Healesville Sanctuary (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Healesville Sanctuary?
Babies enter free; parents find stroller hire, nursing rooms, microwaves, wide paths, and change tables, but no infant play area and sudden bird-show noise may unsettle, so visit at quiet times.
Positives:
- Baby admission free: Children aged 0–3 enter free with adults.
- Stroller-friendly access: Most main paths are paved and level for prams.
- Dedicated parent facilities: Two Parent’s Rooms offer bottle heaters and change tables.
Challenges:
- Limited baby play areas: No dedicated toddler playground; creek play is best option.
- Pram hire limited: Stock is small; arrive early or bring your own stroller.
What is so special about Healesville Sanctuary for with baby?
- Free entry for babies
- Short interactive bird shows and keeper chats
- Paved, stroller-friendly bushland paths
- Parent’s Rooms with feeding and change facilities
- Shallow creek play at Poorneet Creek
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Fits baby’s nap and lets you see key shows and habitats without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Healesville Sanctuary
Spirits of the Sky bird show:
20–30 min live demo of eagles and parrots in flight.
Tip: Arrive 10 min early and pick a shaded seat for sun protection.
Self-guided stroller-friendly bushland walk:
Paved loop through kangaroo country, dingo habitat and aviaries.
Tip: Follow the main paths and use the map to plan breaks at benches.
Free Animal Talks:
Keeper chats on koalas, platypus and more at set times.
Tip: Stand near the edge to avoid crowds and hold baby securely.
Poorneet Creek Play & Robert Eadie Lawns:
Shallow paddling pool and lawns ideal for baby water play.
Tip: Bring extra clothes, water shoes and a towel for quick changes.
Parent’s Rooms at The Nest & The Pouch:
Private feeding chairs, bottle warmers and change tables.
Tip: Locate both rooms on your map and plan feeds between shows.
Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single stroller hire | AUD 20 |
| Café snacks and drinks | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 40 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Healesville Sanctuary?
Summer: bring sun hat, sunscreen and refillable water bottle. Winter: warm up with hot drinks at Harvest Café and enjoy quieter midweek visits. Spring: pack a rain cover for the stroller and explore flowering gardens.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Healesville Sanctuary
- Visit shows early: Attend the first bird show or animal talk to avoid crowds and heat.
- Plan feeding breaks: Use Parent’s Rooms between exhibits around key show times.
- Midweek advantage: Weekdays after 3 pm are quieter for stroller navigation.
Map of Healesville Sanctuary
Address: Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Reviews of Healesville Sanctuary
Rick White (Rickyc12s)
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
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
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
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
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...
About Healesville Sanctuary
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 1300 966 784See available options
Promo on Trip.comExplore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
See available options
Promo on Trip.com