Wildlife and adventure
Leg 2: Melbourne to Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
56 km / 35 miles, 1 hr
Healesville is the heart of Yarra Valley wine country, but it's better known for the Australian wildlife experience at Healesville Sanctuary. More than 200 species live here, including platypus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, lyrebirds, kangaroos, emus, wallabies, dingoes and echidnas. Visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and watch the activities of a real wildlife hospital.
Puffing Billy, in The Dandenongs, is Australia's oldest surviving steam railway. The magnificently preserved train follows a 25-kilometre track that winds through thick forests and ferns, with beautiful views of hills, valleys and villages. First-class travel and dining experiences make the trip even more fun, with lunch, Devonshire tea and dinner available.
Highlights
Watch for waking koalas and peek at a joey in a kangaroo's pouch, meet keepers or observe vets in the animal hospital, all in an Aussie bush setting.
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All aboard for a ride on Australia's oldest steam railway, through thick forests and lush fern gullies, or travel first class for olden-times romance.
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Hide away in spellbinding fern glades and forests, and encounter iconic Australian animals in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
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