Margaret River: Nocturnal Wildlife Tour & Stargazing with Pickup

Summary

Margaret River night wildlife, rare marsupials and billy tea in Yelverton Brook

You’ll share billy tea under southern stars while watching rare marsupials wake up for their nightly routines in Margaret River’s bushland. Expect gentle laughter with your guide, close-up moments with possums and kangaroos, plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about getting there or back. It’s more than just seeing wildlife — it’s feeling part of their world for an evening.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a mug of billy tea before I’d even found a seat by the firelight. “Careful, hot,” she grinned, steam curling up into the cool Margaret River air. The bush around us was already humming — not loud, but that kind of layered quiet where you notice every twig snap and distant bird call. I tried to say thank you in her accent; she laughed and told me I sounded like her uncle after too much wine. That broke the ice for everyone.

The walk out from the van was short but somehow felt longer in the dark — maybe because every shadow looked like it might be a kangaroo or something wilder. Our guide pointed out a quenda (I’d never even heard of those before) rustling near some peppermint trees. He told us how Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary is one of the last places you can spot these little guys just doing their thing at night. There was a moment when all of us just stood still, watching a possum freeze on a branch above us, its eyes catching our torchlight for half a second before it darted away. I didn’t expect to feel that much awe over such small animals, honestly.

We sat together on rough benches, drinking milo and listening to stories about old bushtucker traditions — apparently you can eat part of the acacia seeds if you roast them right (didn’t try it though). The kids kept whispering every time they saw movement in the grass; one nearly dropped his biscuit when two kangaroos bounded past so close I could hear their feet thud on the ground. The stars overhead were ridiculous — like someone had spilled salt across black velvet. At one point I just stopped listening to the guide and stared up instead.

I still think about that quiet — not silent exactly, but full of tiny sounds and everyone’s breath held for whatever animal might show up next. On the drive back toward Busselton, my shoes smelled like eucalyptus and earth, which felt right somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nocturnal wildlife tour at sanctuary

• Arrive at Yelverton Brook Sanctuary
• Take short guided bushwalk
• Enjoy billy tea or milo
• Listen to wildlife stories and facts
• Watch for possums, quendas, kangaroos, woylies

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Margaret River nocturnal wildlife tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Busselton or Dunsborough.

What animals might I see during this night tour?

You may see kangaroos, possums, bandicoots (quendas), and woylies at Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary.

Is this nocturnal wildlife tour family friendly?

Yes, it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or cool evenings.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

Billy tea, milo, and biscuits are served during your visit to the animal viewing area.

How long is the bushwalk before animal viewing?

The guided bushwalk is short; it leads from arrival at the sanctuary to the viewing area.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available on request for transport during pickup/drop-off.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Busselton or Dunsborough, a guided bushwalk through Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary with live commentary from your guide, plus billy tea, milo and biscuits served at the animal viewing area before heading back home again.