Wine & Wildlife FAQ

What time will I need to be there to start sipping?

Members can access site from 10am, with general public access by 10:30am. The event will conclude at 4pm.

All attendees – including Zoo Members and infants – must have a ticket to enter Wine & Wildlife. Please ensure you have the correct ticket type booked for each person:

Zoos Members: Pre-booked ticket. Must show valid Zoo Membership card upon entry.
General Public: Pre-booked ticket.
Children 18 & Under (including infants): Pre-booked FREE ticket

All adult tickets include a tasting glass upon arrival.

Please note children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent, guardian or a legal adult, who also must have a ticket. Children under 18 will not receive a tasting glass.

Will I need to print my ticket or can I show it on my phone?

You can print your ticket or display it on your phone, but your ticket must be produced on entry. Zoo Members will need to present both their pre-paid event ticket and their valid membership cards upon entry.

What happens if I miss out on an online ticket?

Firstly, we recommend getting in early and securing your ticket to Wine & Wildlife. Some days of Wine & Wildlife are more popular than others, so if you’ve missed out on your preferred day, try an alternate day. If the day you want to attend is showing as sold out online then no additional tickets are available and will not be available at the gate. Please do not arrive at the Sanctuary without a pre-booked ticket for everyone, including babies. If you do not have a pre-purchased ticket, we cannot guarantee entry to Healesville Sanctuary.

Can I swap the date of my ticket?

Yes, you can swap the date of your online ticket purchase by calling the Zoos Victoria Customer Engagement Team on 1300 966 784. Day swaps are subject to availability.

What if I’m a member and would like to visit Healesville Sanctuary without attending Wine & Wildlife?

During the Wine & Wildlife weekend, all visitors – including Zoo Members – will need to book an event ticket to access the full site, event offerings, local tastings and live entertainment.

Members will not be able to scan in as normal during the two event days and must purchase an event ticket to enter.

What if I want to attend Wine & Wildlife but not drink any alcohol? Will I need to buy a full priced ticket, including a glass?

Everyone attending Wine & Wildlife will need to purchase an event ticket. Not into alcohol? No problem! We will have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, tasty food to indulge in, and plenty of entertainment and good vibes to enjoy throughout the day.

My child is under 18, will they need a ticket if they are not drinking alcohol?

Yes, each individual will need to book a free ticket, regardless of their age. Please note: persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent, guardian or a legal adult.

SPECIFIC TO 16-17 year old concessions: Everyone attending Wine & Wildlife will need to purchase a Wine & Wildlife ticket. All tickets for those 18 years and older include entry to Healesville Sanctuary and a souvenir picnic glass which is yours to keep. There’s plenty more to enjoy at Wine & Wildlife including, live music and lots of other entertainment!

If it is forecast to rain, will the event be cancelled?

Healesville Sanctuary is an outdoor all-weather venue and in the event of rain, Wine & Wildlife will proceed. NO RAINCHECKS. We encourage our visitors to dress for the weather, pop your gumboots and a warm coat on and embrace the season!

In the event of an emergency, ticket holders will be contacted via email and kept up to date via the Zoos Victoria website and social media pages.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Wine & Wildlife is a fully licensed event – visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol. Alcoholic beverages will be available for tasting and for purchase inside the Sanctuary. Your Wine & Wildlife ticket includes all tastings throughout the day.

Can I bring my own glass for tastings?

Unfortunately, you cannot bring your own glassware to the Sanctuary. This also aligns with our outdoor event liquor licensing requirements. However, all adult ticket purchases include a complimentary, reusable and recyclable tasting glass.

Why is there a picnic glass included in the Wine & Wildlife ticket?

The Wine & Wildlife reusable picnic glass included in your ticket price acts as your ‘ticket to tasting’. One reusable glass that you can use throughout the day significantly reduces the amount of waste you generate compared to offering single-use glasses at each tasting stand.

Are visitors allowed to bring food and drink in to the venue?

Yes, you can bring your own food to the event. However, there will be a delicious range of food options available for purchase. Pop-up vendors will be announced closer to the event date. Non-alcoholic beverages can be brought in, however no alcohol is permitted to be brought into the Sanctuary.

Will cash be accepted at Wine & Wildlife?

We are a cashless zoo. We accept card and digital payments at all four Zoos Victoria zoos, being Melbourne Zoo, Kyabram Fauna Park, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.

Some vendors may accept cash but all vendors will accept digital payments.

What’s the best way to get to Wine & Wildlife?

Healesville Sanctuary is located on Badger Creek Road, Healesville.

DRIVING:
We’re all about a good time and green choices – so if you’re driving, why not carpool with your crew? It’s better for the planet, easier on parking, and way more fun with friends. Cheers to greener choices!

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

Step 1: Train to Lilydale: Catch a train from the Melbourne city centre to Lilydale, travelling on the Lilydale line.

Step 2: Bus to Healesville - From Lilydale station, you need to catch bus 685 to Healesville Sanctuary.