The perfect itinerary inclusion for the young, young at heart and fans of our native fauna, Healesville Sanctuary allows you the chance to see iconic Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Set among 70 acres of Victorian bushland, Healesville Sanctuary works in conjunction with the Werribee and Melbourne zoos to run an extensive conservation program and puts its ecological philosophy into practice wherever possible.
In the heart of the Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary brings its conservation efforts to the forefront by allowing visitors to meet endangered species and learn about the breeding programs that work to bring little critters back from the brink of extinction. At the Healesville Sanctuary you can expect to see some of Australia's most iconic animals, including dingoes, echidnas, koalas, wombats, possums and a variety of birds and reptiles.
One of the Sanctuary's highlights is the daily Spirits of the Sky show, where colourful parrots and imposing birds of prey soar into the flight area and show off their skills. Patrons can take advantage of a number of unique hands-on experiences too, such as frolicking in the Platypus pool, petting an excitable baby Tasmanian devil and watching the vets and nurses at work in the wildlife hospital, which treats more than 2,000 sick and injured native animals each year.
The Healesville Sanctuary is open every day, welcoming children aged under 15 for free every weekend, and on Victorian public holidays and school holidays. A grassroots zoo without all the bells and whistles, Healesville Sanctuary embraces its environment and the local indigenous culture, fostering a sense of connection between visitors and their surrounds.
Why not enjoy a perfect pre-packaged Yarra day out with a "Wine and Wildlife" tour? Embark on a self-guided journey starting with a personalised tour of the Healesville Sanctuary, lunch and wine tasting at the De Bortoli winery and an afternoon of chocolate sampling at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
