Healesville is at the centre of the major attractions of the Yarra Valley and close to the Dandenong Ranges.

We can help with planning your excursions and assist with bookings. .

Healesville Sanctuary is opposite the driveway from Sanctuary Park Cottages and entry is within walking distance (3.5km). The sanctuary is world renowned for providing up-close access to around two hundred species of Australian wildlife in a natural bush environment.

The Warburton Trail is a 35-kilometre walking and bike riding rail trail between Warburton and Lilydale and can be reached by a 9-kilometre car trip from Sanctuary Park Cottages. The trail follows the old train track used by logging trains and meanders through spectacular scenery.

Wineries are always a popular attraction in the Yarra Valley, and Sanctuary Park Cottages provides easy access to thirty properties. Many offer wine tasting, cellar door sales and restaurants. Annual events include Jazz in the Vines and the Grape-Grazing Weekend.

Yarra Valley Winery Tours will pick you up from your cottage and return you after visits to five wineries (your requests or their recommendations) and a delicious lunch. Ask us for details when booking.

Cheese to accompany your wine purchases can be obtained from local manufacturers and freshness is assured as it is made on site by dedicated cheesemakers.

Local Markets abound, and you can buy direct from grower, producer or maker. Join in the fun of a traditional local village market. Ask us for dates. Antiques, art and collectables venues are another key feature of the Yarra Valley with a number of outlets scattered through the region.

Ballooning will have you out of bed early; however, the compensastion of a spectacular sunrise over the ranges while drifting across picturesque fields is memorable.

Badger Weir provides easy access to examples of dense Australian bush, plants and trees, as well as the many native birds, which visit the area and can be seen up close. The area also provides picnic facilities. The picnic and bird area is within a few kilometres of Sanctuary Park Cottages.

Maroondah Dam is a wonderful place for picnics and family activities. It is just a short drive up the Black Spur road to the north of Healesville.

Lake Mountain (1 hour) is the closest place to Melbourne to see the snow when it falls and the area provides for both serious activities as well as bit of fun. At other times of the year, Lake Mountain is the place to visit for bushwalking, wildlife and wildflowers.

Puffing Billy Steam Railway (40 minutes) is a narrow gauge line from Belgrave to Gembrook and can be reached from Sanctuary Park Cottages in forty-minute drive through spectacular countryside and delightful local communities.

Hedgend Maze has activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.