Planning a school visit?
Teachers, thinking of planning a school visit to Healesville Sanctuary? We offer two kinds of Discovery & Learning sessions - a self-guided independent visit, or a visit with a booked discovery session.
Step 1: Make a booking
Visit with a Discovery Session
- Choose your session topic from our online learning resources
- Contact us to make a booking with the following details:
-
- date(s) of your planned visit(s);
- school address, phone and fax number and e-mail address;
- estimated time of arrival and departure;
- contact name of teacher in charge of excursion;
- number of students/classes and their year level(s);
- program(s) you have chosen for your group(s).
- An educator will call you in the two weeks prior to your visit to confirm the details and content of your Discovery & Learning session.
Please note that minimum group size is 12. If you have small numbers you might like to contact a neighbouring school and organise a joint excursion.
Or
Self-Guided Independent visit
- Contact us to make a booking with the following details:
-
- date(s) of your planned visit(s);
- school address, phone and fax number and e-mail address;
- estimated time of arrival and departure;
- contact name of teacher in charge of excursion;
- number of students and their year level(s);
Step 2: Prepare to Visit
Pre-Visit Activities
To maximise the learning opportunities for your students prepare them with pre-visit activites. Refer to our
online learning resources for ideas.
Payment
Organise to bring a purchase order with you, that way your group can be invoiced. Note that our ABN number is 969-139-590-53.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Charges of $100.00 will be invoiced to the school. Cancellations of Discovery & Learning sessions must be made at least 3 working days prior to the visit. The cancellation fee will be waived in the event of inclement weather or if the booking is rescheduled to another date.
Maps
Maps will be provided for group leaders at the gate or
click here to download a PDF version of the HS map.
Step 3: During Your Visit
What to expect when you get here.
Supervision
- Students remain the responsibility of their teachers at all times.
- Students are best supervised by teachers and parents leading in small groups.
- It is advised that secondary students move in small independent groups of up to five at their teacher's discretion. This is successful when students have a focus for their observations and teachers maintain a visible profile, moving around with their students as appropriate.
- It is important that students move respectfully throughout each property and consider animals and members of the public.
- Teacher supervision of students is necessary at all times in retail outlets.
- Ensure students understand the needs of the animals and behave accordingly; avoid sudden noise and movement near animals.
- Students should not attempt to feed any of the animals.
- A reminder that ball games and whistles are not permitted on any Zoos Victoria property.
Storage
There is storage available for bags and lunches. Please ask at reception as you arrive. Lockers are free of charge
Step 4: After Your Visit
Refer to our online learning resources for post-visit activity ideas.