Healesville Sanctuary is celebrating a decade of Wine and Wildlife this July by opening its doors to local brewers for visitors to taste the delicious drops from some of the region’s best producers.
The sanctuary has teamed up with Fireside Yarra Valley to welcome visitors to live like a local for one special weekend in one magical location.
Visitors are encouraged to throw on their winter woollies and meander through the sanctuary’s iconic bushland surrounds with a BPA-free, reusable wine glass in hand to taste the offerings of local producers including Innocent Bystander, Oakridge Wines, Zonzo Estate and Watts River Brewing.
A pop-up Cellars Gin Bar will keep spirit enthusiasts occupied, while a hearty winter menu will nourish the soul and refuel between viewings of the Sanctuary’s native animal species.
Visitors can also take their pick of warming stations – huge teepees and open fires – and enjoy live acoustic tunes besides the bonfire on the Koala Picnic Lawn.
Funds from Wine and Wildlife ticket sales help Healesville Sanctuary continue its rescue and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.
Healesville Sanctuary’s wildlife hospital is one of Australia’s largest. Vets and nurses treat thousands of wild animals every year, as well as looking after the health of every animal that calls the Sanctuary home. Last year, the wildlife hospital treated more than a dozen koalas injured in the Black Summer bushfires, with some needing intensive care for months to heal their wounds, receiving around-the-clock care.
A Wine and Wildlife ticket will give visitors access to the entire Sanctuary, including the opportunity to visit the wildlife centre where the glass-walled public gallery allows everyone to watch the care of the wild and resident animals taking place.
Wine and Wildlife will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July. Zoo members and visitors are reminded that all tickets to the Zoo must be pre-booked at www.zoo.org.au/wineandwildlife
