Healesville Sanctuary is a wildlife park just outside of Melbourne in the Yarra Valley that specializes in Australian native animals. The sanctuary is home to more than 200 different species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles.
As well as having a large natural bush setting with walking tracks, there many animals that can be seen at the sanctuary. Visitors can watch Australian wildlife shows such as the Spirits of the Sky bird show or they can even interact with some animals during feeding times.
Visitors can also learn more about Australia’s endangered wildlife species in interactive displays and meet-the-keeper presentations
Healesville Sanctuary: Wildlife park specializing in Australian native animals
Healesville Sanctuary is a 70 acre wildlife park specializing in Australian native animals. It is located in Healesville, Victoria, Australia. It’s a non-profit organization that is run by volunteers and funded by donations.
The sanctuary was created by Sir Colin MacKenzie in 1920 and was eventually passes to the Healesville Council in 1927. It then became the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary in 1934.
Home to more than 200 different species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles
Healesville Sanctuary is a must-visit when you are in Melbourne. It’s home to more than 200 different species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles.
It is set in a large natural bush setting with walking tracks.
Animals that you can encounter include emus, koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, dingos and echidnas. The wildlife sanctuary is so large that there are multiple trails that you can take. These trails can take anywhere up to four hours if you wish to see all the animals.
Some of its amazing animal exhibits including:
- A platypus display which includes a number of platypus paddling in their stream where you can see them at eye level.
- An indoor exhibit that showcases animals that usually come out at night in the darkness.
- If you’re into wildlife shows, the sanctuary has the Spirits of the Sky bird show which is performed every day. Queue early on busy days as the amphitheatre has a limited capacity of 800. The show takes place at 12 pm and 3 pm daily.
Learning about Australia’s endangered wildlife species
Visitors to Healesville Sanctuary can also learn more about Australia’s endangered wildlife species in interactive displays and presentations. Keeper talks are a good chance to learn how Australian animals are affected by climate change, habitat loss and invasive predators.
A Day Out with the Family
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a day out with the family, especially if you have children who are interested in Australia’s native wildlife.
Watch a walkthrough of Healesville Sanctuary below.
How to get to Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is located at Badger Creek Road, Healesville, VIC, Australia, Victoria. It is around an hour and 15 minutes drive out of Melbourne.
Visit the Healesville Sanctuary website.
When visiting the Yarra Valley, you may also wish to visit Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
