Tipples, turtles and teepees

Helen & Joey Estate staff offering samplings and tastings to the thousands of people who lined up.

By Derek Schlennstedt

There were tipples, turtles and teepees at this year’s annual Wine and Wildlife event, which again proved a winning combination.

Thousands from around Victoria, and even many international visitors, came to Healesville Sanctuary to enjoy the Queen’s Birthday long weekend event and bask in the sun while enjoying a wine or two.

With six event spaces – including undercover pavilions and grassy picnic lawns that were set next to a line-up of local wineries, craft breweries and hearty winter food – there was plenty to sample and purchase.

Of course, those delicious samplings couldn’t detract from the amazing array of wildlife that were out and about and on show whether that was being walked or flown around the Sanctuary grounds.

Nearly 4000 people passed through the Sanctuary gates on Saturday and this was followed by a new record of 7466 people on the Sunday.

More than 5000 people also came on the Monday.

‘Mail’ reporter Derek Schlennstedt was on-hand to capture all the ‘wild’ action.