Why visit Healesville Sanctuary?

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Meet Australia's most iconic native animals

Encounter over 200 species of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, wombats, dingoes, emus, echidnas, cassowaries, reptiles, and colourful native birds, all within natural bushland habitats.

Experience world-class wildlife presentations

Watch the famous Spirits of the Sky presentation, where majestic birds of prey, parrots, and owls soar overhead while expert keepers share fascinating insights into Australia's birdlife.

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Get closer than ever to native wildlife

Choose from a range of premium animal encounters, including opportunities to meet koalas, dingoes, platypuses, kangaroos, and other iconic Australian animals under the guidance of wildlife experts.

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Explore a sanctuary set in native bushland

Unlike a traditional zoo, Healesville Sanctuary is designed around Australia's natural landscapes, with scenic walking trails winding through eucalyptus forests and open habitats.

Learn about conservation in action

Visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and discover how veterinarians and conservationists rescue, rehabilitate, and protect Australia's native wildlife.

Brief history of Healesville Sanctuary

Established in 1934, Healesville Sanctuary was created to provide a dedicated home for Australia's unique native wildlife while educating visitors about the country's remarkable biodiversity. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Australia's leading wildlife parks and a major conservation centre.

Today, the sanctuary is managed by Zoos Victoria, which also operates Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Beyond welcoming visitors, Healesville Sanctuary plays a vital role in breeding endangered species, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary care, and conservation programs across Australia.

Architecture & design

Rather than traditional zoo enclosures, Healesville Sanctuary is designed to immerse visitors in natural Australian bushland. Wide walking trails meander through open habitats surrounded by native eucalyptus trees, creating an environment that closely resembles the animals' natural ecosystems.

The sanctuary combines landscaped gardens, forested pathways, spacious habitats, and modern visitor facilities while carefully integrating conservation areas and educational spaces. The award-winning Australian Wildlife Health Centre also serves as both a working veterinary hospital and an educational attraction.

Animal habitats to explore

Australian Bushland

Stroll through natural bush habitats where kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats, and other native mammals live among towering eucalyptus trees.

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Platypus Country

Observe one of Australia's most elusive animals as platypuses swim and forage in specially designed habitats that recreate their freshwater environment.

Koala Forest

See koalas relaxing high in eucalyptus trees while learning about their behaviour, diet, and conservation.

Dingo Country

Meet Australia's iconic wild dogs and discover their ecological importance through keeper talks and educational displays.

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Australian Wildlife Health Centre

Watch veterinarians caring for injured and rescued wildlife through viewing windows into one of Australia's leading wildlife hospitals.

Reptile & Amphibian House

Discover native snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, and crocodilians while learning about Australia's extraordinary reptile diversity.

Experiences you can enjoy at Healesville Sanctuary

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Spirits of the Sky presentation

Watch free-flying birds of prey, parrots, and owls perform breathtaking aerial displays while keepers explain their behaviours and conservation.

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Frequently asked questions about Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is renowned for its collection of Australian native wildlife, the Spirits of the Sky bird presentation, premium animal encounters, and its Australian Wildlife Health Centre.

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