Stroll through natural bush habitats where kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats, and other native mammals live among towering eucalyptus trees.
Quick Information
TICKETS
From $123.36
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
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
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.
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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You can see koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, wombats, dingoes, echidnas, emus, cassowaries, reptiles, birds of prey, parrots, and many other native Australian species.
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Most visitors spend 4–6 hours exploring the sanctuary, attending presentations, and enjoying the walking trails.
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Yes. The sanctuary offers family-friendly walking trails, interactive exhibits, wildlife presentations, and close-up animal experiences that appeal to children of all ages.
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Yes. Premium encounters are available for several Australian animals, including koalas, dingoes, platypuses, kangaroos, and birds, subject to availability.
It's a working wildlife hospital where veterinarians treat injured, sick, and orphaned native animals while visitors observe many procedures through dedicated viewing areas.
Yes. While Melbourne Zoo features animals from around the world, Healesville Sanctuary focuses exclusively on Australian native wildlife in natural bushland settings.
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Absolutely. Combining iconic Australian wildlife, immersive bushland habitats, award-winning bird presentations, conservation programs, and hands-on animal encounters, Healesville Sanctuary is one of Victoria's most rewarding wildlife experiences for visitors of all ages.
