Visiting Melbourne and unique, quirky Aussie wildlife is top on the list, Healesville is a must. The premier Australian wildlife sanctuary is a short one hour drive from Melbourne. From urban energy to the beautiful Yarra Valley visitors are entranced by the scent and sights of Australia.
Healesville offers visitors guaranteed close up sightings of iconic Australian animals from koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats to magnificent birds of prey. Rangers assist visitors grab a selfie with a parrot’s vivid plumage.
IS HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY, YARRA VALLEY A SUITABLE PLACE TO VISIT WHEN IT’S RAINING?
Healesville Sanctuary is a great place to visit when it’s raining. Very few visitors, no crowds, a welcome large umbrella at reception to borrow. Bring a large rain jacket as you outdoors and enjoy watching wildlife among the raindrops.
Wildlife reacts to rain differently than the visitors, they are not lying in the sun motionless, rather they are either sheltering or moving around investigating what the earth has thrown up with the groundwater. Engage with the guides and get up close and personal with the local wildlife.
Top ways to experience Healesville Sanctuary – Tours & Tickets – BOOK HERE (free cancellation)
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY LOCATION
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEAR HEALESVILLE, YARRA VALLEY?
Near Healesville hop aboard Puffing Billy, heritage train in Dandenong Ranges, TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley is a known hot spot for local artists, check out country towns of Badger Creek, Chum Creek, Coldstream and TarraWarra. Visit country gardens in the Dandenongs.
Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Bus Tour – RESERVE NOW (up to 10% cashback)
HEALESVILLE KOALA INTERACTION
Healesville is picturesque with native plantings to match, as closely as possible, the various environments the wildlife lives in. For visitors short of time a visit to Healesville is a guaranteed introduction to the iconic koala.Â
The raised boardwalk places visitors at eye level height to the eucalyptus trees. Watch koalas leisurely snack on their favourite leaves from the ease of a boardwalk.
Tours & Activities in Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley, Puffin Billy, etc. – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
Healesville Sanctuary is divided into sections, Main Track, reptiles and amphibians, Woodlands Track, Dingo Track, Wetlands Track with native wildlife birds, Kangaroo Country, Koala Forest and Platypus Track. Â
The Sanctuary has a well structured school educational programme to encourage participation and interactive learning. Younger members of your group will be kept entertained. The walking tracks are wheelchair accessible.
Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour – BOOK NOW (get up to 10% cashback)
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HEALESVILLE, YARRA VALLEY?
Healesville Sanctuary is an ideal year round destination. Plenty of shade in the hot summer months, complimentary umbrellas when it’s raining. If possible avoid school holidays due to the larger crowds.
The sanctuary has toilets and cafes dotted throughout the grounds and encourages visitors to picnic in designated areas with food they have brought themselves. There are a number of sessions where the wildlife is introduced to an audience. These sessions, within Healesville are part of the admission fee. Check beforehand to time your arrival.
And photograph wildlife to your heart’s content.
Healesville Sanctuary is owned and managed by Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit conservation organisation committed to fighting wildlife extinction.
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