Many travelers stop at Healesville on their way to Marysville through the scenic Black Spur (one of Victoria’s best drives), but this charming town deserves more than a quick visit.
With its stunning nature trails, boutique wineries, artisan markets, and historic taverns, Healesville is best enjoyed at a slow, immersive pace. So next time you are side, take your time, uncover its hidden gems, and make it more than just a stopover!
Healesville to Melbourne distance: 52 kms
Connect with Nature
Healesville Sanctuary & Wildlife Park: is one of Australia’s most recognised attractions, showcasing more than 200 species of Australian wildlife. Maximise your visit by planning to attend some special shows which are a real highlightof this place.
Yarra Valley Nocturnal Zoo: is a quiter zoo experience with over 450 species of animals and birds. Yarra Valley Nocturnal Zoo also offers nocturnal zoo tours in small groups that start at dusk and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. This is a special experience and people love to see the Australia’s nocturnal creatures in action.
Maroondah Reservoir Park: enjoy a picnic under century-old trees, look at the dam wall and waterfall it creates. For stunning pictures, take a peaceful walk through lush gardens or walk up to towards the main dam.
Badger Weir: is a rainforest retreat where lyrebirds call and tree ferns thrive. its a lovely spot for picnic.
Donnelly’s Weir: A scenic spot for bushwalking and spotting wildlife, connecting to the stunning Bicentennial National Trail.
Cambarville Cumberland Circuit Walk: is a rewarding loop through towering mountain ash forests and fern-filled gullies. If you love scenic hikes, quiet waterfalls, and stunning valley views, this walk is a must-do. More details on this walk can be read at Step out in Nature.
Starting Point: Cambarville Car Park Location: Yarra Ranges National Park
Distance: 4km Duration: 2 hours Grade: Level 3
Insiders tips:
1. As the sun sets, take a scenic drive to Mount Riddell, a hidden lookout offering stunning valley views.
2. If you are starting early from Melbourne, make a food stop at Roundbird Food & Wine.
Experience Healesville
Healesville Glass Blowing Studio – Watch artisans at work and shop for stunning handmade glass pieces.
Kitchen & Butcher: a favorite for fine cuts, charcuterie, sausages and terrines
The Herd Bar & Grill: Chef Trevor’s preps Modern Australian food influenced by his love for Middle Eastern flavors to serve craft cocktails and hearty plates to share and dine.
The Healesville Hotel: dates back to the 1800s, is a must-visit for its classic pub fare with a modern twist.
High Tea at Coombe Yaara: Formerly the residence of Dame Nellie Melba, Coombe – The Melba Estate is a property steeped in rich history.
Sprawling across seven acres of exquisite gardens and featuring meticulously restored facilities within the motor house and clock tower, it provides an unparalleled setting for a unique blend of culinary and cultural experiences.
Vineyards for tastings and more
Healesville sits at the heart of Victoria’s renowned food and wine region, offering an abundance of exceptional dining and tasting experiences. As one of Australia’s oldest winemaking areas, a visit to the Yarra Valley wouldn’t be complete without sampling its world-class wines.
Renowned for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and celebrated for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, this part of the Yarra Valley is overflowing with exceptional tasting experiences. Here are some must-visit spots to explore.
TarraWarra Estate: One of Australia’s premier wine estates also showcases contemporary Australian art and TarraWarra Museum of Art which is set in a serene vineyard setting and a must visit.
Domaine Chandon (known for sparkling wines), Rochford Wines, Coldstream Hills, Four Pillars Distillery (Australis’s most loved Gin), Badger Creek Blueberry Winery offer small batches of blueberry wine, Boat O’Craigo is a boutique winery and a local favorite, offering incredible Pinot Noir with a side of breathtaking valley views; while the Soumah of Yarra Valley offers amazing food at Ai Fiori Trattoria with gorgeous vineyard views. Alchemy Distillers is a quirky, small-batch distillery housed in an old bakery, known for its unique whiskey and gin blends. They make Australia’s Champion Vodka, Gold Medal Chamomile Gin and a much anticipated Single Malt Whisky.
Shopping & Local Markets
- Beechworth Bakery
- Wildgrains Bakehouse
- Healesville Organic Farmers’ Market (every saturday) – A great place to pick up local produce, artisan bread, and handcrafted treats.
- Healesville Candle Co. – I love picking up a range of candles from this lovely shop. From hand-poured soy candles to fragrances inspired by the scents of the Yarra Valley and more, this is a candle lover’s space.
- Alchemy Lane is a charming boutique filled with local crafts, homewares, and gifts.
- Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery – A short drive away, this chocolate wonderland offers tastings, decadent desserts, and a scenic café.
- Yarra Valley Dairy is located at yerring and can be visited on your way in or while returning back from Healesville. They make a range of delicious artisan cheeses.
Explore Nearby Towns
Yarra Glen (15 min drive) – Known for wineries like Yering Station and the vibrant Yarra Valley Farmers’ Market. While here, don’t forget to visit the Alowyn Gardens
Warburton (30 min drive) – Our favorite riverside town perfect for scenic walks along the Yarra River, a climb up La La Falls, or a visit to the Redwood Forest, home to towering Californian redwoods.
Marysville (40 min drive) – Discover waterfalls like Steavenson Falls, hike through misty rainforests, and warm up with homemade pies from a country bakery. Travel a bit further up to visit the Rainforest Gallery with its spectacular observation platform and rainforest walkway on the southern slopes of Mount Donna Buang (part of the Yarra Ranges National Park). Next stop is the Redwood Forest. If you enjoy cross-country skiing and tobogganing you can visit Lake Mountain during the snow season – June-August.
Local Vic 