Healesville Sanctuary
Opened in 1934, Healesville Sanctuary is a showcase for more than 200 species of native birds, mammals and reptiles, all viewed in a natural bushland setting just over an hour s drive from the city centre. Permitting visitors to get closer to Australia s wildlife than normal zoos, the Sanctuary has made a feature of the unique experiences visitors can have with kangaroos, koalas and Australia s birds of prey.
On the path that weaves through the Sanctuary, it is not unusual to encounter colourful birds, meet an Emu, hear dingoes howl, watch the flight and hunting skills of wedge-tailed eagles or take a stroll amongst kangaroos. The Sidney Myer World of the Platypus , which opened in December 1994, is the most comprehensive Platypus exhibit ever constructed. It affords an intimate encounter with the Platypus in its nocturnal creek habitat. Around these animals, living ferns, mosses and lichens grow above waterfalls and rapids, and tangled tree roots shelter little-known animals such as water-rats, native fish and eels.
Location: Gleneadie Ave., Healesville, 65 kilometres or one hours drive from Melbourne in the Yarra Valley region.
Yarra Valley Visitor Information Centre, The Old Courthouse, Harker Street, Healesville. Ph: (03) 5962 2600
By car, take the Eastern Freeway out of Melbourne then drive east along Maroondah Highway through Ringwood and Lilydale to Healesville. Turn right into Badger Creek Road just past the township centre. From there road signage will guide you to the Sanctuary car park.
By rail, catch the Lilydale train from Flinders Street station, then a connecting bus to the Sanctuary.
By coach tour, numerous tour operators offer day tours. Tours leave from Southern Cross station bus terminal, Spencer Street, city.
