Wildlife parks

Photo credit: Steve Browne © Queensland Government

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 nature of all creatures. Step inside … and see what you find.

David Fleay Wildlife Park

David Fleay Wildlife Park is a small wildlife park with a difference, nestled in the Gold Coast’s secluded bushland. It’s home to both common and rare native animals, and provides a quiet and peaceful environment for all ages to explore and learn. This park has a long tradition of 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.

A highlight of a visit to this park is meeting and chatting with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers who care for the park’s unique and beautiful wildlife. Another is the Fleays in Flight show, where the large birds of prey wow visitors with their spectacular wing spans and speed. Be sure to check out the crocodiles, cassowaries, koalas, platypus, tree-kangaroos, and an amazing variety of birds, reptiles and 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 Discovery Centre a recreational playground with short bushwalk trails and a wide range of water activities available on Enoggera Reservoir, at the Wildlife Centre you also have the chance to discover some of the weird and wonderful wildlife that inhabits Queensland’s national parks. Explore on your own or join the Rangers at the daily animal feeding sessions.

You are guaranteed to leave with a renewed sense of wonder about our native wildlife, a better understanding of the important role Queensland’s national parks play in conservation and protection of our unique flora and fauna.

Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Australia’s favourite furry mascot has a beautiful, protected environment at Daisy Hill on Brisbane’s southern outskirts, tucked away 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.

Staying safe

Check Park Alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions before visiting any of our parks or forests.