Healesville Sanctuary — Attraction in Melbourne

Healesville Sanctuary, located in the picturesque Yarra Valley of Victoria, is a world-class wildlife park dedicated to native Australian animals. Operated by Zoos Victoria, this 28-acre sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to see and learn about Australia’s most iconic and endangered wildlife in a natural bushland setting. It’s a must-visit destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in conservation and nature.

The sanctuary is home to over 140 species of Australian animals, from cuddly koalas and playful kangaroos to curious wombats, echidnas, emus, and dingoes. One of the highlights is the "World of the Platypus" exhibit. Healesville Sanctuary is renowned for being the first place to successfully breed a platypus in captivity, a historic achievement in wildlife care and research.

Bird lovers will enjoy the spectacular "Spirits of the Sky" show, where majestic birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles and owls demonstrate their hunting skills and aerial agility. The sanctuary also features a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, and nocturnal creatures, providing a well-rounded introduction to Australia’s diverse fauna.

Healesville Sanctuary isn’t just about animal encounters—it’s deeply committed to conservation. The sanctuary actively participates in important breeding and recovery programs for endangered species like the helmeted honeyeater and Leadbeater’s possum, both of which are native to Victoria. These programs are crucial to preserving Australia’s unique wildlife heritage.

Visitors can explore the sanctuary on serene bushland paths that make the experience feel like a peaceful walk through nature. Educational presentations and interactive exhibits are scheduled throughout the day, offering a deeper understanding of animal behavior and the challenges facing native species.

The sanctuary is also family-friendly, with the Banksia Grove nature play area providing a fun and educational space for kids to connect with nature. There are cubby houses, wooden stumps for climbing, and water play zones—perfect for burning off some energy after seeing the animals.

Amenities include a café offering a range of meals, snacks, and locally sourced wines and beers, as well as gift shops where you can purchase wildlife-themed souvenirs. The facilities are well-maintained, and accessibility is thoughtfully planned, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the park.

Zoos Victoria also offers a membership that includes unlimited access to Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo, and Werribee Open Range Zoo, along with other benefits like discounts and special events.

In conclusion, Healesville Sanctuary delivers an unforgettable wildlife experience that combines education, conservation, and outdoor adventure in a beautiful natural setting. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Victoria, it’s a destination well...

I visited the zoo recently as a support worker accompanying a client, along with my two young children and my mother. What should’ve been a simple and enjoyable visit turned into a deeply upsetting experience due to the way I was treated at the admissions counter.

While I was waiting in line with my family, I briefly stepped up to the window to look at the senior discount card information. When I returned to my spot in line, I was called out in public by a staff member, being told to “be fair and wait in line” something I was already doing. The tone and public nature of this interaction were completely unnecessary and humiliating.

Worse still, two bystanders who weren’t involved felt the need to jump in and make the situation worse, telling me I was “creating a scene” even though I hadn’t raised my voice. The only scene being created was by the lack of professionalism from zoo staff. This incident could have been handled discreetly and respectfully, but instead it felt hostile, discriminatory, and extremely dismissive.

I tried to escalate the matter through the phone number listed on your website and was initially told I’d receive a refund as a goodwill gesture. However, when I went to the admissions desk, I was told that if I wanted the refund, I wouldn’t be allowed into the zoo and would have to wait at the café. As a mother and a support worker, I couldn’t leave my children or client alone inside. I was left with no choice but to continue the visit, even though my experience had already been ruined.

What upsets me most is not just the incident itself, but the lack of cultural sensitivity and public shaming that took place. No mother or support worker or anyone should be made to feel belittled, excluded, or misunderstood, especially not at a family-friendly place like a zoo.

This experience deserves to be acknowledged and addressed. I hope the zoo takes real steps toward training staff in respectful communication, cultural awareness, and conflict de-escalation so that no other family has to go...

As a second-year member and regular visitor with my 2-year-old, Healesville Sanctuary continues to impress! The staff are always welcoming and knowledgeable, making each trip a pleasure. This is a huge difference between other zoos like Werribee and Melbourne So healsville feels completely different. The food and beverages here are fantastic—reasonably priced and genuinely tasty, a rarity for a zoo. So much so that this is the only zoo I buy anything at. We enjoy bringing 'wandering snacks' to keep us going and then settling down later with a drink and a more substantial meal for a break. The Harvest Café is our go-to, with its enclosed space (safe from bin chickens!) and a broader menu selection. The sand playground area near Harvest Cafe is an absolute favorite for little adventurers. It’s the perfect spot for kids to burn off energy and let their imaginations run wild. For those more enthusiastic explorers, consider packing a change of clothes—things can get wonderfully messy in all the excitement! There are shovels and rakes to uncover remains buried in the sand which is good fun. Don’t forget to check the weather specifically for Healesville, as it’s often cooler than Melbourne. Layers of clothing, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and bug spray will keep you prepared for anything. Pack rain gear just in case there's a hint and leave it in the car. I believe you can get a pass out to go grab it. Every visit offers a new experience, from unexpected wildlife encounters to simply soaking in the natural beauty of the sanctuary. It’s a perfect family destination, fostering a love for nature in visitors of all ages....