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Healesville Sanctuary Overview

Witness the magic of Australia’s unique wildlife come alive at Healesville Sanctuary, one of Melbourne’s most loved tourist destinations. From iconic wild inhabitants like kangaroos and koalas to numerous species that are threatened with extinction, Healesville Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of animal and bird species. Meet native species in their natural habitats and interact with their knowledgeable keepers as you explore and quench your curiosities at Healesville Sanctuary.

If you are planning a trip to Melbourne, be sure to include Healesville Sanctuary in your itinerary. Nestled in Yarra Valley, this renowned wildlife attraction offers a unique zoo experience with meticulously recreated natural habitats. Spanning 70 acres of bushlands, the sanctuary features seven distinct habitats, providing a home for diverse Australian species. Explore Main Track, Woodlands Track, Dingo Country, Wetlands Track, Kangaroo Country, Koala Forest, and World of the Platypus. Enhance your Australia trip with exclusive close-up encounters with emus, dingoes, platypus, kangaroos, wombats, and koalas, making your visit truly memorable.

Spend an unforgettable day with your loved ones at Healesville Sanctuary as you contribute to the wildlife hub’s intense conservation efforts and learn more about Australia’s unique wildlife, their habitats, and their lifestyle, at Melbourne’s iconic wild paradise.

Highlights

• Visit Melbourne’s premier wildlife destination, Healesville Sanctuary, and meet some of Australia’s iconic wild animal and bird species in their natural habitats.
• Explore the recreated habitats of the sanctuary’s wild residents at Main Track, Woodlands Track, Dingo Country, Wetlands Track, Kangaroo Country, Koala Forest, and World of the Platypus.
• Interact with the knowledgeable keepers of the sanctuary at designated time slots throughout the day and quench your curiosities about the inhabitants of the zoo.
• Head on exclusive close-up encounters with wild residents of Healesville Sanctuary, like dingoes, platypus, koalas, kangaroos, and many more.
• Contribute to Healesville’s attempts at wildlife preservation and conservation by participating in their simple, friendly initiatives.
• Spend a memorable day out with your loved ones as you stroll through the natural environment and enjoy an old-fashioned picnic on Healesville Sanctuary grounds.

How To Reach

Healesville Sanctuary is located at Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia. It is a one-hour journey from Melbourne CBD via the Yarra Valley.

By Public Transport: Take a train from Melbourne city center that takes you to Lilydale through the Lilydale Line. Hop off at the station and take bus route 685 to reach Healesville. The connecting bus 686 will take you further to Healesville Sanctuary.

By Car: The Eastern Freeway out of Melbourne would take you from Melbourne CBD to Healesville Sanctuary via Badger Creek Road. The Tullamarine Freeway from Melbourne Airport will take you to your destination via Eltham-Yarra Glen Road.

By Shuttle: Many local tour operators offer shuttle services from Melbourne to Healesville Sanctuary.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Healesville Sanctuary is in the early morning hours. The crowds are less during this period and the animals just begin their day, allowing you to witness them at their best.

It is recommended that you visit Healesville Sanctuary on weekdays as weekends at the zoo are crowded with families. Visiting on weekdays allows you to explore the attraction at leisure and with peace.

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Other Essential Information

  • It is recommended that you book your tickets online to avoid long queues at the walk-in counters. It is also mandatory to pre-book tickets if you wish to visit Healesville Sanctuary.
  • Entry for kids is free on some days, but they need pre-booked entry tickets and to be accompanied by adults for visiting the zoo.
  • Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities can enter Healesville Sanctuary for free. The zoo is accessible for those using wheelchairs and strollers, and dedicated parking bays and a bus bay have been provided near the entrance.
  • Book exclusive encounter tours to get up close and personal with the animals at the zoo.
  • Visitors are allowed to bring food from outside, as well as step out of the zoo premises after informing the gate staff.
  • Healesville Sanctuary has two easily-accessible parent rooms to provide all necessary facilities to parents with small kids.
  • Meet and interact with the keepers of the zoo at designated time slots throughout the day and learn all you wish to know about the animals of Healesville Sanctuary.
  • It is recommended that you visit during the early morning hours on weekdays to avoid crowds and explore Healesville Sanctuary at leisure.

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Day Wise Timings
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Point of Interest for Healesville Sanctuary
Main Track
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Main Track

Meet a diverse range of amphibians and reptiles, and witness the birds of prey and parrots flying at the flight area. From seeing native species like kangaroos, emus, and koalas to exploring the culture of Aborigines, Main Track has it all.

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Dingo Country
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Dingo Country

Spot the Dingo, one of Australia’s most renowned yet threatened animal species, and explore its history and habitat at Dingo Country.

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Wetlands Track
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Wetlands Track

Follow a trail through the wetlands of Healesville Sanctuary and witness native water creatures like birds and frogs and learn more about them and their habitat at Wetlands Track.

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Kangaroo Country
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Kangaroo Country

A habitat dedicated entirely to Australia’s most iconic animal, the kangaroo, can be explored at Healesville Sanctuary. From interacting with the keepers to witnessing wombat burrows, Kangaroo Country promises a little wildlife adventure.

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Koala Forest
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Koala Forest

Meet Australia’s famous koalas and interact with their keepers to know about their lives and habitats at Koala Forest.

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World of the Platypus
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World of the Platypus

Enter the riverside habitat of Healesville Sanctuary’s renowned platypus, and garner valuable information about these little foragers at World of the Platypus.

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Woodlands Track
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Woodlands Track

Walk into the Australian bushland and meet birds and animals that range from emus and kookaburras to wallabies and wombats as they live in their native ecosystem at Woodlands Track.

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Healesville Sanctuary Reviews

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Aslesha Talwar
Reviewed: 05 Feb 2020
5.0/5
I, with my friend, booked this package from Thrillophilia and it was an experience that I can never forget. An adventure I would recommend to all!
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Bhargavi Nayar
Reviewed: 05 Feb 2020
4.0/5
There is no train like Puffing Billy. That 24-kilometre ride is something I would want to do again and again.

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