Sanctuary Profile: Millieroo Retreat

 
Left: A conservation covenant ensures this sanctuary is permanently protected.
Right: Eucalyptus sp.
Photo credits: Brian and Sonia Cooke

Millieroo Retreat

Western Australia • CHITTERING

Millieroo Retreat, located in Chittering, Western Australia, is a hidden gem nestled on acres of protected land dedicated to preserving and nurturing the local wildlife. As a wildlife sanctuary, Millieroo Retreat plays a crucial role in providing a safe haven for a diverse range of species that call the area home.

The land at Millieroo Retreat is under a covenant, put on there by a previous owner, that prohibits any form of agriculture use, ensuring that the natural habitat remains undisturbed and pristine for the wildlife that rely on it for survival. This commitment to conservation has been upheld for over 50 years by dedicated wildlife carers who previously owned the sanctuary. We take it as a great honour to be able to carry on their legacy to protect and rehabilitate Australia’s precious wildlife.

Millieroo Retreat gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings and observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Some of the species that can be spotted at the sanctuary include western grey kangaroos, western brush wallabies, euros (common wallaroos), western pygmy possums, honey possums, brushtail possums, chuditch (western quolls) and a stunning array of bird species. From tiny wrens, silver eyes, Carnaby’s black cockatoos to majestic wedge-tailed eagles.

The sanctuary is teeming with life and offers a unique glimpse into the biodiversity of Western Australia. In addition to the land’s rich fauna, Millieroo Retreat is also home to a freshwater spring, providing a vital water source for the wildlife that inhabit the area. This natural feature further enhances the sanctuary and ensures that the wildlife have access to clean water year-round. Millieroo Retreat is not only a place of refuge for wildlife, but also a place of inspiration and tranquility for our family and friends to connect with nature.

In the future we are hoping to set up a wildlife rehabilitation centre and run educational programs. A dream would also be to make the whole property self-sufficient and to provide a safe haven for endangered or threatened species, allowing them to thrive and hopefully increase in population.

We are always aiming to raise awareness about the unique ecosystems that exist within Western Australia and the importance of protecting them for future generations. We believe Millieroo Retreat will enable us to do this whilst also supporting Australia’s wildlife that is struggling from habitat destruction and land development, wildfires, prescribed burning, invasive species and many other issues. Education is key. 

Brian and Sonia Cooke
Members since 2016