Healesville Shopping Strip
An hour east of Melbourne, lies the township of Healesville. Situated in a lush valley and surrounded by mountains, the township of Healesville has a rich history and lies on the ancestral home of the Wurundjeri. Healesville is a great place to visit with the kids, with plenty of fun activities to keep them entertained.
Here are eight of our top things to do in Healesville with the kids.
1. Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is one of Healesville’s biggest draw cards, where children under 16 years enter for free. The sanctuary is dedicated to Australian native wildlife, and you can see up to 200 species of animals, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, platypus, dingoes, and emus – all in their natural setting. There is also an amazing birds of prey exhibit each day, where you can see Eagles up close and watch them fly.
2. Yarra Valley Heritage Railway
Journey from Healesville station to Tarrawarra station aboard a fully restored train dating from the last century. You’ll cross the Watts river and through the historic 154 metre brick tunnel at Tarrawarra. The railway is run completely by volunteers, who are gradually restoring the historic track between Healesville and Yarra Glen.
Follow your journey on Journey Tracker for an interactive experience. Trains run each hour and tickets can be purchased online. The railway operates every Sunday, on public holidays, and every Wednesday during school holidays.
3. The Big Bouquet
The Big Bouquet is a family owned farm in Healesville, bringing together the unlikely pairing of gerberas and alpacas. With a cafe, playground and the chance to get up close and feed these gentle and beautiful animals, it’s a fun day out for kids. The Big Bouquet is located only a few minutes from town and grows around 60,000 different gerberas. Flowers are also available for purchase in the shop.
4. Healesville Candy Emporium
It doesn’t matter if you’re four or sixty-four, lollies bring joy and remind us of childhood. Healesville Candy Emporium specialises in traditional, old fashioned candy and chocolate, and stock a large range of Australian and Melbourne made confectionery. You’ll find all your favourites, and a whole lot more – even ice cream! The little shop has developed a reputation as one of Melbourne’s best lolly shops and is open seven days a week.
5. Fernshaw
For an unbeatable picnic in a stunning natural location, you can’t beat Fernshaw picnic ground on the Watts River – only a twelve minute drive from Healesville. Surrounded by towering eucalypts, european trees and ferns, it’s perfect for lunch on a warm summer’s day. There are barbeques and toilets within the park.
6. Maroondah Reservoir Park
This is another great picnic destination and a fantastic place for the kids to explore. Walk along the top of the dam wall and explore numerous walking tracks. During heavy rains, water flows over the spillway, providing a spectacular site. European gardens, native birds, and a rose stairway provide plenty of opportunities for exploration. Beautiful at any time of year, the deciduous gardens are a great site in autumn. The park is only a six minute drive from Healesville.
7. Lunch at the pub
If a picnic outdoors isn’t your thing, but some cushiony comfort and a cooked meal is, then head to either the Healesville Hotel or Grand Hotel for lunch or dinner. Both provide a great country pub atmosphere and have plenty of options on the menu for kids.
8. Shopping
Healesville is a busy little township, with plenty of shopping opportunities. Stroll along the main street and you’ll discover all sorts of small boutiques and gift shops with a range of interesting items. There’s even a bookshop, with a great selection of kids books – perfect for browsing in the colder months or after lunch.
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