Healesville 

Healesville is set in the scenic countryside of the Yarra Valley at the junction of the Watts River and Grace Burn Creek. The region surrounding Healesville is bursting with award winning wineries and vineyards and the town is famous for the Healesville Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of native mammals, reptiles and birds in a natural bushland setting.

There is a range of activities and attractions designed to please all visitors. There are galleries and antique centres to browse through, such as Healesville Art Gallery, or hop aboard the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway, which operates motorised trolley rides from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Lose yourself in Hedgend Maze before playing a round of mini golf or joining a treasure hunt!

Learn the cultural heritage of the local Aboriginals at the Galeena Beek Living Cultural Centre, with live dance performances and guided tours, or pack a picnic and head to the Badger Weir Park to wander along the walking trails and lunch in the serenity of the landscaped surrounds.

• The parks around Healesville are ideal for picnicking and relaxing. Maroondah Reservoir Park's formal exotic gardens, native bushland, walking trails and scenic views of the reservoir are great for picnicking and camping and Fernshaw Park, a forest area at the foot of the Black Spur has walking tracks and picnic facilities.