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Things to do in Healesville

Our most recommended things to do in Healesville

Healesville Sanctuary: General Admission Ticket

1. Healesville Sanctuary: General Admission Ticket

Wander through the tranquil tracks and meet over 200 species of Australian animals, including the iconic koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and emus in their natural surrounds.  Enjoy the fantastic Spirits of the Sky experience, a hugely popular free show that takes place at Healesville Sanctuary daily. Be awed by the beauty and power of these birds as they demonstrate their incredible ability to fly.  Healesville Sanctuary is internationally renowned for its work saving endangered Australian species at the Australian Wildlife Center. Visit the center, which treats more than 2000 sick and injured native animals every year.  Be sure to visit the treetops of Koala Forest and hop into Kangaroo Country to see red kangaroos, tree kangaroos and wombats.

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

2. Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

Drive from your central accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy morning tea at the scenic Emerald Lake then take a leisurely walk around the park. Then, explore the Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander around, observing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take a seat at the animal education lessons and live shows. You can also purchase lunch here. Finish the tour with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can sample complimentary chocolates. Return back to your accommodation in central Melbourne.

Yarra Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight & Champagne Breakfast

3. Yarra Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight & Champagne Breakfast

Experience the thrill of ascending over a changing landscape at sunrise, suspended in a basket, floating under a spectacular hot air balloon. The cold air hits your cheeks, clouds floating past, the hot flames above warm you up under the morning sky… as you take flight… up, up, and float away. Join a spectacular hot air balloon experience with a bird's eye view of the picturesque Yarra Valley (located an hour’s drive from Melbourne) – Victoria’s renowned wine region. Operating 364 days of the year (weather permitting) this once-in-a-lifetime tour experience provides an entirely different perspective of the Yarra Valley, beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Take off on a beautiful hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley at sunrise. The Yarra Valley is home to 90 vineyards and 35 wineries, many of which hold a reputation for creating world-class wines. See it from an entirely new perspective as you breeze over the picture postcard landscape. Meet your pilot approximately one hour before sunrise (you will be advised of the exact time and location when you phone the duty pilot the night before your flight). Your pilot will give you a short briefing before being transported to the launch site where you may help with the launch or stand back and take photos of the balloon as it is inflated. Then, climb aboard, and away you go gently floating over the Yarra Valley as if you were a cloud. It is truly one of the most magnificently tranquil, picturesque, and dream-like experiences you can do. Afterward, make a final landing, pack the balloon away, and have a champagne breakfast (additional cost of $35pp).

From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Chocolate Day Trip

4. From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Chocolate Day Trip

We put an emphasis on the social, casual and fun side of a tour by making the group comfortable with one another. The day starts by everyone contributing to a playlist via Spotify so we have music for the day. Once we are on the road we want to get to know what type of people do we have. Are you a big drinker? More of a chocolate and cheese type? Do you like wine ? Do you like beer instead? The guide aims to figure out what kind of group he has and what everyone wants to do. Together, we all contribute to the itinerary and make a plan for the day. There are a lot of options to choose from, but generally there is time for 5 venues. Options range from over 100 wineries of all sizes (some of which are better at certain wines and blends than others), A gin distillery, a champagne place, a cheese place, a cider place, a beer place, a chocolate place, a vodka distillery, a blueberry winery, art museums and restaurants. We generally have time for 5 venues, so we can't do everything! But we aim to try and make sure we do the things that most of the group want to do. If the group want to do a bit of everything we try our best to do as many different things as possible. Sometimes groups are a little less into alcohol than others, so the tours itinerary will change everyday. Sometimes all 5 venues are alcohol related, where as some are only 1 or 2. Because everything is relatively close to one another, there are certain moments where even the group can be split up. Across the road from the winery is a gin place. Across the road from the chocolate place is a winery..etc... So you get complete freedom throughout the day. Of course, however, if we have a group that are happy to put their faith in us and are not too bothered we have a default itinerary that we like to go through. Generally speaking the day would be the following... - Wine tasting at a scenic winery (Helen and Joeys Estate) - 1 Smaller, boutique winery that also does an incredible apple cider (Yering Farm Wines) - A restaurant, 'Quarters', which is located at Huberts Estate, one of the largest wineries in the Yarra Valley. Here you would get complete freedom of what you order for lunch. Lunch is not included in the price and this would be at your own expense on the day. Also here is an indigenous art museum. -1 Gin distillery where we have a paddle/flight of Gins (Four Pillars) -1 Chocolate tasting of 10-12 chocolates (Yarra Valley Chocolataire) - Incredible views the entire time. Each place has tastings of 5-6 wines/gins which are all included in the price. The only additional price is lunch. All of this is done in a fun, social, laid back and non-pretentious way. This isn't a tour for people that take themselves too seriously. We want to inject a lot of fun into what can tend to be a bit of a rigid and structured tour. This isn't a tour, more like a road trip with mates!

Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch

5. Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch

Take a full-day wine tour in the Yarra Valley and discover some of the best wineries in Victoria just an hour's drive from Melbourne. Stop at 4 different wineries, taste a range of wines, and savor an included lunch. After pickup from a range of meeting points, depart for the Yarra Valley. Make your first stop at Greenstone, nestled in the base of the Christmas Hills. Begin by learning the art of the swirl, sniff, and slurp from your expert wine guide and then try a range of cellar door tastings. Move on to the next venue, Balgownie Estate, a stylish winery featuring great views and an excellent restaurant. Enjoy lunch with a glass of the estate's wine, then taste more of the wines produced there at the cellar door. In the afternoon, travel through the gorgeous scenery to a smaller boutique winery, Yering Farm. Experience traditionally made wines and see the antique copper wine-making equipment used by the Yarra Valley’s pioneer vignerons. Afterward, make your final stop at Soumah of Yarrah Valey. The cool climate allows this winery to specialize in styles and varieties typical to northern Italy and southeastern France, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Sample the award-winning wines before returning to Melbourne.

From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Day Trip w/ Wine & Food Tasting

6. From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Day Trip w/ Wine & Food Tasting

Eat and drink your way through the stunningly exquisite Yarra Valley on a tour from Melbourne. Visit traditional wineries and learn about the process of Australian winemaking. Sip award-winning wine and ciders whilst being surrounded by spectacular landscapes. Taste fresh produce and chocolate. Start the day with an indulgent feast for your senses, at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery with an exclusive behind-the-scenes chocolate tasting. Over 250 handcrafted chocolates are available for purchase, as well as a variety of free chocolate samples to enjoy. Visit three boutique wineries and cellar-door estates, such as St Huberts, Boat O’Craigo, and Medhurst Wines. In some cases, the itinerary and winery stops will need to be modified due to unforeseen circumstances, such as group sizes, special events, and cellar-door closures. Enjoy free time in Healesville, grab lunch and discover the gateway town to the Yarra Valley. See the Yarra Valley through local eyes rather than being shuttled from one winery to another. Whilst in Healesville, explore the local shops, cafes, and restaurants or pop into Four Pillars Gin Distillery, Matilda Bay Brewery, or Alchemy Distillers. Finally, enjoy a relaxing ride back to Melbourne.

Melbourne: Yarra Valley Gin, Wine, Beer, Cider Tasting Tour

7. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Gin, Wine, Beer, Cider Tasting Tour

Sample local wines, beers, ciders, and the famous gins at Four Pillars Distillery on a fun day tour to experience the Yarra Valley to the fullest. Meet your host in Melbourne at a central meeting point in front of St Paul's Cathedral at 9 AM, then head towards the Yarra Valley. Next, visit the first winery for a guided wine-tasting experience with a lovely shared grazing board. Then, journey to the second winery for more. By around midday, visit a local brewery to enjoy a tasting paddle of their delicious craft beers or ciders. Here, partake in a shared lunch with gourmet pizzas and fries. After lunch, head to a famous Gin Distillery where you can sample a tasting paddle that includes 4 top gins with a tonic to wash it down. At approximately 4 PM, head back to Melbourne where you'll arrive at around 5:15 PM and be dropped off by Federation Square or St Paul's Cathedral.

Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine and Chocolate Tour

8. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine and Chocolate Tour

Discover the best wine and local produce that the Yarra Valley region has to offer on a guided day tour around the region. Enjoy free chocolate samples at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery and watch the chocolatiers at work. Enjoy ample time here to pick up some goodies. Then, sit back and enjoy the views as you travel through the vineyards and rolling hills of the Yarra Valley with each winery selected for its excellent cellar door experience. The cool climate region provides the perfect growing conditions for all varietals, famous for its Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Chardonnay, some of which you will get to sample throughout the day. Take some free time to explore Healesville township. Stroll by the boutique shops, artist galleries, and grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes or popular pubs. You can even pop into Alchemy Distillery for a quick tasting (own expense). End your tour with a visit to a final cellar, for tastings of red and white wines.

From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour

9. From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour

Travel through the bush laden suburbs of the north-east to the world-famous Healesville Sanctuary, a little over a 1-hour drive from Melbourne. With more than 200 species of native animals on display, this is a great start to the tour. Located on 75 acres of beautiful bushland, the Sanctuary is a magical place to observe many of Australia's iconic animals. In the early afternoon, travel to the Yering Station Vineyard for lunch in a stunning Wine Bar Restaurant. With its world-class views and cuisine, there's an a la carte selection from which to select your main course meal and glass of wine. After lunch, visit the original winery (circa 1859) that features local artworks and produce as well as estate and reserve wines to taste. Finally, make your last stop of the day at the De Bortoli Vineyard at Dixons Creek. It’s a great end to the day with superbly flavored cheeses that compliment the sparkling, table and dessert wines. The journey home takes you through Steels Creek and Christmas Hills for superb Valley views and maybe, the occasional kangaroo.

Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour

10. Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour

After being picked up from your accommodation in Melbourne, ride in air-conditioned comfort to your first stop on this full-day tour. Wander around the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary and see Australia's native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take part in animal education lessons and live shows to learn more about these wonderful creatures. Choose to buy your lunch here before heading to the next stop. Visit Nobbies Tourist Information Center, where you will be able to find out all you need to know about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then, continue to the Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk. Take on the glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this iconic viewpoint. Walk along the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the spectacular surrounds. Head to Phillip Island, where you can purchase your dinner at the venue. Then, get ready to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. After a day to delight animal and nature lovers, return back to Melbourne city center and be dropped back off at your accommodation.

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What people are saying about Healesville

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 545 reviews

Chris is the best!!! We really enjoyed this your thanks to Chris! He is very nice, kind, and fun!I was kinda nervous because of my poor English, but He was kind to everyone and He made good atmosphere so I could find friends there! There was some problem in the car and time schedule was changed a little bit, but I totally didn't care. I defintly will recommend this tour to my friends!thank you.

We were visiting from the Uk to visit family, and my cousin has been here before, we took one of our nephews, we all loved the park, such a wonderful natural environment for the animals, the rangers were super knowledgable and friendly, we had something to eat in the cafe! Would definitely return when next in Australia

Lovely wine tour, the wineries had some great views (perfect for any photos). Each stop had 5+ wines to try. You have X2 stop before lunch and although lovely food the lunch wasn't very filling so I'd suggest a big breakfast or snacks with you to ensure you don't get too drunk :)

Absolutely amazing experience ! Highly recommend, the whole day was planned out very well, not rushed at all Joe was a great guide, very friendly and easy to talk to

Very relaxed and easy going winery tour. All the places we visited were excellent and a great way to escape the city for the day.