Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience with Australia’s native wildlife? Do you want to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypus, echidnas, emus, dingoes, and birds of prey in their natural habitats? Do you want to learn about the conservation work and initiatives that are helping to protect and restore these amazing animals?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should visit Healesville Sanctuary, a zoo that specializes in native Australian animals. Healesville Sanctuary is located in the Yarra Valley, about an hour’s drive from Melbourne. It is one of the three zoos operated by Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit organization that is committed to fighting wildlife extinction. Healesville Sanctuary offers a range of exclusive and immersive animal experiences, such as tours, encounters, and behind-the-scenes access. It also hosts various activities and events throughout the year, such as school holidays, keeper talks, and bird shows.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to plan your visit to Healesville Sanctuary, including prices, tickets, membership, opening hours, getting here, weather, food, facilities, accessibility, and functions. We will also highlight the best time to visit, the tips for visiting, and the attractions near the zoo. Whether you are a family, a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, you will find something to suit your interests and budget at Healesville Sanctuary.
Animals and Habitats
Healesville Sanctuary is divided into different trails and zones that showcase the native Australian animals and their habitats. You can explore the zoo at your own pace, or join a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their stories. Here are some of the trails and zones that you can visit at Healesville Sanctuary:
Australian Wildlife Health Centre: This is where you can see the veterinarians and nurses caring for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. You can also learn about the threats and challenges that the wildlife face, and how you can help them.
Badger Creek: This is where you can see the iconic platypus, one of the most fascinating and elusive animals in the world. You can also see other aquatic animals, such as echidnas, water rats, and frogs.
Dingo Country: This is where you can see the dingoes, the native dogs of Australia. You can learn about their history, culture, and behaviour, and how they differ from domestic dogs.
Kangaroo Country: This is where you can see the kangaroos, the largest marsupials in the world. You can also see other herbivorous animals, such as wallabies, emus, and wombats.
Koala Forest: This is where you can see the koalas, the cuddly and charismatic animals that are loved by many. You can also see other arboreal animals, such as possums, gliders, and cockatoos.
Land of Parrots: This is where you can see the parrots, the colourful and intelligent birds that are native to Australia. You can also see other avian animals, such as kookaburras, magpies, and lyrebirds.
Spirits of the Sky: This is where you can see the birds of prey, the powerful and majestic birds that rule the skies. You can also see other raptors, such as eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
Animal Experiences
Healesville Sanctuary offers a range of exclusive and immersive animal experiences that you can book to enhance your visit. These experiences allow you to get up close and personal with the animals, and learn more about their personalities, habits, and conservation. Here are some of the animal experiences that you can book at Healesville Sanctuary:
Platypus Encounter: This is a 15-minute encounter that allows you to meet and feed a platypus in a private pool. You will also receive a souvenir photo and a certificate of your experience. The cost is $120 per person, and the minimum age is 5 years old.
Wombat Pat and Play: This is a 15-minute encounter that allows you to pat and play with a wombat in a private enclosure. You will also receive a souvenir photo and a certificate of your experience. The cost is $60 per person, and the minimum age is 8 years old.
Dingo Encounter: This is a 15-minute encounter that allows you to meet and interact with a dingo in a private enclosure. You will also receive a souvenir photo and a certificate of your experience. The cost is $60 per person, and the minimum age is 12 years old.
Koala Close-Up: This is a 15-minute encounter that allows you to get close to a koala and take your own photos. You will also receive a souvenir photo and a certificate of your experience. The cost is $30 per person, and the minimum age is 5 years old.
Magic Moments: These are 10-minute encounters that allow you to meet and feed various animals, such as kangaroos, emus, echidnas, cockatoos, and lyrebirds. You will also receive a souvenir photo and a certificate of your experience. The cost is $15 per person, and the minimum age is 4 years old.
Sanctuary Harvest Tour: This is a 90-minute tour that allows you to explore the zoo’s kitchen and gardens, and learn how the food for the animals is prepared and grown. You will also get to feed some of the animals and taste some of the produce. The cost is $75 per person, and the minimum age is 12 years old.
Keeper for a Day: This is a full-day experience that allows you to join the zoo’s keepers and assist them with their daily tasks, such as feeding, cleaning, and enriching the animals. You will also get to go behind the scenes and see areas that are not open to the public. The cost is $495 per person, and the minimum age is 18 years old.
Fighting Extinction
Healesville Sanctuary is not only a zoo, but also a conservation organization that is dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction. Healesville Sanctuary is involved in various conservation work and initiatives, such as breeding programs, research projects, and campaigns. Here are some of the conservation work and initiatives that Healesville Sanctuary is involved in:
Breeding programs: Healesville Sanctuary is part of the Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP), which coordinates the breeding of endangered and threatened species across zoos in Australia and New Zealand. Some of the species that Healesville Sanctuary breeds include the orange-bellied parrot, the helmeted honeyeater, the mountain pygmy-possum, and the Tasmanian devil.
Research projects: Healesville Sanctuary is part of the Wildlife Conservation and Science Department of Zoos Victoria, which conducts research on the biology, ecology, and health of wildlife. Some of the research projects that Healesville Sanctuary participates in include the platypus genome project, the wombat mange project, the dingo behaviour project, and the leadbeater’s possum project.
Campaigns: Healesville Sanctuary is part of the Fighting Extinction Commitment of Zoos Victoria, which aims to prevent the extinction of 21 local threatened species by 2025. Some of the campaigns that Healesville Sanctuary supports include the Beads for Wildlife, the Don’t Palm Us Off, the They’re Calling on You, and the Love Your Locals.
Plan Your Visit
If you are planning to visit Healesville Sanctuary, here are some useful information and tips that you should know:
Prices: The admission prices for Healesville Sanctuary are as follows:
Adult: $37
Child (4-15 years old): $19
Child (under 4 years old): Free
Concession: $28
Family (2 adults and 2 children): $95
Additional child: $9.50
Tickets:
You can buy your tickets online or at the gate. However, online tickets are cheaper and faster, as you can skip the queue and enter the zoo directly. You can also buy tickets for animal experiences online, but you need to book them in advance, as they are subject to availability and capacity limits.
Membership:
If you are a frequent visitor or a wildlife lover, you may want to consider becoming a member of Zoos Victoria. As a member, you can enjoy unlimited entry to Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo, and Werribee Open Range Zoo for 12 months. You can also enjoy discounts on animal experiences, food, and merchandise, as well as invitations to exclusive events and activities. The membership prices for Zoos Victoria are as follows:
Adult: $114
Child (4-15 years old): $61
Child (under 4 years old): Free
Concession: $86
Family (2 adults and 2 children): $299
Additional child: $49
Opening hours:
Healesville Sanctuary is open every day of the year, from 9 am to 5 pm. However, the last entry is at 3:30 pm, and some of the animal exhibits and experiences may close earlier or later, depending on the season and the weather. You can check the daily schedule on the zoo’s website or at the visitor centre.
Getting here:
Healesville Sanctuary is located at Badger Creek Road, Healesville, Victoria, 3777. You can get to the zoo by car, bus, train, or shuttle. Here are some of the options that you can choose from:
Car: You can drive to the zoo from Melbourne via the Eastern Freeway and the Maroondah Highway. The journey takes about an hour, and there is free parking available at the zoo. You can also use a GPS or a map app to navigate your way to the zoo.
Bus: You can take the bus number 685 from Lilydale Railway Station to Healesville, and then walk for about 15 minutes to the zoo. The bus runs every 30 minutes on weekdays, and every hour on weekends and public holidays. The bus fare is $4.40 for adults, and $2.20 for children and concession holders.
Train: You can take the train from Melbourne to Lilydale, and then transfer to the bus number 685 to Healesville. The train runs every 15 minutes on weekdays, and every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays. The train fare is $8.80 for adults, and $4.40 for children and concession holders.
Shuttle: You can book a shuttle service from Melbourne to Healesville Sanctuary, and enjoy a scenic drive through the Yarra Valley. The shuttle runs every day, and picks up and drops off passengers at various locations in Melbourne. The shuttle fare is $35 for adults, and $25 for children.
Weather:
Healesville Sanctuary is located in a temperate climate zone, with four distinct seasons. The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, depending on the season. The weather can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to check the forecast before your visit, and dress accordingly. Here are some of the weather conditions that you can expect at Healesville Sanctuary:
Summer (December to February): The summer is the warmest and driest season, with an average temperature of 25°C. The summer is also the peak season, with more visitors and activities at the zoo. You should wear light and comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You should also drink plenty of water, and seek shade when possible.
Autumn (March to May): The autumn is the most colourful and pleasant season, with an average temperature of 20°C. The autumn is also the best season to see the animals, as they are more active and visible. You should wear layers and a jacket, as the temperature can vary throughout the day. You should also bring an umbrella or a raincoat, as the autumn can be rainy.
Winter (June to August): The winter is the coldest and wettest season, with an average temperature of 15°C. The winter is also the quietest season, with fewer visitors and activities at the zoo. You should wear warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, and a hat. You should also bring a thermos or a flask, as the winter can be chilly.
Spring (September to November): The spring is the most vibrant and lively season, with an average temperature of 20°C. The spring is also the best season to see the flowers, the birds, and the baby animals. You should wear layers and a jacket, as the temperature can change quickly. You should also bring a camera or a binoculars, as the spring can be beautiful.
Food:
Healesville Sanctuary has several food options for visitors, ranging from cafes, kiosks, and picnic areas. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, snacks, and drinks, made with fresh and local ingredients. You can also bring your own food and use the free barbecue facilities at the zoo. Here are some of the food options that you can choose from at Healesville Sanctuary:
Sanctuary Harvest: This is the main cafe at the zoo, located near the entrance. It offers a range of hot and cold meals, such as burgers, salads, sandwiches, pies, and soups. It also offers a range of beverages, such as coffee, tea, juice, and wine. The cafe is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and has indoor and outdoor seating.
Pavilion Cafe: This is a smaller cafe at the zoo, located near the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. It offers a selection of light snacks, such as muffins, cakes, cookies, and ice cream. It also offers a selection of drinks, such as coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks. The cafe is open from 10 am to 3 pm, and has indoor and outdoor seating.
Kiosks: There are two kiosks at the zoo, located near the Land of Parrots and the Spirits of the Sky. They offer a variety of snacks, such as chips, popcorn, candy, and fruit. They also offer a variety of drinks, such as water, juice, and soft drinks. The kiosks are open from 10 am to 4 pm, and have outdoor seating.
Picnic areas: There are several picnic areas at the zoo, located throughout the trails and zones. They offer free barbecue facilities, tables, chairs, and bins. You can bring your own food and cook it on the barbecue, or enjoy a picnic on the grass. The picnic areas are open from 9 am to 5 pm, and have outdoor seating.
Facilities
Healesville Sanctuary has several facilities for visitors, such as toilets, lockers, strollers, wheelchairs, first aid, and lost and found. You can access these facilities at the visitor centre, located near the entrance. Here are some of the facilities that you can use at Healesville Sanctuary:
Toilets: There are toilets located throughout the zoo, with signs indicating their location and availability. The toilets are clean, spacious, and accessible. Some of the toilets also have baby changing facilities and drinking fountains.
Lockers: There are lockers available at the visitor centre, where you can store your belongings securely. The lockers are coin-operated, and cost $2 for small lockers, and $4 for large lockers. The lockers are open from 9 am to 5 pm, and have a limited capacity.
Strollers: There are strollers available for hire at the visitor centre, where you can rent them for the day. The strollers are suitable for children up to 17 kg, and cost $15 for single strollers, and $20 for double strollers. The strollers are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and have a limited availability.
Wheelchairs: There are wheelchairs available for hire at the visitor centre, where you can borrow them for free. The wheelchairs are suitable for adults and children, and have a weight limit of 120 kg. The wheelchairs are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and have a limited availability.
First aid: There is a first aid station at the visitor centre, where you can get medical assistance and advice. The first aid station is staffed by qualified and experienced staff, and has a range of equipment and supplies. The first aid station is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and can be contacted by phone or radio.
Lost and found: There is a lost and found service at the visitor centre, where you can report or claim any lost or found items. The lost and found service is managed by the visitor services team, and has a log book and a storage area. The lost and found service is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and can be contacted by phone or email.
Accessibility
Healesville Sanctuary is committed to making the zoo accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities or needs. The zoo has a range of accessibility features and services, such as ramps, paths, signs, maps, audio guides, and sensory maps. Here are some of the accessibility features and services that you can find at Healesville Sanctuary:
Ramps: There are ramps located throughout the zoo, providing access to the trails, zones, exhibits, and experiences. The ramps are wide, smooth, and gentle, and have handrails and tactile indicators. The ramps are marked on the zoo map, and have signs indicating their direction and gradient.
Paths: There are paths located throughout the zoo, connecting the trails, zones, exhibits, and experiences. The paths are flat, paved, and clear, and have tactile indicators and edge markings. The paths are marked on the zoo map, and have signs indicating their name and distance.
Signs: There are signs located throughout the zoo, providing information and guidance to the visitors. The signs are large, clear, and colourful, and have text, symbols, and pictures. The signs are placed at eye level, and have braille and large print options.
Maps: There are maps available at the visitor centre, where you can get them for free. The maps are detailed, accurate, and easy to read, and have text, symbols, and pictures. The maps are printed on paper, and have braille and large print options. You can also download the maps from the zoo’s website or app, and use them on your device.
Audio guides: There are audio guides available at the visitor centre, where you can borrow them for free. The audio guides are devices that provide audio commentary and information about the zoo, its animals, and its conservation work. The audio guides are compatible with headphones, earphones, and hearing aids, and have volume and language controls. You can also download the audio guides from the zoo’s website or app, and use them on your device.
Sensory maps: There are sensory maps available at the visitor centre, where you can get them for free. The sensory maps are tools that help visitors with sensory sensitivities or preferences to plan their visit to the zoo. The sensory maps indicate the level of noise, light, smell, touch, and movement at different areas of the zoo, and suggest some quiet and calm spaces. You can also download the sensory maps from the zoo’s website or app, and use them on your device.
Attractions Near Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is not only a great destination for wildlife lovers, but also a gateway to explore the Yarra Valley, a region that is famous for its natural beauty, wine, food, and culture. There are many attractions near Healesville Sanctuary that you can visit, either before or after your zoo visit, or as a separate trip. Here are some of the attractions near Healesville Sanctuary that you can choose from:
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery:
This is a place where you can indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy a range of chocolates and ice creams, made with fresh and local ingredients. You can also watch the chocolatiers and ice cream makers at work, join a tasting session, or participate in a workshop. The chocolaterie and ice creamery is located about 15 minutes drive from Healesville Sanctuary, and is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Yarra Valley Railway:
This is a place where you can experience the history and heritage of the Yarra Valley, and enjoy a scenic ride on a historic train. You can also visit the museum, the gift shop, and the cafe at the railway station. The railway is located about 10 minutes drive from Healesville Sanctuary, and is open on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 4 pm.
TarraWarra Museum of Art:
This is a place where you can admire the art and architecture of the Yarra Valley, and see a collection of Australian contemporary art. You can also explore the gardens, the vineyard, and the cellar door at the museum. The museum is located about 20 minutes drive from Healesville Sanctuary, and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Healesville Glassblowing Studio:
This is a place where you can discover the art and craft of glassblowing, and see a range of glass products, such as vases, bowls, sculptures, and jewellery. You can also watch the glassblowers at work, join a demonstration, or take a class. The studio is located about 5 minutes drive from Healesville Sanctuary, and is open from Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Maroondah Reservoir Park:
This is a place where you can enjoy the nature and recreation of the Yarra Valley, and see a stunning view of the reservoir and the dam. You can also walk, cycle, picnic, or play at the park. The park is located about 10 minutes drive from Healesville Sanctuary, and is open every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Healesville Sanctuary is a zoo that specializes in native Australian animals, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. You can see, learn, and interact with a variety of animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypus, echidnas, emus, dingoes, and birds of prey. You can also book exclusive and immersive animal experiences, such as tours, encounters, and behind-the-scenes access.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your visit to Healesville Sanctuary today, and experience the wonder of Australia’s native wildlife zoo. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon at Healesville Sanctuary.
