Spirits of the Sky at Healesville Sanctuary

Join me for a full day out at Healesville Sanctuary — a bushland wildlife sanctuary in the Yarra Valley, home to Australian animals like platypus, dingoes, koalas, wombats and a lot of very good birds. It's an easy, relaxed day: plenty of walking through the bush, keeper talks scattered through the day, and the Spirits of the Sky presentation where birds of prey fly right over the crowd.

We'll meet at Boost Juice inside Southern Cross Station at 7:45am, say hello, and head to the platform together around 7:55am. The 8:09am train and connecting bus get us to the Sanctuary at about 10:19am. From there we'll wander the grounds as a group, catch as many animal and keeper talks as we can fit in, and make sure we're set up for Spirits of the Sky. We'll start heading back on the 4:26pm bus and reach Southern Cross at about 6:22pm, where the meetup wraps up.

If you'd rather drive, you're very welcome to skip the train and meet us at the Sanctuary entrance instead — just let me know so we can look out for you.

One important thing: this is a casual social meetup so we can go along together. It isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Healesville Sanctuary or Zoos Victoria. Please book your own entry ticket directly with them — an RSVP here doesn't include entry.

Who this is for

• Anyone who likes animals, bushland walks and an unhurried day out of the city
• Good for all fitness levels — it's flat-ish walking on paths, but it's a big site, so expect to be on your feet for a few hours
• Photographers and first-time visitors will all get a lot out of it
• Coming on your own? Very welcome — most people at these meetups do, and it's an easy day to chat

Links

• Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfyVPt3akkGBKxrF9
• Healesville Sanctuary: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/
• Tickets and membership: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/whats-on/events/entry/
• Spirits of the Sky: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/whats-on/events/spirits-of-the-sky/
• Spirits of the Sky video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEdPvCQvP84
• Animal and keeper talks: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/animal-talks/
• Interactive map of the Sanctuary: https://healesvillesanctuary.maptivateapp.com.au/
• Cafés and where to eat: https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/food-and-facilities/where-to-eat/

Timeline

• 7:45am – Meet at Boost Juice, Southern Cross Station, and say hi (driving? meet us at the Sanctuary entrance instead)
• 7:55am – Head to the platform together
• 8:09am – Train, then connecting bus, out to Healesville
• 10:19am – Arrive at Healesville Sanctuary
• Through the day – Animal and keeper talks, Spirits of the Sky, and a wander around the grounds
• Lunch – Grab something at one of the on-site cafés or eat the lunch you've brought
• 4:26pm – Bus, then train, back towards the city
• 6:22pm – Arrive at Southern Cross Station and the meetup ends

Tickets / cost

• Everyone books and pays for their own entry ticket online, in advance, directly with Healesville Sanctuary.
• If you have a Zoos Victoria membership, bring it along
• Train and bus fares are your own, and food and drinks on site are extra

Transport

• We're travelling by train and connecting bus from Southern Cross Station — bring a myki with enough balance for the return trip
• Timings above are the ones I'm planning around; please check the PTV app on the day in case anything has changed
• Driving instead is totally fine — there's parking at the Sanctuary. Just tell me beforehand so I know to look for you at the entrance
• If you miss the 8:09am departure, don't panic — message the group and make your own way out, and we'll find you there

Bring

• Your pre-booked ticket or membership card
• Myki with enough balance (if you're travelling with us)
• Water bottle
• Lunch and snacks, or money for the cafés
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• A jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes

Expect

• Difficulty: Easy — walking paths and gentle slopes, no hills to climb
• Pace: Relaxed, with plenty of stops
• Vibe: Friendly and low-key, lots of looking at animals and chatting
• Group style: We'll move around together, but no pressure — if you want to drift off and see something at your own pace, just meet us back up

Important notes

• This is a casual social meetup arranged so we can visit together. It isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Healesville Sanctuary or Zoos Victoria
• Book your own entry directly with the Sanctuary — an RSVP here is not a ticket and doesn't include entry
• Spirits of the Sky and the keeper talks are run by the Sanctuary and can change or be cancelled on the day, especially in poor weather. Check their site closer to the date
• It's an outdoor day, so dress for the weather — the Yarra Valley is usually a few degrees cooler than the city
• Please follow all Sanctuary rules and staff instructions, keep a respectful distance from the animals, and take part within your own comfort. You're joining at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing on the day
• It's a long day with a decent amount of walking — please come prepared for that
• If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear