The Australian Koala at Healesville Sanctuary, the name koala, comes from the Aboriginal saying

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Healesville Sanctuary

Top choice


One of the best places in southern Australia to see native fauna, this wildlife park is home to kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, wombats and koalas. Highlights include Platypus House, where the shy underwater creatures can be observed, and the exciting Spirits of the Sky presentation, which features huge wedge-tailed eagles and colourful parrots soaring through the air (check the website for daily session times). Admission to the sanctuary for kids is free on weekends and holidays.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Sandra Bardas Art Gallery

1.38 MILES

Located on the former site of the Corenderk Mission, a government reserve for Indigenous Victorians who had been dispossessed of their traditional lands,…

2. Yarra Valley Railway

2.18 MILES

Volunteer-operated, this railway has a restored 1940s Walker Railmotor that travels 4.5km from Healesville Station to TarraWarra Estate through an…

3. Rochford Wines

3.15 MILES

This large winery produces chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, which can be tasted at the cellar door ($5, redeemable on purchase). There's…

4. TarraWarra Estate

3.74 MILES

Though the art gallery and restaurant are the main attractions here, the winery has a lair-like underground cellar door and barrel room designed by…

5. TarraWarra Museum of Art

3.74 MILES

Housed in a striking Allan Powell–designed building at TarraWarra Estate, this excellent gallery showcases Australian art from the second half of the 20th…

6. Coldstream Hills

4.68 MILES

The estate-grown chardonnay and pinot noir are the star picks here; tastings cost $5 (redeemable on purchase) and tours ($49 for two people, including a…

7. Medhurst Wines

4.88 MILES

A modern, architecturally notable winery on 35 acres of vines, Medhurst produces highly regarded pinot noir, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Tastings (…

8. Yarra Ranges National Park

5.4 MILES

Towering above Warburton is the ruggedly beautiful Yarra Ranges National Park. Mt Donna Buang (1250m) is the park highlight and is snow-topped in winter…