Healesville
Quick facts
- Population approximately 9,000
- 60 kilometres east of Melbourne
- At the heart of the Yarra Valley wine and food region
- Attractive township surrounded by vineyards and low-lying mountains.
Healesville is famous for its internationally-renowned wildlife sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of Australian native animals. Surrounded by scenic countryside, the town is an important food and wine centre and host to the annual Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival. Year-round, visit local vineyards to sample local wines and talk to their makers at cellar doors.
Activities and attractions
- Visit the award-winning Healesville Sanctuary, home to platypus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, lyrebirds, kangaroos, emus, wallabies, dingoes, echidnas and more. Visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and experience a behind-the-scenes view of a real wildlife hospital.
- Visit some of the renowned local wineries including Rochford Wines, Domaine Chandon and Coldstream Hills
- Enjoy a picnic at the peaceful Badger Weir Park then take a short stroll through fern gullies and mountain ash
- Browse some of the local galleries, including Toolangi Pottery and the handcrafted jewellery made by resident goldsmith Tim Peel at Silvermist Gallery
- Ride in a motorised, open air trolley on the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway – the original trolleys were used by workmen checking the line
- Shop for bargains in antique or second hand dealerships
- Enjoy a day out with friends and family at Hedgend Maze. The maze changes on a regular basis to maintain the challenge
- Browse the Healesville River Street Market.
Major events
- Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival – February
- Rochford Concert Series – December-March
How to get there
Healesville is just under an hour from Melbourne on the Maroondah Highway. Travel north-east on the Eastern Freeway, onto Springvale Road and then right onto Maroondah Highway.
