Healesville Sanctuary
Set in tranquil bushland at the edge of Healesville, this beloved Zoos Victoria sanctuary is one of the best places in Australia to see native animals up close — platypus, koalas, wombats, dingoes and a spectacular free-flight bird show. It's a genuine Yarra Valley highlight, and one of the few non-wine attractions that draws visitors here in its own right. Here's what to see and how to plan your visit.
Platypus, koalas & birds of prey
The sanctuary showcases Australian wildlife in natural bush settings. Watch platypus glide underwater, meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils, and don't miss the free-flight “Spirits of the Sky” birds-of-prey presentation, usually staged around midday and mid-afternoon. The Australian Wildlife Health Centre lets you watch vets caring for sick and injured animals — a window into real conservation work that fascinates kids and adults alike.
Tickets, hours & how long
The sanctuary is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Adult admission is around $54.50, and children under 16 go free on weekends and Victorian holidays. Allow at least half a day to wander the bush trails and catch a keeper talk or the bird show — mornings are best for active animals. It's in Healesville, moments from Four Pillars Gin and a clutch of cellar doors, so it slots neatly into a broader valley day.
Conservation you can support
Healesville Sanctuary is not just a day out — it's a working conservation organisation. As part of Zoos Victoria, it runs breeding and recovery programs for threatened species including the critically endangered helmeted honeyeater (Victoria's bird emblem), the orange-bellied parrot and the Tasmanian devil, and its wildlife hospital treats thousands of animals a year. Visiting helps fund that work — a feel-good addition to any Yarra Valley trip.
Healesville Sanctuary: your questions
General admission is around $54.50 for adults, with concession pricing available. Best of all, children under 16 enter free on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian school holidays (kids' tickets apply on weekdays). It's run by Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit conservation organisation, so your visit supports native-species recovery. Booking online ahead of time is recommended, especially in peak periods.
It specialises in Australian native wildlife in a beautiful bushland setting — platypus, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and a huge range of birds. Highlights include the free-flight “Spirits of the Sky” birds-of-prey presentation (usually around midday and mid-afternoon) and the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, where you can watch vets treat sick and injured animals. It's a genuine highlight for families.
Allow at least half a day (three to four hours) to see the animals at a relaxed pace and catch a keeper talk or the birds-of-prey show. Many people combine it with a winery lunch or a stop at nearby Four Pillars Gin (both in Healesville) to make a full day. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm, and mornings are the best time to catch the animals active.
Excellent — it's one of the most family-friendly attractions in the valley. The bushland trails are stroller- and pram-friendly, kids under 16 enter free on weekends and holidays, and the mix of platypus, koalas, dingoes and the free-flight bird show keeps children captivated. The Australian Wildlife Health Centre, where you can watch real vet work, is a favourite. Pack water, hats and sunscreen in warmer months.
A great deal — as part of Zoos Victoria, it runs nationally significant breeding and recovery programs for threatened species such as the critically endangered helmeted honeyeater (Victoria's bird emblem), the orange-bellied parrot and the Tasmanian devil. The Australian Wildlife Health Centre treats thousands of sick, injured and orphaned animals each year. Visiting directly supports this work.