Healesville Sanctuary

• Healesville Sanctuary is one of Australia’s most recognised attractions, showcasing over 200 species of Australian wildlife. The Sanctuary is renowned as the best place to view Australian wildlife in its native habitat.
• The Sanctuary’s 30 hectares of bushland offers a distinctly Australian setting in which to experience close-up encounters with some of Australia’s most unique and captivating wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus.
• The Sanctuary features large walk-through habitat exhibits, flight aviaries and nocturnal exhibits displaying the wonderful natural behaviour of Australian wildlife.
• The Sanctuary was founded by Dr Colin MacKenzie, who was granted 70 acres of land in 1921, on a lease of one shilling per year, to study native fauna for the purpose of medical research. Originally called the Australian Institute of Anatomy, the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary for Australian Flora and Fauna was officially opened on May 30, 1934.
• Healesville Sanctuary is a vital community and state asset and attracts a large amount of public interest, support and pride. It is the State’s iconic wildlife destination.
• Healesville Sanctuary is the largest tourism attraction in the Yarra Valley attracting approximately 300,000 visitors to the region every year, including 100,000 international visitors.
• The Sanctuary has achieved an international reputation as a world leader in wildlife care, research, conservation and education.
• The Sanctuary is committed to connecting people with wildlife. Nowhere else do visitors gain such a rich understanding of the Australian environment, its wildlife and what Australians are doing to care for and conserve it.
• Healesville Sanctuary is located just one hour’s drive from Melbourne in the heart of the stunning Yarra Valley region. Open every day of the year from 9am – 5pm. Friendly and knowledgeable Sanctuary Guides offer a free volunteer guide service between 10.30am - 3.30pm.

Further information:
Nicole Humble
Communications Manager
nhumble@zoo.org.au
Tel: 03 5957 2856
Mob:  0437 170 566

Click here to download a PDF of the fact sheet.