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Australia/Things to Do in Melbourne, couple trip

Healesville Sanctuary (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Healesville Sanctuary?

81%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy tranquil bush walks, the raptor show, and optional after-hours tour with local wine; shaded picnic lawns suit dates, yet all attractions close by 5 pm so evening time together is short.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 10,740 reviews)
Healesville / Healesville Sanctuary / Day Trip From Melbourne / Homemade Spring Rolls / Van Life
38 min
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Healesville / Healesville Sanctuary / Day Trip From Melbourne / Homemade Spring Rolls / Van Life
4.6K views • 2 years ago
Healesville Sanctuary – Australian Wildlife in the Yarra Valley || Walking Singapore
9 min
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Healesville Sanctuary – Australian Wildlife in the Yarra Valley || Walking Singapore
2.1K views • 2 years ago
Healesville Sanctuary I Melbourne I 2023
10 min
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Healesville Sanctuary I Melbourne I 2023
1.4K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Intimate wildlife encounters: Enjoy up-close views of native animals away from big crowds.
  • Interactive shows: Bird flights and keeper talks offer shared moments and photo ops.
  • Scenic picnic spots: Harvest lawns and café terraces provide quiet breaks together.

Challenges:

  • Uneven paths: Some trails are unpaved—wear sturdy shoes to stay comfortable.
  • Limited afternoon shade: Bring hats and water in summer to avoid midday heat.
  • Show overlap: Keeper talks and bird shows can coincide—plan your route carefully.
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🏖️ Explore Healesville Sanctuary with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Healesville Sanctuary. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Healesville Sanctuary?

  • A wildlife sanctuary devoted to the preservation and study of Australia’s native mammals, birds and reptiles
  • A conservation and research facility housing over 200 species across recreated bushland habitats
  • An institution managed by Zoos Victoria, supporting breeding programs and ecological research in the Yarra Valley region

What is so special about Healesville Sanctuary for couple trip?

  1. Catch free bird shows and keeper talks for shared highlights
  2. Stroll native bushland habitats for intimate wildlife views
  3. Book a VIP tour for behind-the-scenes access
  4. Relax with local pizza and Yarra Valley wine at café
  5. Plan around the schedule to maximize experiences

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can enjoy key shows, keeper talks, and a leisurely bush walk without rushing.

(View Healesville Sanctuary on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Healesville Sanctuary

Spirits of the Sky bird show:

Watch eagles, parrots, and owls in a 20–30 min free flight demo.

Tip: Arrive 10 min early for front-row seating and best photos.

Koala and Platypus keeper talks:

Learn animal behaviour from keepers at scheduled sessions.

Tip: Check the daily timetable online and reach the talk 5 min before start.

Self-guided bushland walk:

Stroll through Kangaroo Country, Dingo habitat, and platypus ponds.

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for bird spotting.

VIP Sanctuary Tour:

Enjoy a 2 hr behind-the-scenes tour with a keeper’s commentary.

Tip: Book online in advance for a midday slot when animals are most active.

Banksia Café dining with Yarra Valley wine:

Share local pizza and a glass of regional wine on picnic-style tables.

Tip: Ask for a window seat overlooking the bushland for a romantic view.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Healesville Sanctuary

  1. Buy tickets online: Secure entry time and skip the admissions queue.
  2. Use the park map: Plot shows and talks into a loop to avoid backtracking.
  3. Combine with Yarra tour: Extend your visit with a nearby winery for a full-day experience.
🏖️ Tour Healesville Sanctuary like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Healesville Sanctuary. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Healesville Sanctuary

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Rick White (Rickyc12s)

Rick White (Rickyc12s)

Aug 2025

Nice little zoo with a very easy to follow main track with a couple of loops that come back to the same place on the main track, makes it very easy to complete the whole park without doubling back. Time wise I'd allow 1.5 hours for just adults or 3-4 hours with kids if you want to really take everything in.

Jose Soriano

Jose Soriano

Aug 2025

Amazing sanctuary – clean, well-kept, and run by a genuinely lovely team. I was lucky enough to see most of the animals quite active during my visit – sadly, the wombat was asleep, so I missed out there, but that’s nature for you. The facilities are spotless and clearly well cared for, and it’s obvious the animals are healthy and well looked after. The café is fine, but the options can be limited...

Mia Jones

Mia Jones

Aug 2025

I've been here many times, and this is a great little sanctuary. I recommend arriving in early or late hours, as the crowds aren't as large, and you'll be able to get to places/queues quicker. The animals don't mind the weather, but can be a bit elusive. If you arrive in the recommended hours, you're more likely to see them. All the enclosures are well made and designed with care. I highly recomme...

Olive

Olive

Aug 2025

very enjoyable and pleasant trip! We got to see a lot of Australian wildlife up close! Just an overall incredible experience as we were able to see the animals so close and learn more about all the conservationist effor going around!

Lloyd Smyth

Lloyd Smyth

Apr 2025

Wonderful day out - can recommend the days before Easter long weekend as a great time to visit! Beautiful weather, smaller crowds, lots of opportunities to see animals up close without any time pressures! Nice food and toilet facilities throughout the park, including picnic tables. April is a great time to visit with the trees providing plenty of shade even in the middle of day. Our favourite anim...

When is the best time to visit Healesville Sanctuary (Melbourne, Australia)?

Summer: start before 10 am, bring sun protection and refillable water. Winter: wear layers and reserve an indoor café table for warmth.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Melbourne on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
General admission (2 adults)AUD 98
VIP Sanctuary Tour (2 adults)AUD 238
Cafe snack & wineAUD 40
Total EstimatedAUD 376

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Healesville Sanctuary

Address: Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Healesville Sanctuary (Melbourne)?

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About Healesville Sanctuary

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 1300 966 784

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