Healesville Town

Healesville Town, a charming gateway to the Yarra Valley wine region, offers a perfect blend of gourmet food, artisan produce, and natural beauty. Just an hour's drive from Melbourne, this former timber town has reinvented itself as a foodie haven, with a bustling main street lined with bakeries, breweries, and cellar doors. The lush surrounds of the Yarra Ranges National Park provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures, making Healesville an ideal stop for travellers exploring Victoria's wine country.

Highlights & What to See

• Healesville Sanctuary: Get up close with Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses, in a natural bush setting.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: Indulge in free chocolate tastings and watch artisans create confections – a sweet treat for all ages.
• Four Pillars Gin Distillery: Sample award-winning gins in a cool, industrial space; book a tour to learn about the distillation process.
• Maroondah Reservoir Park: Stroll through manicured gardens, picnic by the spillway, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
• Healesville Farmers' Market: Held on the third Saturday of the month, this market showcases local cheeses, wines, and seasonal produce.
• Badger Weir Picnic Area: A short walk through towering mountain ash forest leads to a peaceful creek – perfect for a bushwalk and picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least a full day to explore Healesville and its surrounds. Start with a morning at the sanctuary, then wander the main street for lunch and tastings. If you're a keen foodie or wine lover, consider an overnight stay to visit nearby wineries and distilleries without rushing. For a relaxed pace, two days let you combine the town's attractions with a hike in the Yarra Ranges.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yarra Glen: A historic town with cellar doors, the Yarra Valley Dairy, and the grand Chateau Yering.
• Warburton: A scenic drive along the Yarra River, with the Redwood Forest and walking trails along the Warburton Rail Trail.
• Marysville: Rebuilt after bushfires, this mountain town offers waterfalls (Steavenson Falls) and access to Lake Mountain.
• Dandenong Ranges: Famous for the Puffing Billy steam train, lush gardens, and quaint villages like Olinda and Sassafras.
• Yarra Valley Wineries: Iconic estates like Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Innocent Bystander are all within a short drive.

Please check official sources for current details.