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.

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 divulge in some retail therapy – you won’t be disappointed.

Artist demonstrations at Healesville Glassblowing Studio

Visitors to Tali and Tim’s studio in Healesville can witness the skilled and historic art form of glassblowing. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. 16B Hunter Rd, Healesville

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. Badger Creek Road, Healesville

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 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 with the tracks, ensuring many vantage points to the surrounding tree canopies and fern gullies. Rotundas, BBQs, picnic tables and toilets available. Length: 1.1km to 1.4km Grade: Easy to Moderate

A train ride on Yarra Valley Railway

Clickety, clack! Originally part of the old railway system, the Yarra Valley Railway offers short tourist rides across the Watts River, under the Donovan’s Road overbridge and through the historic tunnel near TarraWarra Estate. Open Sundays, public holidays and Wednesdays during school holidays. Trains depart on the hour between 10am-4pm. Healesville Station, Healesville-Kinglake Road, Healesville

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

Innocent Bystander is an icon of Healesville and offers a restaurant and wine bar, cellar door, artisan bakery and cheese sales. There’s also Matilda Bay Brewery and Four Pillars Gin all within walking distance. Open daily.

Greyhound Racing

Ideally suited to families, Greyhound Racing Victoria is situated at the Sports Complex, just minutes from town. TAB facilities, children’s playground and BBQ areas are just some of the key facilities in the only straight greyhound racetrack in the state. Races every Friday and Sunday from 11am.

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. 311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville

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. Visit our Yarra Valley Accommodation page to find accommodation that suits your need.