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About Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is one of Australia’s most acclaimed wildlife sanctuaries. Showcasing more than 200 species of Australian wildlife, the Sanctuary is a fantastic location to view native animals in their natural habitat.
Located just one hour from Melbourne, tucked into the foothills of the stunning Yarra Valley, the Sanctuary’s 30 hectares of bushland provides a distinctly Australian setting. Here visitors can experience close-up encounters with some of Australia’s most unique and captivating wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypuses.
Immerse yourself in Australian fauna and flora at its very best!
History of the Sanctuary
Originally called the Australian Institute of Anatomy, Healesville Sanctuary was founded by Dr Colin MacKenzie, who in 1921 was granted 70 acres of land, to study native fauna for the purpose of medical research.
Find out moreNew Arrivals
Come and meet some of Healesville Sanctuary's newest arrivals.
Find out moreConservation at the Sanctuary
Find out about some of the Healesville Sanctuary Conservation projects.
Find out moreSanctuary Horticulture
The Horticulture Department at Healesville Sanctuary is dedicated to restoring and maintaining the Sanctuary’s bushland environment, and providing the eucalypt food supply for our koalas and other animals.
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