Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is a bushland zoo in Healesville, Yarra Ranges, Victoria, specializing in Australian native wildlife. Operated by Zoos Victoria on 30 hectares, it showcases koalas, kangaroos, platypus, Tasmanian devils and birds of prey in natural habitats. Established in 1934, it is noted for conservation, breeding programs, wildlife hospital work and immersive experiences such as Spirits of the Sky and close-up animal encounters.

Visitors can expect a bushland sanctuary set among native forest with open-range habitats, wetlands and woodland trails. Explore walk-through exhibits for kangaroos, wallabies and emus, see platypus, koalas, wombats and Tasmanian devils, watch the Spirits of the Sky bird presentation, attend keeper talks and wildlife health centre demonstrations, and access picnic lawns, boardwalks and viewing hides throughout the site.

Established in 1934 as the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary by anatomist Sir Colin MacKenzie to protect native wildlife, particularly platypus. Developed as a centre for Australian fauna research and conservation and later incorporated into Zoos Victoria, with a long history of captive breeding and wildlife veterinary care.

Located on Wurundjeri Country, the sanctuary highlights Aboriginal cultural connections to Australian wildlife and Country through interpretive displays and experiences, and serves as a major Victorian institution for conservation education and community engagement with native fauna.