Healesville Sanctuary will take you much closer to Australia’s wildlife than a trek around the countryside and it is only an hour’s drive from the city. Leaving the outer suburb of Lilydale you travel through the Yarra Valley and wind around the Black Spur before arriving in the peaceful rural setting of Healesville. Plan plenty of time you will need it, the sanctuary boasts over 200 species of Australian wildlife living in a natural bush environment. The Australian Wildlife Health Centre has opened its doors so visitors to the Healesville Sanctuary can view veterinary staff treating injured and orphaned native animals.