Healesville

No matter what type of visitor you are, a family, a couple, or visiting solo, Healesville is a favourite for its versatility and the enormous range of options it offers. If you’ve never been, Healesville township is a 'must do' on your next Yarra Valley trip.

Located within the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Healesville is close to suburbs including Lilydale, Yarra Glen and Coldstream.

What you can see and do in Healesville?

Located just under an hour from Melbourne and right in the centre of the Yarra Valley’s food and wine district, Healesville is also home to some of the region’s most talented artists. Visit some of the town’s galleries and studios, or partake in a leisurely lunch at one of the alfresco cafes and popular pubs. Explore the boutique shops, and stock up on fresh regional produce from the huge range of local growers and suppliers.

Whether you meander along the main strip for some great window shopping opportunities or indulge in some retail therapy – you won’t be disappointed.

Visit Healesville Sanctuary

Interact with Australia’s native wildlife at one of Victoria’s premier attractions. Experience the wonder of birds of prey and parrots during the 'Spirits of the Sky' presentations, or get up close and personal with many of the animals as part of the 'Close Up Encounters' offering. Open daily 9am-5pm including Christmas Day and public holidays.

Maroondah Reservoir Park Walks

A range of short to medium walks are available, including the ascent to the 41m dam wall, plus the reservoir spillway which regularly overflows during spring. Rotundas, BBQs, picnic tables, playground and toilets are available. Length: 800m to 2.8km Grade: Easy to Moderate

Badger Weir Picnic Area Walk

With the prospect of viewing wild lyrebirds, there are three main tracks around the weir. Badger Creek runs parallel to the tracks, ensuring many vantage points for the surrounding tree canopies and fern gullies. Rotundas, BBQs, picnic tables and toilets are available. Length: 1.1km to 1.4km Grade: Easy to Moderate

Healesville Weekend Markets

Explore the three markets held each month in Healesville. Stock up on organic produce every Saturday morning between 9am-1pm at Coronation Park (behind Coles), or enjoy the wide range of options at the community markets held at River Street (first Sunday) or Coronation Park (third Sunday).

Sample Local Wine, Beer and Spirits

There's no shortage of amazing places to sample local wine, beer and spirits. Discover Four Pillars Gin, Giant Steps, Innocent Bystander, No7 Healesville, Matilda Bay Brewery, Barrique Wine Store, Jayden Ong Winery and Cellar Bar, Stefani Estate Cellar Door, TarraWarra Estate, Watts River Brewing and Boat O'Craigo.

Exhibitions at TarraWarra Museum of Art

Host of the Archibald Prize in 2011 and 2012, TarraWarra Museum of Art (TWMA) is the only privately funded public art museum in the region. It displays Australian art from the second half of the twentieth century to the present day. A visit to the region is not complete without a look at TWMA’s ever-changing exhibitions. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-5pm.

Drive through the Black Spur to Marysville

Stretching from Healesville to Narbethong, the Black Spur is one of the most iconic drives in Victoria and is famous for its tall Mountain Ash trees and fern gullies. Fernshaw and Dom Dom picnic areas are situated at the base of the spur, so you can further enjoy the beautiful scents of the bush. Travel beyond Narbethong to Marysville, which was heavily impacted by the 2009 bushfires. Here you can enjoy a range of walking trails, shops, cafes and majestic scenery.

Perfect for that weekend escape, why not stay in Healesville and enjoy all that it has to offer.