Meet the Wildlife of Sunset Creek: Our Most Adorable Residents

If you’ve ever wanted to wake up to the sound of birds singing, the rustle of a wallaby hopping by, or the sight of a joey peeking out from its mother’s pouch, you’re in the right place! Sunset Creek is a dedicated wildlife sanctuary where some of Australia’s most iconic (and adorable) creatures find a safe haven.

Why Do We Care for Wildlife?

Australia is home to over 50 species of macropods (that’s the kangaroo and wallaby family, for those new to the lingo), but many of them are at risk due to habitat destruction, road accidents, and climate change. Sadly, an estimated 50,000 kangaroos and wallabies are hit by cars every year. That’s where we come in—providing care, rehabilitation, and a second chance for these amazing animals.

So what is a wildlife sanctuary? Many people picture a place like a zoo where you can go and pat the animals but that's not actually what a wildlife sanctuary is. A proper wildlife sanctuary is a place where animals can live freely in a safe and protected environment. These animals are wild. Our aim is to provide a safe environment for them to live in their natural habitat. For those who are injured or orphaned we will then intervene to provide medical care or life sustaining care such as for joeys to young to care for themselves.

Our sanctuary here provides almost 200 acres of unspoiled Aussie bushland. So what animals call Sunset Creek home?

Let’s introduce you to some of the stars that live on our sanctuary!

1. The Orphaned Joeys: Tiny Hoppers with Big Attitudes

Imagine being woken at the break of day… by a hungry, bottle-fed joey demanding a feed. Welcome to our world! Orphaned joeys need round-the-clock care, and while they may look sweet and innocent, they quickly develop strong personalities (and an impressive ability to demand attention).

At Sunset Creek, we raise these little ones with love, bottle-feeding them up to five times a day and teaching them how to hop, graze, and eventually return to the wild. Each one has its quirks—some love cuddles, while others think they run the place. Spoiler alert: they do.

Our goal is to build a dedicated macropod nursery so we can handle more of these beautiful babies and give them a chance at life even after the tragedy of being orphaned.

2. The Wallabies: The Shy Ones with a Secret Love for Snacks

Wallabies are like kangaroos’ smaller, cuter cousins—think of them as the introverts of the macropod world. They’re a little shy at first, but give them a safe space (and a few tasty leaves), and they’ll warm up to you.

Interesting fact: Unlike kangaroos, wallabies have shorter legs and tails, making them expert jumpers in dense forests. They’re basically the parkour champions of the animal kingdom. They are also much picker about the grass they eat so having different species of grass on our sanctuary allows for even the pickiest of eaters.

3. The Echidnas: The Unexpected Guests Who Steal the Show

You never know when an echidna will waddle through Sunset Creek, looking like a tiny, confused porcupine. Fun fact: these little guys lay eggs! That’s right—echidnas are one of only two mammals in the world that lay eggs (the other is the platypus, Australia’s other bizarre masterpiece).

Echidnas are surprisingly fast diggers and use their long tongues (up to 18 cm!) to slurp up ants and termites. They may look prickly, but trust us, they’re total sweethearts—unless you’re an ant.

4. The Possums: The Night Owls of Sunset Creek

Ever had someone crash your late-night snack session? That’s possums for you! These nocturnal cuties love to explore the sanctuary after dark, climbing trees and occasionally stealing a bit of fruit left out for them.

Despite their mischievous nature, possums are an essential part of the ecosystem, helping to spread seeds and keep insect populations in check. Plus, let’s be honest—those big round eyes and fluffy tails make them hard to resist!

5. The Yellow-bellied Gliders: The Endangered Acrobat of the Treetops

If you've ever heard what sounds like an old-school squeaky toy echoing through the trees at night, chances are you've just met a yellow-bellied glider! These fluffy daredevils are one of Australia’s largest gliding marsupials, capable of leaping up to 100 meters between trees.

Sadly, due to deforestation, their numbers are declining, and they are now classified as vulnerable. Sunset Creek provides a safe habitat for these nocturnal acrobats, ensuring they have plenty of old-growth trees to call home. They love feeding on tree sap, nectar, and insects—so if you ever see a trail of sticky sap running down a eucalyptus tree, you might just have a glider neighbor nearby!

Protecting these little flyers is crucial, and every visit or donation helps us preserve their habitat for generations to come.

How You Can Help These Amazing Animals

If you love wildlife as much as we do, here are a few ways you can make a difference:

🦘 Drive carefully – Slow down in wildlife zones, especially at dawn and dusk.

🌱 Create wildlife-friendly spaces – Plant native trees and keep water available in summer.💛 Support sanctuaries like ours! Donations, visits, and adoptions help us rescue and care for these animals.

At Sunset Creek, we believe every creature deserves a safe place to call home. Whether you visit us for a peaceful glamping getaway or follow our updates from afar, you’re part of this journey to protect Australia’s wildlife.

Want more adorable wildlife moments? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily animal updates!