Yarra Valley Wildlife: Healesville Sanctuary and Kangaroos at Dusk

You can see Australian animals here in two ways: at a sanctuary with set hours, or in the wild at dusk. Weighing up a Yarra Valley tour from Melbourne? Choose certainty or chance first.

Healesville Sanctuary, by Zoos Victoria

Healesville Sanctuary is run by Zoos Victoria, and its formal name is the Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary. It keeps native animals in bushland on Badger Creek Road, just past the centre of Healesville. Zoos Victoria puts it about an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD.

The sanctuary opens every day of the year. The animal habitats close half an hour before the gates, at 4:30pm. If you drive, follow the Maroondah Highway through Lilydale to Healesville, then turn right into Badger Creek Road.

Ticket prices at the sanctuary in 2026

These are Zoos Victoria's own figures. Adult, concession and senior prices are shown as "from", so the price on your date may be higher. Children are the bargain: free at weekends.

A family visiting on a Saturday pays only for the adults. On a Tuesday the same children cost A$29 each.

The trails and the animals on them

Kangaroo Country: the sanctuary's mob of kangaroos. A paid Kangaroo Experience gets you closer.

Koala Forest: a boardwalk into the treetops, with a paid Koala Experience as an add-on.

World of the Platypus: the Platypus Track, where you see an animal that is hard to find in the wild.

Dingo Country: a pack of dingoes in their own habitat.

Wurundjeri Walk: a trail that reflects the Indigenous culture of the region.

Main Track: reptiles and amphibians in their own habitats.

Kangaroos in the wild at dusk

Wild kangaroos graze in open country late in the day. The Chandon and kangaroo tour is timed for that: it leaves Federation Square at 11:30 and ends with an hour of kangaroo viewing at sunset. Its listing says the guide takes you to a known location during golden hour.

The same listing is honest about the limit. Sightings are common, it says, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Travellers who booked it describe kangaroos at twilight as the end of the day. The fruit, wine and chocolate day also lists kangaroo sightings along its drive.

The tour that includes sanctuary entry

Only one tour puts the sanctuary ticket in the fare. The redwoods tour starts at Arts Centre Melbourne, gives you free time in Warburton and a 45-minute walk in the Cement Creek redwoods. Then you choose your option when you book.

On the wildlife option you spend two hours at Healesville Sanctuary, with entry included. On the winery option you have lunch and a tasting at Soumah instead. Both end at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie before the drive back.

What no tour can promise

Wild animals keep their own hours. Plan around that and you will not be disappointed.

• No tour can guarantee a kangaroo. A dusk tour gives you the best chance, not a certainty.
• Season and weather change what you see. A sighting on one tour is no promise for the next.
• The sanctuary is the sure option. Its habitats are open daily until 4:30pm.
• Keep your distance. Watch wild kangaroos from where your guide stops.

Wildlife questions