Animal lovers: Mornington Peninsula is the place to be

It's essential that we remember we're not the only creatures inhabiting the Earth. The planet is teaming with all sorts of wildlife, and Australia has been known for the unique species that call the continent their home. 

If you're an animal lover, planning a visit to Mornington Peninsula will expose you to a variety of critters that will remind you of just how diverse the country's ecosystem is. There are a few attractions and activities that offer experiences with animals of the land, air and sea. 

Mornington Peninsula National Park 

Spanning across 25,000 hectares, Mornington Peninsula National Park is a great place to start your animal-packed adventure. It was this and the area's rich vegetation that attracted Aboriginal peoples to inhabit the region for centuries. 

What sort of animals will you encounter upon visiting this park? In the Green Bush portion of the reserve, it's not uncommon to witness kangaroos munching away on the grasslands. However, take note that your chances of seeing these marsupials is greater during the twilight hours: 

To get to Green Bush, take the Two Bays Walking Track, which will guide you through eucalypt forests, areas of the Melaleuca swamp and coastal heathlands. Leading the way will be signs with a Blue Wren on them. 

If you're lucky, walking along Main Creek, you may find some koalas nesting up in the canopy. However, these furry friends are quite shy, so there's a chance they may keep themselves well hidden. 

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary 

Protecting 56.7 hectares of the coast of Flinders in Mornington Peninsula, the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary features a diverse range of flora and fauna. A mix of seagrass, reefs and water columns act as feeding grounds for a variety of birds, including sooty oystercatchers and red-necked stints. 

Again, if you're bringing your kids along for the adventure, the variety of crabs, seastars and spiralled shells will surely keep them entertained. Along the seagrass, morwongs, wrasse and Victoria's Weedy Seadragon can be seen swerving among the water's crevices. Some of the fish captured on video can be seen below: 

This particular reserve is one that animal lovers will appreciate. Parks Victoria, the government entity in charge of Mushroom Reef, conducts various research programmes to better understand the complex ecosystem. This enables the authority to identify ways to better preserve and defend many of the endangered plant, fish and bird species that call the region home. 

Nature is quite precious, and something that must be preserved for future generations. The Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and Mornington Peninsula National Park are examples of the government's dedication to that cause. 

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