The following zoos and wildlife parks I have visited while living and travelling in SE Qld. Each has its own unique layout and animals, so whether you are visiting to see Australian native or African favourites, they are all here, helping to protect these animals for future generations.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links, I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me maintain this site. Thank you.
Subscribe to my blog and stay up-to-date as I share more information about my travel experiences.
All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.
Contents
- 1 Zoos and Wildlife Parks on the Gold Coast
- 2 Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Brisbane
- 3 Zoos and Wildlife Parks on the Sunshine Coast
- 4 Zoos and Wildlife Parks on the Darling Downs
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 Links
- 7 Travel Resources
- 8 Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
Zoos and Wildlife Parks on the Gold Coast
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Gold Coast
Some of the birds are well hidden. They are either camouflaged high in the treetops or on the ground, looking for grubs.
There are Parrots in other Aviaries further into the park. In these enclosures, you walk along, looking into the open area where the birds are free to fly.
Shows
There are plenty of shows to see as you wander the grounds throughout the day.
Plan the day well to fit everything in, from Australian culture to the Free Flight Bird Show.
- Lorikeet Feeding – Daily outside the entrance at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Billy Tea Presentation – Daily 9.30 am.
- Pelican & Eel Show – Daily 10 am.
- Blinky Bill’s Rookie Ranger Station – Daily 10.15 am & 12.30 pm.
- WildSkies – Free Flight Bird Show – Daily 10.45 am & 2.15 pm.
- Wildlife Hospital Presentation – Daily 11.30 am.
- Dinosaur Meet & Greet – Daily 11.30 pm.
- Lost Valley Rainforest Talk – Daily 1.15 pm.
- Lost Valley Boardwalk Talk – Daily 1.30 pm.
- Ngari-Bah Aboriginal Culture Show – Daily 3 pm.
The Lost Valley
The Lost Valley is home to the rainforest and is reminiscent of Gondwanaland, a continent that existed thousands of years ago.
Many animals in the Lost Valley include the Red Panda, Tree Kangaroo, Lemur, and many more.
Two talks are held daily at 1:15 pm and 1:30 pm, the Rainforest and Boardwalk Talks.
The Lemur enclosure is a walk-through area, shared with local birds. With the Lemurs, you can look, but don’t touch them. You can still get very close to them as they wander around.
Lorikeet Feeding
Lorikeet feeding occurs twice a day, at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. It is located just outside the entrance, allowing you to enjoy this experience without needing to pay for entry. A gold coin donation is all that is required to feed the Lorikeets with the food you provide. They are so used to humans that they will land on you without an invitation.
Koalas
Of course, you have come to see the Koalas, which are scattered all over the park.
Near the entrance are the Koalas, with whom you can take a photo. The Nursery with the Mum Koalas and their babies is near the back of the park.
You can also have breakfast or afternoon snacks with the Koalas. Breakfast is from 8 to 9 a.m., and the afternoon session is from 2 to 4 p.m. Prices are on their website here.
Treetop Challenge
If you like to challenge yourself on a ropes course through the trees, then the Treetop Challenge is for you.
Please allow 3.5 hours to complete this course, which features over 100 challenging TreeTop Obstacles, including 14 thrilling ziplines, and spans from beginner to extreme levels.
All safety equipment (helmet, harness, and gloves) is supplied, and participants are instructed on its usage before beginning the course. You’re only required to bring closed-in shoes.
Qualified supervisors are present throughout to guide adventurers and ensure their safety at all times.
Encounters
This sanctuary offers a variety of animal experiences, including an insider’s tour and more, from Breakfast with the Koalas to the Wildlife Hospital Tour, as well as your favourite cute animals to meet.
Click here to visit Encounters for more information.
Hours
Sanctuary
- Daily
- 8 am–4 pm
Treetops Challenge
- Daily
- Weekdays 9:30 am – 1 pm
- Weekends 9.30 am – 1 pm, every half hour.
Prices
Sanctuary
Click here to find the prices for the Sanctuary.
Treetops Challenge
To book for the Treetops Challenge, click here.
How To Get Here
David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
David Fleay Wildlife Park is the only place I haven’t visited, but I had to include it as it’s a great little park.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the sounds of native wildlife and the stunning greenery that surrounds you. The park is home to a wide array of animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and a breathtaking selection of bird species. Whether you’re a wildlife aficionado or just looking to enjoy a day outdoors, you’ll find something to love here.
Conservation at the Park
One of the highlights of your visit is the interactive exhibits, where you can learn about the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting Australia’s unique fauna. One of the examples of the conservation efforts is seeing the bridled nailtail wallaby, which was thought to be extinct for 30 years, was discovered in 1973, and now has a population of over 200.
Habitats
In the Nocturnal House, you’ll find a lot of unique animals that you won’t see in the daylight. Platypus, Squirrel Gliders and Spinifex hopping mice will keep you entertained in the dark.
Spot koalas, pademelons, dingoes and rock wallabies as you stroll along boardwalks. The boardwalks lead you through various natural habitats, including the rainforest and eucalypt forests.
See the near-threatened Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, which lives in trees instead of on the ground. They may be hidden, but you’re sure to find them in the branches.
See a fantastic variety of Australian birds, including pelicans, emus, brolgas and the endangered southern cassowaries in the rainforest.
Learn how to be Crocwise in Croc country from the safety of the boardwalk that leads you through the park’s wetlands.
Ranger Talks
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers not only take care of the flora and fauna of the park, but also give daily wildlife shows, talks and encounters. You can also book an hour with one of our Rangers for an exclusive guided tour.
- 11:00 am Secrets Behind the Scales presentation.
- 11:00 am Let’s Get Crocwise presentation in the warmer months.
- 1:00 pm Fleays in Flight show within the Amphitheatre.
Walking Tracks
As you stroll through the park, keep an eye out for the gorgeous walking tracks that wind through lush habitats. The experience of wandering alongside nature is truly refreshing! Be sure to bring your camera, as you won’t want to miss capturing those memorable moments with your family and friends.
Tallebudgera Creek walking track is only 900m one way, with its mangrove forests, abundant birdlife and rich Indigenous cultural values.
Hours
Daily 9 am – 4 pm
Prices
To find the prices for when you visit, click here.
How To Get Here
David Fleay Wildlife Park is located on the Corner of West Burleigh Road and Loman Lane in West Burleigh.
- By Bus:
Plan your journey using the Kinetic Bus Line website. - By Train:
Trains operate regularly from Brisbane to the Gold Coast (Varsity Lakes), where connecting bus services can be accessed. For timetables and bus stops, visit TransLink.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Brisbane
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the place to visit if you only have time to visit Brisbane and want to see Koalas. You can have your photo taken with a Koala and see wildlife roaming around, calling this place home.
You have plenty of other animals to see, such as Birds, cassowaries, platypuses, Flying Foxes, Lizards and Snakes. A couple of Dingo pups were running around their enclosure, playing like a couple of young boys. Mum was watching them from the runway above while I was there. Usually, the Dingos are sleeping when I see them.
Shows
Once again, you have shows that teach you about our native birds and farm life. From Raptors in flight to sheep dogs herding sheep, you learn not only from their work but also from the Keeper Talks at enclosures like Dingoes and Crocodiles.
- 9:45 am and 3:45 pm Wild Lorikeet Feeding
- 10 am – 12:30 pm and 2 pm – 3:45 pm Koala Moment
- 10:30 am and 1 pm Free Flight Raptor Show
- 11 am and 1:30 pm Sheep Dog Show
- 11:30 am Koala Talk
- 2:45 pm Dingo Talk
Rainbow Lorikeets
At 9:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., Rainbow Lorikeets are fed. These colourful wild birds come into the designated area to be fed, and then you can have photos taken with them. A few often hang around during the day, so you might be lucky and see them if you’re not there when the feeding is on.
Koalas
Of course, you really want to see the Koalas, and there are plenty of them. You can have your own Koala Moment here between 10 am and 12:30 pm daily, or attend the daily talk at 11:30 am.
There are many places where you can see Koalas and have your photo taken with them. Babies are something to keep an eye out for, as the cute factor is off the scale.
Daily Talks and Experiences
- Free Range Feeding Kangaroos – Daily 9.00 am – 4.30 pm, subject to weather conditions.
- Wild Lorikeet Feeding – Daily 9.45 am and 3.45 pm.
- Koala Moment – Daily 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 3.45 pm.
- Koala Talk – Daily 11.30 am.
- Free Flight Raptor Show – 10.30 am and 1 pm.
- Sheep Dog Show – 11 am and 1.30 pm.
- Croc Show – noon.
- Dingo Talk – 2.45 pm.
Check their website to see if there are any changes to the times.
The experiences here can make memories that last a lifetime. Koalas, dingos, Platypus, owls and more can be taken without costing the earth. Prices start from $10. To find your experience, click here.
Night Tours
Two new night tours will take you into the world of the animals that come alive at sunset. Learn about these animals from the keepers as they feed them and observe them running around, rather than sleeping during the day.
Tours last 90 minutes and are from $39.50.
Hours
- Sanctuary is daily
- 09:00 am–05:00 pm
- Night Tours are on Friday and Saturday
- 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, or sunset times, as they vary throughout the year.
Prices
Sanctuary Prices
To book, click here.
Night Tour Prices
To check availability and book, click here.
How to Get Here
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket. You can drive, take a bus or arrive on a ferry from Brisbane CBD.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks on the Sunshine Coast
Wildlife HQ, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
Wildlife HQ is a small zoo located on the Sunshine Coast at Woombye, offering an excellent opportunity to see koalas.
This little Zoo used to be Alma Park Zoo in Brisbane’s northern suburbs before being relocated to the Big Pineapple to allow for more housing to be built.
A small train runs through the Zoo and up to the Big Pineapple and its eateries. You have a small cafe on the zoo grounds, offering snacks, although you’re also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy.
The entrance to Wildlife HQ is now through the Big Pineapple. You can catch the train to take the loop between the two.
Farm Animals and Others
As you enter the park, you have farm animals, reptiles, Cassowaries and more before heading around to a walk-through of Kangaroos.
Australian Animals
Crossing over the railway tracks, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the Australian animal section. You can see Koalas, Kangaroos and Wallabies here, including an Albino Wallaby.
The Tasmanian Devil is usually either asleep or hiding, but there are plenty of other animals to see, including birds.
There are plenty of koalas here to keep you entertained. They have pit enclosures that make it easy to see them at eye level.
Asian Rainforest
Maly, the Sun Bear, has a large enclosure where he can roam. He is with Binturong, Red Pandas, and Blackbutt.
African Plains
As this is a small park, a small number of animals are introduced over time. The African Wild Dogs arrived a couple of years ago and are now found in many zoos in Australia and New Zealand, due to their dwindling numbers in the African wild. They also have Meerkats and Baboons.
South American Trail
On the South American Trail, you have Monkeys, Snakes and Ring-tailed Lemurs.
As this is a small zoo with no government funding, the Monkeys are in the old wire enclosures of the past. Hopefully, they can move them one day to a more open area that is popular with the more prominent zoos in cities.
Keeper Talks and Experiences
- 10:45 am Spider Monkey Keeper Talk
- 11:45 am Sun Bear Keeper Talk
- 12:45 pm Hamadryas Baboon Keeper Talk
Want to try Zoo Keeper for a day? Have an encounter with a Meerkat, Lemurs, Emperor Tamarin, Red Panda or more? Check out your options here.
After Dark
When the sun goes down, the animals come out. On Friday and Saturday nights at 6.30 pm, you are taken on a one-hour tour to see animals such as Tasmanian Devils, African Wild Dogs, Binturong, Maned Wolf and more.
There are only 30 seats available, so bookings are essential.
Hours
- Daily
- 09:00 am–04:00 pm, last entry 3 pm
Closed Christmas Day.
Prices
For all prices, including combos, click here.
How To Get Here
Wildlife HQ Qld is located at 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye. You will see the Big Pineapple, and this is where the car park is. Signposts will direct you off the highway.
Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast
Home of the Irwins, Australia Zoo is located at Beerwah, Glasshouse Mountains, about 20 minutes off the highway to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane.
Although it’s known as home to Crocodiles, they aren’t the only residents here.
Shows
Along with the Crocodile shows, there are Birds of Flight, Tigers, and Reptiles, as well as informative talks about the enclosures of other animals.
Another popular place to see these magnificent animals is the Sumatran Tiger Talk, which takes place in the morning and the afternoon. Here, you can learn all about their plight in the wild and how zoos are helping to conserve them.
Other Animals
Australia Zoo is a massive park where you can spend the entire day exploring. In addition to the Sumatran Tigers, there are Asian Small-Clawed Otters, Australian marsupials, and an African area where Zebras and rhinoceroses can roam more freely.
Australian Natives
All the Australian native animals are here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a baby Koala or an Echidna running around.
Bindi Island
Bindi Island is a large area where the Ring-tailed Lemurs can roam freely. They are entertaining in trees, on the path, or walking along the ground, and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Reptiles
The marsupials aren’t the only native animals on show. The Snakes on display is a valuable education into how dangerous this country can be if you’re in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and encountering the wrong snake.
Marsupials
If you want to get close to a Koala, pat one in a walk-through enclosure.
The Kangaroos have an open-range enclosure you can walk through. Get up close with Kangaroos and Wallabies and feed them for $3 a bag. This is the cheapest option for an experience you will never forget.
On your way out, at the end of the car park, is the hospital, where you can visit if you’ve paid a couple of dollars extra.
Here, you can view the operating and recuperating rooms. You can also see all the excellent work that the hospital does for the local wildlife and its own in the Zoo.
Experiences and Talks
Do your kids dream of being a Keeper for a Day? Have you ever wanted to encounter a Lemur, Red Panda, Wombat, or one of many other animals? You can when you visit Australia Zoo and make even more memories from your day out.
If some are out of your price range, you can have a photograph taken with an Aldabra Tortoise or Reptile for less than AUD$30.
Keeper conservation talks happen throughout the day at the animal enclosures or the Crocoseum. Times are as follows:
- 9:30 am – Grace’s Bird Garden Feed Out
- 10:00 am – Tortoises LIVE!
- 11:00 am – Tigers
- 11:30 am – Reptiles LIVE!
- 11:30 am – Africa Keeper Talk
- Noon – Elephants LIVE!
- 1:15 pm – Wildlife Warriors Show LIVE!
- 3:00 pm – Koalas LIVE!, Birds Of Prey LIVE!, Echidna Feed Out
- 3:30 pm – Otters LIVE!
You can book this tour here for a full experience or a behind-the-scenes tour.
Hours
- Daily
- 09:00 am–05:00 pm
Online Prices
For prices and bookings, please click here.
How To Get Here
Australia Zoo is located at 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah. Signposts line the road from the Bruce Highway to the door.
You can easily drive from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or the Gold Coast, and park in a large car park.
You can arrive by train and alight at Beerwah Train Station. The Australia Zoo shuttle meets most trains.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
The Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World are just eight minutes from the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Gardens
Over 18 acres of beautiful gardens, with ponds and viewpoints across the Glasshouse Mountains, are available for you to wander around freely.
The park is steep in parts, but if you have mobility issues, you can hire a buggy to get around.
When you have finished walking around the gardens – or maybe when you arrive – there are three aviaries to walk through.
Aviaries
Guided tours take you through these huge aviaries with the birds flying freely around you.
Birds big and small are on show, but be prepared for them to land on you. If you wear jewellery, especially earrings, it’s best to take it off before the birds do. These cheeky feathered friends will use their beaks to rip any earrings from your lobe for themselves.
After seeing the birds, you can continue around the gardens or enjoy a snack at the cafe, which has views across the Glasshouse Mountains. You could also bring a picnic to one of the many gazebos or the parklands.
Hours
- Open 7 Days a week
- 09:00 am–04:30 pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Aviary Tour Times
- 10:30 am
- 11:30 am
- 01.00 pm
- 02:00 pm
- 03:00 pm
Additional tours may be added during peak holiday periods.
Prices
For entry prices to the Gardens, Aviaries and Farm Friends, click here.
How To Get Here
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is located at 233 Maleny Stanley River Rd, Maleny. It is a hidden entrance and a long, steep driveway to the car park at the bottom.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks on the Darling Downs
Darling Downs Zoo, Pilton, Darling Downs
Although the Darling Downs Zoo is a bit out of the way, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this zoo and the regional towns around it.
I loved visiting this little zoo. It is only 20 years old, but it has conservation measures in place and has plans to expand over the coming years.
Keeper Talks
Although there isn’t much time between the keeper talks, that shouldn’t stop you from taking them. When I was there in 2018, we followed the keeper around, seeing and learning about animals at ease.
- 10:15 am Meet a baby Crocodilian
- 10:40 am Siamang and Binturong talk
- 10:50 am Sumatran Tiger talk and treat feed
- 11:00 am Leopard talk
- 11:15 am Giraffe and Cheetah talk
- 11:30 am Pygmy hippo and meerkat talk
- 11:40 am African Lions
- 11:50 am Baboon treat feed
- 1:00 pm Python photos
- 1:30 pm African Lion talk
Encounters
Have you ever wanted to get up close with an African Lion? Feed a giraffe or cuddle a Zebra? Then you need an encounter with these animals as well as Meerkats, Marmosets, Capybara, or Lemurs. Click here to find the prices or book. Want to take a safari at night? On Saturday nights between 1st October and 30th April, you can enjoy a BBQ while listening to the calls of the animals. After dinner, take a spotlight walk and see the animals more active. Bookings are essential, and for the price, you get a one-day pass for Sunday.
Hours
Daily 9 am – 4 pm. The last admission is 3 pm and gates close at 4 pm.
Closed Christmas Day
Prices
To see the prices when you visit, click here.
How To Get Here
The Darling Downs Zoo is located at the corner of Corner Gatton-Clifton Road & Baines Road, Pilton, 2 hours west of Brisbane or 40 minutes south of Toowoomba.
There isn’t any public transport, so having a car is a must.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading about my time at the zoos and wildlife parks in SE Qld and have been inspired to visit them. All of them provide conservation for all animals and help local wildlife, especially at the Australia Zoo.
Have You Found This Blog Helpful? Then, Why Not Buy Me a Coffee?
Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping, and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.
Travel Resources
- Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
- Car Hire—In Australia, you can use Apex Car Rentals Australia, Budget Car Rentals Australia, or Avis Car Rentals Australia.
- Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable travelling experience.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe—Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and bus travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
- Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- SIM cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
- Power Stations—Bluetti Australia and EcoFlow Australia Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.
- For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.
Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
