Melbourne - Australia 2004 - page 566

Healesville Sanctuary Forget about seeing animals in cages—this
preserve is a great place to spot native animals in almost natural surroundings.
You can see wedge-tailed eagles, dingos, koalas, wombats, reptiles, and more, all
while strolling through the peppermint-scented gum forest, which rings with the
chiming of bell birds. Sir Colin McKenzie started the sanctuary in 1921 as a cen-
ter to preserve endangered species and educate the public. There's a gift shop, a
cafe serving light meals, and picnic grounds.
Badger Creek Rd., Healesville. & 03/5957 2800. Fax [phone]. www.zoo.org.au. Admission A$16
(US$10) adults, A$8.10 (US$5.25) children, A$44 (US$29) families; A$12 (US$7.80) concession. Daily
9am-5pm. Train from Flinders Street Station to Lilydale, then bus no. 685 to the sanctuary.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Melba Lodge These stylish, modern accommodations opened in Yarra
Glen, in the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region, in early 1999. Of the six lux-
urious bedrooms, four have queen-size beds, and two have king-size beds and a
Jacuzzi; all have private bathrooms. There's a comfortable lounge with an open
fire, and a billiard room. The lodge is only a few minutes' walk from historic Yarra
Glen, which has antiques shops and a crafts market. There are plenty of restau-
rants and wineries around, too. It's a short drive to the Healesville Sanctuary.
939 Melba Hwy., Yarra Glen, VIC 3775. & 03/9730 1511. Fax [phone]. www.melbalodge.com.au.
8 units. A$130 (US$98) queen room; A$190 (US$117) king room. Rates include cooked breakfast. AE, DC,
MC, V. Amenities: Bar; Jacuzzi; business center; massage; billiard room; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV.
Sanctuary House Motel Healesville This place is very handy for visiting
the sanctuary and even better if you want to relax and sample some good Yarra
Valley wine. Just 400m (1,312 ft.) from the Healesville Sanctuary, Sanctuary
House is set in some 4 hectares (10 acres) of beautiful bushland. The rooms are
motel-style, and were completely refurbished in 2001 and awarded a govern-
ment three-and-one-half star rating. There is also a five-bedroom farmhouse
nearby on 8 hectares (20 acres) featuring a pool and log fireplace that can be
hired through the motel.
Badger Creek Rd. (P.O. Box 162 Healesville, VIC 3777). & 03/5962 5148. Fax [phone]. www.
sanctuaryhouse.com.au. 12 units (all with shower). A$80-A$88 (US$52-US$57) double. There are also 2 self-
contained units available at a higher rate with amenities to assist travelers with disabilities. MC, V. Trans-
portation: See the Healesville Sanctuary above. Amenities: Restaurant; small outdoor heated pool; Jacuzzi;
sauna; games room; children's play area; massage; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:
A/C, TV, shower, fridge, hair dryer, iron.
PHILLIP ISLAND: PENGUINS ON PARADE
139km (86 miles) S of Melbourne
Phillip Island's penguin parade, which happens every evening at dusk, is one of
Australia's most popular animal attractions. There are other (less crowded) places
in Australia where watching homecoming penguins feels less staged—Kangaroo
Island in South Australia comes to mind—but at least the little ones and their
nesting holes are protected from the throngs by guides and boardwalks. Never-
theless, the commercialism of the Penguin Parade puts a lot of people off—
busloads of tourists squashed into a sort of amphitheater is hardly being one
with nature. Phillip Island also offers nice beaches, good bushwalking, fishing,
and Seal Rocks. If you have the time, you could spend at least 2 days here.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Most visitors come to Phillip Island on a day trip from
Melbourne and arrive in time for the Penguin Parade and dinner. Several tour

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