In the heart of Victoria, Yarra Valley is famous for its vineyards and scenery but also its wildlife. Visitors from all over the world come to experience the amazing diversity of native animals, koalas, kangaroos, wombats and birds of prey. As well as some of the best Australian wildlife experiences, Yarra Valley has the perfect combination of wildlife adventures and wine tastings, so it’s a must-see for nature lovers and foodies. Let’s take a look at the top wildlife encounters in Yarra Valley and some of the other nearby destinations that have native wildlife, from Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory.
Healesville Sanctuary
You can’t visit Yarra Valley without visiting Healesville Sanctuary, a famous home for Australian animals. With an amazing array of native wildlife, Healesville Sanctuary is all about protecting, conserving, and educating locals and international visitors about the importance of saving wild animals and their habitats. One of the highlights of Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary is getting up close to koalas, Australia’s favourite marsupials, as they snooze in the treetops.
You can also go on a Kangaroo Tour, where you’ll see various species of kangaroos, including the eastern grey kangaroo. These marsupials are a sight to behold, especially their powerful hind legs that can hop up to 60km/h. You can see them grazing in the open fields or resting under the eucalyptus trees. If you’re lucky you might see female kangaroos with joeys in their pouches, a beautiful experience that’s all part of the Australian wildlife magic.
As well as koalas and kangaroos Healesville Sanctuary is also home to birds of prey. The daily Birds of Prey show is a must see where you can see hawks, eagles and owls in action in the sky. This interactive experience is a visitor favourite and will give you a greater appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Yarra Valley Kangaroo Encounters
While eastern grey kangaroos are the most common kangaroo you’ll see in Yarra Valley, there are other types of kangaroo to learn about, like the Antilopine Kangaroo which is less common but just as cool. Known for their speed and agility, Antilopine Kangaroos have a more slender build and lighter fur. Wildlife lovers can learn about the different species and their habits and add an educational element to the experience.
Across the valley, you’ll find kangaroos grazing in places like Yarra Glen and Badger Creek, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons when they’re most active. Watching these wild animals hop around with their powerful hind legs is a real treat. Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, the thrill of seeing them in their natural habitat never gets old.
Birds of Prey and Other Native Wildlife
Beyond kangaroos and koalas, Yarra Valley is home to many other native animals and birds. For bird enthusiasts, Yarra Valley has plenty of opportunities to see the region’s birds of prey. From wedge-tailed eagles, Australia’s largest bird of prey, to falcons and owls, there’s no shortage of birds to look at. Whether you’re in Kinglake National Park or Yarra Ranges National Park, both spots are great for birdwatching.
You can also see other native wildlife like wombats, wallabies, echidnas and emus that live in the valley. Healesville Sanctuary is a hub for these animals and visitors can meet with wildlife experts to learn about the different species that call Yarra Valley home.
Wine Tastings and Wildlife
One of the best things about visiting Yarra Valley is the combination of nature and gourmet. For those who want to do wine tastings surrounded by Australian wildlife, this is the place. Vineyards like Balgownie Estate and De Bortoli are near wildlife areas, so visitors can taste great wine while kangaroos graze in the distance. This combination of fine wine and wildlife viewing means you’ll have a great time during your stay in Yarra Valley.
If you have time to stay longer, you can also visit other regions like Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula, which have more wildlife encounters and wine tours. Both are close to Yarra Valley and have their own native wildlife, including koalas, penguins, and seals, which are found on Phillip Island.
Wildlife in Wilsons Promontory and Tower Hill
If you want to see more of Australia’s wildlife, Wilsons Promontory and Tower Hill are just a short drive from Yarra Valley. Wilsons Promontory, aka “The Prom”, is a coastal national park where you can see wombats, emus and kangaroos in the wild. With beaches, rainforests and everything in between, it’s one of the best places in Victoria for wildlife spotting.
Tower Hill is another wildlife hotspot situated in an old volcanic crater and is famous for its kangaroos, koalas, and emus. The grassy plains at Tower Hill are home to big mobs of kangaroos, so if you want to get some great shots of Australian wildlife, this is the place to do it. Plus, Tower Hill has cultural significance, so you can learn about the Indigenous history of the area.
Wildlife and Wine at Event Time
Wildlife and events are often linked in Yarra Valley. During event time in the region, like during the Australian team sporting events or local festivals, the wildlife is at its peak. If you plan your trip around these events, you can experience the thrill of wildlife viewing and the national team playing, all while exploring the valley’s many offerings.
If you’re visiting Yarra Valley, remember to check out what other travellers think. Many love the wine tastings and wildlife encounters, others prefer a more in depth experience like guided bushwalks through the valley’s forests. Whatever your style, Yarra Valley is going to be awesome for everyone.
Conclusion
Yarra Valley has so many wildlife experiences where you can get up close to native animals in a beautiful environment. Whether it’s watching eastern grey kangaroos at dawn, birds of prey flying overhead or visiting Healesville Sanctuary to learn about conservation, every minute in Yarra Valley will be special. Add in the wine tours, and you will have the ultimate escape with nature and food.
If you want to go further afield, Phillip Island, Wilsons Promontory, and Tower Hill are just a short drive away, and you can see more of Australia’s wildlife in the wild. Don’t miss out on Yarra Valley’s best wildlife, and make the most of your time here.
As well as some of the best Australian wildlife experiences, Yarra Valley has the perfect combination of wildlife adventures and wine tastings, so it’s a must-see for nature lovers and foodies.
FAQ
Where can I see eastern grey kangaroos in Yarra Valley?
Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Glen and Badger Creek are the best places to see them roaming wild.
Can I do wine tours and wildlife viewing in Yarra Valley?
Yes! Many wineries, such as Balgownie Estate, are located near wildlife areas, so you can taste wine while spotting kangaroos and other native animals.
What other wildlife can I see in Yarra Valley besides kangaroos and koalas?
Yarra Valley has many animal species, including wombats, echidnas, emus, and birds of prey, which can be seen throughout the region.
Are there guided wildlife tours in Yarra Valley?
Yes, guided tours such as the Kangaroo Tour at Healesville Sanctuary will give you in-depth information on the habits and habitats of different Australian animals.
What other places can I visit to get more wildlife?
Nearby regions such as Phillip Island, Wilsons Promontory and Tower Hill are great for more wildlife experiences, each with its own unique Australian wildlife.
