Event Info?

At McNeill Real Estate, we’re proud to support and promote local community events that bring people together and highlight the beauty of our region. Follow our blog for regular updates on what’s happening in Mount Martha, Mornington, and surrounds.

If you're new to the area or thinking about making a move, get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes this part of Victoria so special.