Unique Original Articles » What Makes Healesville Sanctuary a Yarra Valley Attraction

The vineyards in the Yarra Valley are said to have started more than 160 years ago. This region is home to the first vineyards in Victoria. Based on the records, grapes were first planted in the region in 1838. Eventually, viticulture flourished here from the 1860s to 1870s. The viticulture industry slowed down in the 1920s, and its resurgence happened some decades later. Since the 1990s, the region has been recognized as Australia’s leader in producing high-quality classic wines with a wide range of varieties. Without question, Yarra is most known for its breathtaking vineyards and flavorful wines. Nonetheless, there are other Yarra Valley attractions that bait local and foreign tourists to keep coming back. One of these compelling attractions of the Yarra, without question, is the Healesville Sanctuary.

It was in 1921 when Dr. Colin MacKenzie founded the Healesville Sanctuary. By studying the native fauna, Dr. Colin MacKenzie hoped to advance medical research. Thus, he founded the Healesville Sanctuary for the Australian Institute of Anatomy. The Healesville council took responsibility and management of the sanctuary when Dr. Colin Mackenzie moved to Canberra to head a new anatomy institute. With the leadership of the sanctuary’s new curator, Robert Eadie, and the help and support from the local community, the sanctuary was opened to the public in 1934. It was during this year when the sanctuary captured the attention of the world, thanks to its successful efforts to breed platypus in captivity. Corrie, the first-ever hatched platypus in captivity, made international headlines.

The Healesville Council further developed the sanctuary in 1947. They wanted it to be known as a tourist destination that boasts of its fauna. Because it was already considered as an asset of the state, the Victorian State Government assumed the management and responsibility for it. In 2005, the 6-million-dollar-worth Australian Wildlife Health Centre was launched here. Today, the sanctuary continues to grow with more and more animals added to it. Tourists and visitors get a chance to have personal encounters with the animals in the sanctuary. Among them are Tasmanian Devils, birds of prey, parrots, koala, dingo, and many more.

The Healesville Sanctuary is, indeed, one of Yarra Valley attractions. There is no denying about it. It’s really a source of pride for Australians, especially for the people from the State of Victoria. Other than the cool vineyards and flavorful wines, there is definitely more to see and experience in the region. And Healesville is one of them.

Are you wondering what Yarra Valley attractions you and your family should see and experience? Visit the Healesville Sanctuary and have a fun and close encounter with animals in the wild.
Article Source: JS2 Article Spinner