(Updates to close)
SYDNEY, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Australian shares rallied a the third consecutive session on Thursday, tracking a bounce in Asian markets, with the healthcare and utility sectors leading gains.
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO closed 1.2 percent higher or 60.52 points to 5,233.30, pulling away from a two-year trough of under 5,000 touched this week.
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index added 1 percent or 57.16 points to finish the session at 5,634.94.
(Editing by Richard Borsuk)