Healesville

Healesville is at the heart of the Yarra Valley wine and food region and is known for its wildlife sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of Australian native animals. Healesville Sanctuary, where you can see iconic Australian animals like platypus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, lyrebirds, kangaroos, emus, wallabies, dingoes and echidnas, has played a leading role in the long-term care and protection of Australian wildlife. At the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, experience a working animal rescue centre and hospital and follow the journey of an animal, such as an injured or orphaned baby wombat, through the process of rescue, care and rehabilitation. Healesville is an important food and wine centre and host to the annual Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival. Visit local vineyards to sample locally produced wines and talk to their makers at cellar doors. Don't miss renowned local wineries including Rochford's Eyton, Domaine Chandon and Coldstream Hills. Healesville is surrounded by scenic countryside. Enjoy a picnic at the peaceful Badger Weir Park then take a short stroll through fern gullies and mountain ash. Learn about local Aboriginal culture and shop for Indigenous artefacts and souvenirs at Bundjel, the Aboriginal Cultural Display and Gallery. Ride in a motorised, open air trolley on the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway. The original trolleys were used by workmen checking the line. Healesville is 60 kilometres or just under an hour east of Melbourne on the Maroondah Highway. Travel north-east on the Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway.