PERTH ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Creatures of the Night: A Perth-to-Dryandra After‑Dark Safari Under the Milky Way
A guided, nocturnal conservation outing from Perth to Dryandra Woodlands that pairs a forest picnic and guided Barna Mia night tour with stargazing and a chance to see endangered Australian mammals.
Creatures of the Night: A Perth-to-Dryandra After‑Dark Safari Under the Milky Way.
Adventure brief
Creatures of the Night: A Perth-to-Dryandra After‑Dark Safari Under the Milky Way
From Perth you cross into the Western Australian wheatbelt and into Dryandra Woodlands, a conservation refuge home to more than 850 plant species, over 100 bird species and 24 mammals — including the endangered numbat and other iconic animals such as echidnas, brush‑tailed wallabies, woylies, quendas and chuditch. The tour combines a daytime bush walk, a forest picnic at sunset and a guided night visit to Barna Mia, a dedicated wildlife sanctuary, finishing with stargazing beneath the Milky Way.
Perth’s Dryandra Woodlands transform after sunset into a vibrant wildlife sanctuary, offering a rare glimpse into Australia's nocturnal creatures. Quokka Tours provides an immersive experience that combines education, adventure, and serenity. The journey begins with a scenic transfer from Perth to the conservation hotspot, where the landscape shifts from urban sprawl to rugged bushland. Upon arrival, visitors indulge in a picnic dinner amid native flora, setting the stage for a night full of surprises. The highlight is a guided tour of Barna Mia, a protected habitat teeming with creatures like quokkas, possums, and elusive nocturnal marsupials. The guides' knowledge makes each encounter more meaningful as they share stories about the area's ecological significance and history. As the night falls further, a peaceful Sound Healing session under the shimmering Milky Way provides a calming conclusion, blending natural sounds with therapeutic vibrations. This trip is perfect for those eager to observe Australian wildlife in their natural environment away from city lights. Quokka Tours stands out because of their dedication to conservation and their authentic, educational approach. Their intimate small-group setting enhances the experience, fostering a deeper connection with nature. The dry, bushy terrain also offers excellent stargazing opportunities, making this a comprehensive night adventure. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a night owl, or simply looking for a unique way to connect with Australia’s wild side, this tour delivers an unforgettable night journey through one of Western Australia’s most treasured ecosystems.
Route Schematic
Route & key stops
A linear route that moves from city pickup through the wheatbelt to Dryandra Woodlands with wildlife walks, a forest dinner, Barna Mia night viewing and a city drop‑off.
Perth city pickup
Pickup from multiple locations in Perth City to begin the transfer to Dryandra.
Scenic drive and restroom stop
A scenic drive through native forest and the wheatbelt with a toilet stop en route.
Guided bush walk in Dryandra
A guided walk to look for native animals and — in spring — wildflowers.
Forest barbecue picnic
A picnic barbecue dinner in the forest with wine and cold drinks; dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised.
Barna Mia wildlife sanctuary
An educational presentation followed by a guided nocturnal tour to observe endangered native animals at feeding time.
Stargazing
An evening session of stargazing and astrophotography opportunities, including views of the Milky Way and shooting stars.
Return drop‑off to Perth
Drop off back to your accommodation in the city to conclude the outing.
Participants should note the tour includes walking on bush tracks and evening outdoor time; children must meet the operator’s minimum age requirement of 5 years.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Scenic wheatbelt drive into Dryandra Woodlands
A scenic drive from Perth moves through native forest and the Wheatbelt into Dryandra Woodlands, a biodiversity hotspot whose native bush serves as habitat for dozens of mammal and bird species and hundreds of plants.
Barna Mia: guided nocturnal sanctuary tour
The tour’s focal point is a guided nocturnal visit to Barna Mia wildlife sanctuary for a presentation and an after‑dark guided walk to observe endangered native animals at feeding time — an experience highlighted as a guaranteed wildlife sighting.
Forest picnic and stargazing
Before nightfall the group shares a picnic (barbecue) dinner in the forest with wine and cold drinks; the evening closes with stargazing and an opportunity for astrophotography of the Milky Way and shooting stars.
What the day feels like
How the night unfolds
You’ll be collected in Perth for a drive through native forest and the wheatbelt to Dryandra Woodlands, take a guided bush walk to look for native animals and wildflowers, share a barbecue picnic in the forest at sunset, then join Barna Mia for a wildlife presentation and a guided nocturnal tour to see endangered animals at feeding time — the evening ends with stargazing under a dark southern sky.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this night safari suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Hat and sunglasses for daytime, comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes for the evening and a water bottle are recommended.
A barbecue picnic dinner is provided in the forest; advise the operator of any dietary requirements in advance.
Prepare for cooler night temperatures with layers and warm clothing for the stargazing portion of the tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The experience is an extended day‑into‑night outing; consult the operator for exact timings for your booking.
Where does the tour depart from?
Pickup is available from multiple locations in Perth City; the operator offers flexible pickup locations.
Is there an age limit for children?
Children must be at least 5 years old to join the tour.
Will I definitely see animals on the night tour?
The tour includes a guided visit to Barna Mia wildlife sanctuary at feeding time, which is designed to allow observation of endangered native animals.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes — the barbecue picnic dinner can accommodate dietary requirements if advised to the operator in advance.
Can I take photos of the stars with my phone?
Yes — the itinerary includes stargazing and an opportunity to take photos of the Milky Way and shooting stars with a phone.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-16T04:12:26.860Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.