Nature and wildlife – Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

To see Australian wildlife you can’t go past Healesville Sanctuary, home to 200 different species of native birds and animals. Take a stroll through enclosures where platypuses, lyrebirds, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, wild eagles and more live in their natural habitats or ‘meet the keeper’ and learn about wildlife from the experts.

If you are interested in cultured gardens, visit the Dandenong Ranges – home to some of the best public gardens in the state, including the renowned National Rhododendron Gardens and the Pirianda Gardens, where you will see rare plants found only in its grounds.

Take in the stunning local scenery of tall forests, with a drive along the Black Spur Drive to Marysville, or the snow covered hilltops of Lake Mountain and Mt Donna Buang. Explore the region’s national parks and see dramatic waterfalls, picturesque lakes and rare and beautiful flora and fauna.