Queensland’s wildlife parks are wonderful places to see and learn about some of our most precious native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Located centrally for easy access from key urban cities, each wildlife park also runs educational school-based programs.
These are amazing ‘outdoor classrooms’ where kids (and adults) love to visit and learn. With guaranteed wildlife sightings in natural settings, it’s a chance to get much closer, while still respecting the wild natures of all creatures. Step inside … and see what you find.
David Fleay Wildlife Park
David Fleay Wildlife Park is a wildlife park with a difference, nestled in the Gold Coast’s secluded bushland. It’s home to many native animals, both common and rare, and provides a quiet and peaceful environment for all ages to explore and learn. This park has a long tradition for wildlife educational experiences with a focus on Queensland’s native animals—a legacy of founder, Dr David Fleay—and aims to inspire people to connect with and support Queensland’s beautiful and unique national parks, and the wildlife within.
Don’t miss the daily wildlife talks with our Park Rangers and be sure to check out the crocodiles, cassowaries, koalas, platypus, tree-kangaroos, and an amazing variety of birds, reptiles and cute nocturnal mammals, including squirrel gliders and bilbies!
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is only a short distance from Brisbane city, on the edge of D’Aguilar National Park, and is an ideal introduction to ‘the bush in Brisbane’s backyard’.
Not only is the park a recreational playground with short bushwalk trails and the Enoggera Reservoir for a wide range of water activities, you have the chance to also see ‘everyday’ species from your own backyard, and others that are rarely seen beyond the sanctuary of national parks. You’ll see wallabies, crocodiles, fat-tailed dunnarts, and a diverse collection of reptiles, amphibians and fish displayed, along with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife such as the wombat, echidna and emu so that visitors of all ages can enjoy this close-up wildlife experience.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Australia’s favourite furry mascot has a beautiful protected environment at Daisy Hill on Brisbane’s southern outskirts, tucked in bushland between Daisy Hill and Redland Bay.
The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is something much better than a zoo enclosure. The many interactive displays provide a unique place to learn about koalas, and other threatened species, and their conservation. Koala cuddles are not available, but you can climb the tree top tower and gain views over the forest, and will see koalas up close in the large outdoor enclosure.