Entertainment for kids Spectacular parrots will take you on a flight of fantasy at Healesville Sanct

By Kath Gannaway
MAIL Newspapers and three of the Yarra Valley’s “funnest” places for school holiday fun have got together to give six lucky families a special treat to start the new year.
Healesville Sanctuary, Hedgend Maze and Yarra Valley Railways are each offering two family passes to spread a little holiday joy.
Healesville Sanctuary has lots to offer at any time, but over the holidays roving performers add a special touch of whimsey. Between 12.30pm and 3pm each day meet giant butterflies, crazy camel-riders or kooky flying doctors.
The Parrots In Flight at 1.30pm is a new addition to the Sanctuary’s flying presentations with the popular Birds of Prey still a huge drawcard and just one more reason to visit the Sanctuary over the next few weeks. Phone 5957 2800 for details.
Hedgend Maze is a great place to get lost … and have fun doing it.
On 20 acres in Healesville it offers stimulating, fun-filled activities for all ages with two mazes, mini-golf, giant chess and frisbee golf.
Hedgend Maze is also running a school holiday program on the Tuesday and Wednesday before school returns with lots of activities to ward off any end-of-holiday boredom.
For details or to book phone 5962 3636.
Yarra Valley Railway puts people on a fast track to fun with a 9km trolley ride out to the historic tunnel and back. The rides run Wednesday to Sunday over the holidays.
The railway-themed playground at the historic railway station will add to the fun and if taking a trolley on Saturday mornings, the Healesville Organic Market is an added attraction. For timetable and details phone 5962 2490.
For a chance to win one of two family passes to Healesville Sanctuary (valued at $55 each), Hedgend Maze (valued at $62.50 each) or Yarra Valley Railway (valued at $25 each) just write your name, address and a contact phone number on the back of an envelope and send it to Mail Holiday Fun Giveaway, PO Box 470, Healesville, 3777. Closing date for entries is Thursday 15 January at 5pm.