Healesville is the gateway to the towering ash forests, waterfalls and fern bowers of the Great Dividing Range. At the foot of Mount Riddell, just 4km from the township is the world famous Healesville Sanctuary, where over 200 species of native birds and animals can be seen in the natural surrounding of Australia's leading fauna park. Near the sanctuary is Hedgend Maze and tea garden.

Healesville's other outstanding attractions include the Maroondah Dam; and Badger, Donnelly and Graceburn Weirs, which provide beautiful bushland walks and superb picnic/barbecue facilities. The Maroondah Highway, one of Victoria's most picturesque mountain highways climbs from Healesville to Marysville over the Blackspur.

The Yarra Valley Tourist Railway is also located in Healesville, providing motorised trolley rides through a 100m historic brick­lined tunnel to the township of Yarra Glen. Yarra Glen is the centre of the Yarra Valley premium wine growing area and home to the historic Gulf Station farm.

• Name origin: Named after Sir Richard Heales, Premier of Victoria from 1860­61.