Healesville Sanctuary Day Trip from Melbourne
Koalas before lunch, cellar doors after.
For many visitors, Healesville Sanctuary is the day they finally see a platypus, hold their breath at a wedge-tailed eagle in flight and get within metres of a koala. The sanctuary is set in bushland on the edge of the Yarra Valley, roughly an hour and a quarter east of the city. Pairing it with the valley’s wineries and food stops makes a full, relaxed day — and with your own car, the morning and afternoon run to your timetable rather than a coach company’s.
Black Mercedes Sprinter with the Melbourne city skyline at Docklands
Morning at the sanctuary
Arrive soon after opening, when the animals tend to be most active and the paths are quieter. Allow a few hours to walk the trails, catch a keeper talk and see the bird show. Sanctuary entry is bought directly through the sanctuary.
Afternoon in the Yarra Valley
Healesville township has bakeries and cafes for a quick lunch, or continue into the valley for a long one at a winery restaurant. Afterwards there is time for a cellar door or two, a cheese or chocolate stop, and the scenic drive back to Melbourne. For a dedicated wine day, see Yarra Valley wine tours.
Perfect for first-time visitors and families
Guests on their first trip to Australia often rate this as the highlight of their stay — see international visitors. For families, the car does the hard part: car seats, snacks and tired children are easier in a roomy vehicle. The G-Wagon suits a small family; the Sprinter carries extended family together.
Getting a price
Any car in our fleet can do this day. Send us the date, where to collect you and how many are travelling — through the booking form, WhatsApp or 0470 555 667 — and our booking manager comes back with a quote. More trips: private day tours from Melbourne.
The Vehicles
Common Questions
How far is Healesville Sanctuary from Melbourne?
Roughly an hour and a quarter by car east of the city, on the edge of the Yarra Valley.
What is the best time to arrive at Healesville Sanctuary?
Soon after opening, when the animals are usually most active and the paths are quieter.
Can we add wineries after the sanctuary?
Yes — the Yarra Valley cellar doors are close by, so a wildlife morning and a winery afternoon fit comfortably into one day.
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Check your date
Send us the date, the occasion and your group size. We reply fast with availability and a firm price — and the vehicle we confirm is the one that arrives.