Main Track
Open
Prebook tickets before you visit
On the Main Track, a huge variety of reptiles and amphibians can be seen in their natural habitats. See majestic birds of prey and magnificent parrots on full display at our world-renowned flight area; besides kangaroos, koalas, emus and more! Share in Healesville Sanctuary’s sites of Aboriginal cultural significance on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
Emu
Emus are native to Australia and are found across most of the country. They can't fly, but they can run as fast as 40-50km per hour. Emus enjoy eating plants and occasionally insects. Male emus are dedicated parents, preparing nests for their chicks and caring for them after hatching.
See the Emu Keeper Talk daily at 1pm.
Orange-bellied Parrot
One of only three migratory parrot species, the Orange-bellied Parrot is named for its vivid orange belly. They travel from Tasmania to south-eastern Australia every winter. These industrious fliers are critically endangered and at risk of extinction in the next three to five years without urgent action.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Reptiles
See an array of incredible reptiles including snakes, lizards and turtles. A viewing window gives you a peak at the behind-the-scenes area!
Land of Parrots
Serious twitchers and budding bird-lovers will adore this unique walk-through aviary, showing off Australia's magnificent birds. From tiny budgerigars and Red-Tail Cockatoos, to Eclectus Parrots, lorikeets, Zebra Finches and Regent Parrots, experience a range of feathered friends and enjoy talks from experts.
Flight Arena
Discover Australia's majestic birds in this spectacular daily presentation, Spirits of the Sky, at 12pm and 3pm. See natural behaviours of a variety of native birds which may include the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard, Barking Owl, magnificent parrots and more.
Lyrebird
Lyrebirds are famous for their mimicry, echoing the sounds of everything from bird calls to chainsaws and cars. The male dances to show off his lyre-shaped tail during mating season.
In their forest habitats, in south-eastern Australia, Lyrebirds use their claws to scratch for insects, worms, grubs, snails and spiders.
Wurundjeri Walk
Wurundjeri Walk celebrates the life of Indigenous Elder William Barak, a protector of his people and his culture. The walk takes visitors to sculpture and a Dreaming Place, and passes an ancient scar tree and bark canoe.
Emotive soundscapes unfold as four generations of Elders reflect on their family stories and the spiritual heartland of Coranderrk Station.
Guthega Skink
Found in only a few locations in Victoria and NSW, the Alpine She-oak Skink is listed as endangered. It lives 1500m above sea level at the top of isolated mountain habitats. Alpine She-oak Skinks will imitate a snake if threatened, pulling their legs in close to their body and flicking their tongues. They hibernate over winter and are known to live for more than five years in the wild.
Conservation Status
Endangered
Caring for our wildlife
The Australian Wildlife Health Centre gallery is open from 9am to 4.30pm daily.
Future Vets
A fun, vet-themed play space with plush toy patients to spark our little visitors' curiosity to life.
Open from 9am to 4pm daily.
Southern Cassowary
The striking Southern Cassowary, also called the double-wattled cassowary, lives in north-eastern Australia. Fruit is a favourite feast of this flightless black bird, and they help maintain rainforest diversity by moving large seeds around.