Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Pick-up service from a location of your choice in Melbourne CBD. During booking, you will be asked to provide your pick-up address. Please be ready at least 15 minutes before your pick-up time.
Know in advance:The tour is free for infants under 3 years old
If you are a solo traveller or book the day before, you may be referred to a convenient central meeting location
Remember to bring:Comfy, weather-appropriate clothes and shoes
An umbrella in case of rain
Water
Camera
Yes, Healesville Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Australian wildlife within a natural bushland setting. It's dedicated to native animals and conservation, providing an intimate viewing experience with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and various bird species. The sanctuary often features engaging keeper talks and flight shows, making it highly educational and enjoyable for those passionate about native Australian fauna and their habitats.
Healesville Sanctuary offers specific "Koala Close-Up" experiences where visitors can get closer to koalas, learn about them from keepers, and take photos. While direct holding of koalas by visitors is generally not permitted to ensure animal welfare, these dedicated experiences provide a memorable and educational encounter. Check with the sanctuary for specific program availability and details upon arrival.
Healesville Sanctuary specializes in native Australian wildlife. You can expect to see iconic animals like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dingoes, platypuses, and various bird species including parrots and raptors. The sanctuary also features unique and often endangered species, providing a comprehensive insight into Australia's diverse animal kingdom in a natural bushland environment.
Healesville Sanctuary focuses exclusively on Australian native animals, set within a natural bushland environment, offering a more immersive and authentic experience for observing indigenous wildlife. Melbourne Zoo, on the other hand, houses a wider range of international species alongside Australian animals in a city park setting. For a deep dive into Australian fauna in a dedicated native habitat, Healesville Sanctuary is often preferred.
Phillip Island Wildlife Park allows visitors to get up close with kangaroos and wallabies, where you can hand-feed them in an open, natural environment. The park also features wombats, koalas, dingoes, and various bird species. It's designed for interactive experiences, offering a chance to connect with Australia's unique wildlife in a more personal way before enjoying other attractions on Phillip Island, such as the Penguin Parade.
For visitors without a car, the most convenient way to reach Phillip Island Wildlife Park from Melbourne is typically via an organized bus tour. These tours often include transport directly from Melbourne to key attractions on Phillip Island, including the wildlife park and the famous Penguin Parade. Public transport options directly to the park are limited and usually involve multiple transfers and longer travel times.
The Penguin Parade occurs nightly at sunset, so the exact time varies seasonally. Generally, summer evenings offer later parades and milder weather, while winter parades are earlier and cooler. It's recommended to arrive at least an hour before sunset to find a good viewing spot and explore the visitor center. Penguins return to shore year-round, making it a spectacular sight regardless of the season.
For a day tour, wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as both locations involve outdoor walking. Layers are advisable, especially for Phillip Island, where evenings can be cool even in summer due to coastal breezes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera. For the Penguin Parade, a waterproof jacket is recommended, and remember that photography is prohibited during the parade itself.