Looking for the best short break destination in Victoria or a hassle-free resort holiday that close to home? This is a guide to the types of experiences that can be enjoyed at RACV resorts across Victoria.
Victoria
Attractions and experiences around Healesville
Free things to do in Healesville
Healesville’s top attractions: The best things to do in Healesville
Nestled in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Healesville is a charming town that beckons visitors with its scenic landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a touch of luxury at the RACV Healesville Resort.
Healesville beckons with a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and luxurious retreats. Just an hour out of Melbourne’s CBD, embrace the charm of Healesville, where each moment becomes a cherished memory in this Yarra Valley gem.
Whether you're a Victorian local looking for a weekend getaway, or a traveller seeking a pleasant escape, Healesville offers a myriad of activities around wine, wildlife, and tranquillity.
Here's a curated list of the best things to do in Healesville, including exclusive benefits for RACV Members.
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Go kangaroo spotting at Maroondah Reservoir Park. Image: Matt Harvey
Top things to do in Healesville
Attractions and experiences around Healesville
Wildlife wonders at Healesville Sanctuary
For a delightful encounter with Australia's unique wildlife, a visit to Healesville Sanctuary is a must.
Home to native animals including kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses, as one of Victoria’s best petting zoos, the sanctuary offers a truly Australian immersive experience.
Explore modern artists at the TarraWarra Museum of Art
Art aficionados will appreciate the TarraWarra Museum of Art, a not-for-profit cultural gem highlighting Australian modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
As one of the best galleries in regional Victoria, wander through the thoughtfully curated exhibitions, surrounded by the beauty of the Yarra Valley.
Get some retail therapy shopping Healesville’s boutiques
Explore the charming boutiques and galleries in the heart of Healesville. From handmade crafts to boutique wines, you'll find artisanal treasures to bring back home.
You’ll discover a range of boutiques along the Maroondah Highway and surrounds, from unique clothing and accessories to locally created homewares, art pieces and vintage finds.
Browse the Healesville Community Market
There’s nothing like a good community market for finding one-off pieces, fresh produce, or artifacts from local artisans, where proceeds go towards the community.
The Healesville Community Market runs on the first and third Sundays of the month, selling a range of products including homemade jams, sauces, oils and baked goods; as well as jewellery, books, plants, toys, and everything in between.
Get a relaxation treatment at a wellness retreat
Rest and restore with a pampering session at the peaceful One Spa overlooking Mt Riddell and surrounds.
Unwind with rejuvenating treatments like massages, facials and water therapy, and allow yourself to indulge and let tensions melt away.
RACV Members save at One Spa Healesville Country Club & Resort.
Take a break at One Spa Healesville Country Club & Resort. Image: Matt Harvey
Where to experience nature around Healesville
Have a tranquil escape at Maroondah Reservoir Park
For those seeking tranquillity amidst nature, Maroondah Reservoir Park is a serene retreat full of walking trails, cycling tracks, waterfall views, BBQ areas and shade rotundas.
Pack a picnic, wander through the lush gardens, and revel in the beauty of the reservoir.
Explore public art on the Dindi arts trail
Roughly a 15 minute drive from the centre of Healesville, the Dindi Arts Trail features 10 murals spread over six locations around the Kinglake Ranges.
Presented by the team behind Victoria’s Silo Art Trail, each mural is illustrated beautifully on a township water tank, showcasing Australian history from a range of local artists.
Walk the Toolangi Sculpture Trail
A 45 minute walk on a 1.5km round trip, the Toolangi Sculpture Trail is a forest gallery in the Toolangi Bushland Reserve.
Featuring art that has been consistently evolving over the last 20 years, the pieces are designed to fit inside the forest environment, from wooden arches to webs, huts, and natural structures.
Indulge in a gin tasting paddle at Four Pillars. Image: Supplied
Best places to eat and drink around Healesville: wineries, gin distilleries, breweries and restaurants
Go wine tasting in Yarra Valley
Healesville sits at the heart of the renowned Yarra Valley wine region, making it a haven for wine enthusiasts.
From new wineries to classic favourites and cellar doors, there are over 80 wine regions to explore in Victoria’s wine country.
Take a leisurely drive through the vine-covered hills and indulge in wine tasting sessions, a great craft brewery, or even a cocktail workshop.
Go on a tour at the Four Pillars Gin Distillery
Indulge your taste buds at the award-winning Four Pillars Gin Distillery.
Embark on a guided tour to learn the art of gin-making, and savour tastings of their premium gins with a Four Pillars Distillery G&T tasting to add to your flavourful experience.
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
A 15 minute drive out of Healesville, The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is an absolute paradise for chocolate and ice cream lovers alike.
Take a self-guided tour, watch the chocolatiers at work, and enjoy some delectable treats for an experience that’s sure to be sweet and tasty.
Indulge in local culinary delights
Healesville boasts a thriving culinary scene, with a myriad of cafes and restaurants offering diverse cuisines. From the Healesville Grand Hotel offering a great pub lunch to cheese tasting at the Yarra Valley Dairy, there’s a place for every taste in a town full of local eateries and produce.
At Riddell’s Green, indulge in more Australian and classic fare while kids enjoy the on-site playground, or explore local eateries and savour fresh, regional produce from Banyalla for a glass of local vino on the terrace or first-class dining with mountain views.
Chocoholics can indulge their sweet tooth at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Image: Visit Victoria
Free things to do in Healesville
Looking for a budget-friendly day trip? There are plenty of free things to do in Healesville, the Yarra Valley and surrounds.
Go on a nature hike on the Badger Weir Loop, take a scenic drive along the iconic Black Spur, have the kids let off some energy at the Queens Park playground or have a picnic at the Healesville Railway Park.
Where to stay in Healesville
Begin your Healesville adventure with a stay at the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort, where luxury meets nature.
With plenty to do on site, including restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, pool, playground, spa and games room, your stay offers an array of amenities that promise relaxation and rejuvenation.
As an RACV Member, enjoy exclusive benefits such as discounted room rates, spa treatments, and dining experiences.
