Upper Yarra
Tuesday, 3 November, 2020
Stephen is a top Vic
Fire action advice
Tigers look to 2021
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Tourism is back! By Jed Lanyon
Zoe, Isla, Maggie, Paige, Ari and Jade enjoying Healesville Sanctuary’s first day re-opening to the public. 219864
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As Covid-19 restrictions eased across Victoria, Yarra Valley tourism operators are allowed to open their doors to entertainment starved Melbournians who are looking to make the most of their freedom to leave home. Zoos Victoria reopened Healesville Sanctuary on Thursday 29 October with tickets in high demand as patrons waited hours online to snap up the opportunity to visit their favourite animals again. Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray said the warmer spring weather and daylight savings makes for a perfect time of year to explore the outdoors and meet the new animals that are part of a zoo-wide baby boom. “We’ve had an absolute boom of babies at all of our properties,” Dr Gray said. Dr Gray said Healesville Sanctuary’s new koala joey, Wirra, has just begun venturing out of mum’s pouch. The baby koala was recently named by Star Mail readers as it translates to ‘climb’ in Woiwurrung language. “We know immersing yourself in nature is one of the best ways to rebuild your resilience and your wellness, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back again. Our Zoo grounds are looking spectacular, with flowers in bloom everywhere and big lawn areas for relaxing. It’s a perfect time of year to reconnect with nature.” The sanctuary will have a cap on daily visitor numbers at 1500 to allow plenty of room for physical distancing. Locals keen to take a ride on Puffing Billy have to wait a little while longer as the popular tourist attraction is set to open later this month. Yarra Valley wineries and restaurants were open for table service again. Napoleone Cider and Punt Road Wines general manager Tim Shand said the opening of Napoleone’s Orchard Bar was a success and drove in many locals. “It was a bit of an unknown with that 25 kilometre zone in what to expect, but I think the winemakers of Healesville have been drunken dry to be honest,” he said. Mr Shand said local wineries and distillers may have to provide a different experience to appeal to a local crowd before restrictions are lifted for more Victorians to access the Yarra Valley region. Continued page 5