A Bushland Haven
Just an hour from Melbourne, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary unfolds across 70 acres of tranquil bushland. Paths wind through eucalyptus groves and creek beds, leading you into habitats alive with Australia’s most iconic creatures. It is a place where people and animals reconnect, where conservation meets experience, and where every turn reveals something extraordinary.
Wildlife Encounters
Koalas snooze high in the treetops, kangaroos bound across open country, wombats burrow quietly, and platypus glide through shaded waters. Dingoes, emus, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, and over 200 native bird species call this sanctuary home. Close‑up encounters allow you to meet these animals face‑to‑face, deepening your understanding of their lives and the efforts to protect them.
Signature Experiences
- Spirits of the Sky: A breathtaking free‑flight presentation where wedge‑tailed eagles soar and colourful parrots streak across the sky.
- Wallaby Walkabout: Wander among wallabies and kangaroos in a spacious enclosure, observing their playful habits up close.
- Koala Forest: Boardwalks lead into the Manna Gum canopy, where koalas rest and echidnas scurry below.
- World of the Platypus: Watch one of Australia’s most elusive creatures swim, forage, and play in its riverside environment.
- Dingo Country & Woodland Track: Discover dingoes, Tasmanian devils, lace monitors, kookaburras, and pelicans in immersive bushland settings.
Care & Conservation
The Australian Wildlife Health Centre is a working hospital where vets and nurses treat more than 2,000 sick, injured, or orphaned animals each year. Visitors can witness firsthand the journey of rescue, rehabilitation, and release, seeing the sanctuary’s vital role in saving endangered species.
Family & Play
Children delight in interactive zones: splashing in creek play areas, exploring wombat burrows, or stepping into the pouch of a giant kangaroo. Water play zones, shaded cool areas, and nature‑based playgrounds make the sanctuary as fun as it is educational.
The Experience
Healesville Sanctuary is internationally renowned, yet deeply local — a place where conservation, culture, and community converge. Whether you wander the bush tracks, watch raptors soar, or share a quiet moment with a koala, it is an experience that lingers long after you leave.