5 Places Where You are Guaranteed to See Australian Animals Near Brisbane

Do you want to see Australian animals near Brisbane but are not quite sure where to go?

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or Currumbin Wildlife Center? Australia Zoo or Wildlife HQ? Which wildlife center is right for you?

Just because you are in Australia does not mean that you are guaranteed to see kangaroos and koalas.

If you want to make sure that you are able to see these animals, plus harder-to-find Australian animals like the platypus, cassowary, and Tasmanian devil, your best bet is to head to a zoo or wildlife sanctuary.

Lucky for you, there are multiple places near Brisbane that you can go to, based on the location, size, and what type of animals you want to see.

Read on to decide which place is the best place to see Australian animals near Brisbane for you and your family.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane

Basic Information

The closest place to Brisbane where you are guaranteed to see Australian animals is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Located less than 30 minutes from Brisbane City, Lone Pine is reachable by car, bus, and boat.

Open 9 am to 5 pm daily, including public holidays (1:30 pm-5 pm on Anzac Day), a ticket to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary currently costs $59 for adults, $47 for seniors or students aged 14-17, $42 per child 3+, or $180 for a family of up to 5.

If you plan to return to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary more than once a year, they offer annual passes. An annual pass for a family of up to 5 is $263 and includes discounts inside the park.

Parking is free at Lone Pine and available not far from the entrance.

There are picnic tables and swings outside before the entrance, right on the river. There is also a restaurant right before the entrance to the park, The Riverside Cafe.

Once you are inside Lone Pine, there are a variety of free and paid activities that you can experience.

Free activities include a wild lorikeet feeding, a sheepdog show, and a wild raptor show.

If you are interested in holding or petting an animal for a photo, snakes, koalas, and dingos are currently available for photos, which are taken with your device or professionally.

Those interested in learning more about koalas, owls, or platypuses can sign up for an experience with each of the animals.

Animal Experiences at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

An hour-long guided tour of behind the scenes of the koalas, including a photograph, is available for anyone 12+ with a paid adult.

For those who want to learn more about owls, there is a 30-minute guided experience and an opportunity to hold an owl. Children 3+ are allowed to join in, and those under 14 need to be with a paid adult.

It is hard to spot a platypus in the wild, but you can go behind the scenes on a 30-minute tour and help to prepare and feed the platypus. Children 3+ are allowed to join, and those under 14 need to be with a paid adult.

Finding it hard to choose just one experience? A small group of no more than 6 people is guided on an owl encounter, a platypus encounter, and a reptile encounter, and gets to participate in the touch a koala photo package. This tour also includes entry to Lone Pine while the other experiences are just add-ons.

Children’s Workshops at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

There are currently 2 different workshops available for children during the Queensland school holidays.

Junior Keeper for a Day is for children ages 5-12. There are 2 groups. Junior Joeys are 5-8 years old, and Senior Serpents are 9-12 years old.

The workshops include admission, a 5-hour experience, behind-the-scenes, and a photo with a koala.

Find more things for the kids to do in Brisbane over the school holidays.

Kids ages 2-5 can join Sanctuary Sprouts.

Two 45-minute experiences are offered, from 9:30-10:15 or 11-11:45. Sanctuary Sprouts get to have a close view of the animals.

For those who wish to attend a children’s workshop outside of school holidays, private bookings are available.

Animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine is separated into 3 sections. The park is not large, and the only way to get around is by walking.

The entrance leads you to the main area of the park, where most of the animals are.

Animals at the front area of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary include:

• flying fox
• birds
• Tasmanian devil
• turtle
• platypus (in a building)
• koala
• wombat
• amphibians and reptiles (in a building)
• dingo
• crocodile
• cassowary

The second area includes a large area with free-range kangaroos, wallabies, and emu.

Kangaroo food is available at the front of the park for a donation. If you are especially interested in feeding the kangaroos, I suggest heading straight there. So many people feed the kangaroos each day that they do not seem interested in eating.

The third area is where you will find the barn animals and the shows.

While we did not make it to the sheepdog show, we were able to see them practicing.

Restaurant Options

There are 2 choices of restaurants at Lone Pine, or you can bring in your own food.

Riverside Cafe is located at the front of the park, before the entrance. They are open from 7:30 to 4 each day and serve a small variety of sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods.

Inside the park is the Sleepy Koala Cafe, which is open from 10 am to 2 pm daily. Air-conditioned seating is available, as well as tables outside. The menu changes on the weekends when you can get hot meals in addition to the daily sandwiches and baked goods.

Coffee and soft serve are available at both locations.

Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

The largest zoo near Brisbane is about an hour north of the city. Australia Zoo began as “Reptile and Fauna Park” run by Steve Irwin’s family.

In the early 90s, Steve Irwin took over managing the park. Instead of a honeymoon, Steve and his wife, Terri, decided to film a crocodile rescue mission, which ended up becoming the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter.

As the popularity of the show grew, so did the wildlife center, and the name was changed to Australia Zoo.

Of course, Australia Zoo is not just a typical zoo. They wanted all of the enclosures to be made into natural habitats.

The money raised from filming and merchandise was put into conservation and the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

Basic Information

Australia Zoo is open from 9-5 daily and closed on Christmas.

There are a variety of ticket options, including a family pass. More expensive tickets include a peek into the wildlife hospital.

Annual passes can be purchased for those who plan to go more than once per year.

Animal Encounters at Australia Zoo

There are a wide variety of animal encounters available to purchase at Australia Zoo. Book early as they can sell out.

Animal encounters at Australia Zoo include:

• tiger walk
• red pandas
• eagle
• meerkat
• koala
• otter
• giraffe
• rhino
• lemur
• tortoise
• wombat
• echidna
• hospital tour

Transportation Tours at Australia Zoo

Segway tours are available daily. There are 2 types of Segway tours, and 1 includes behind-the-scenes.

Private Caddy Tours are available, which include being chauffeured around.

Children’s Programs at Australia Zoo

ZooKeeper programs are available for children aged 4-16 during the school holidays.

The Khaki Explorer Program is for children ages 4-6 and includes an adult chaperone. The children get to help with cleaning and feeding the animals.

The program is 3 hours and includes lunch, but no entry into the zoo. The topic changes, so you may not know what animals you will be working with in advance.

The Khaki Discovery Program is for kids ages 7-11 and it is similar to the Explorer Program, but 5 hours long.

Kids aged 12-16 can join the Khaki Extreme Program. Sessions are 5 hours long and include a visit to the Wildlife Hospital.

Special Events at Australia Zoo

Check the special events calendar to see what is on during your visit.

We went to the Australia Zoo on Halloween. They have many special events on holidays, as well as seasonal events and birthday celebrations.

Animals at Australia Zoo

There is a wide variety of animals at the Australia Zoo! I am going to combine them, but check out their site for specific species.

• alligator/crocodile
• snakes
• birds
• kangaroo/wallabies
• koala
• dingo
• binturong
• cassowary
• cheetah
• bearded dragon/komodo dragon
• echidna
• Tasmanian devil
• wombat
• lemur
• meerkat
• tortoise
• frog
• otter
• red panda
• rhino
• tiger
• elephant
• zebra
• giraffe

Australia Zoo is very large. There is a train ride, which we did not take because we did not make it all the way through the zoo.

The Zoo is separated into 4 sections.

Australian native animals are closest to the entrance. American alligators are in this section as well.

A children’s splash area is in this first section, along with shops, restaurants, and a large jumping mat.

We spent the majority of our day in the first section.

The second area is where you can feed kangaroos. Food is available to purchase, and the kangaroos, wallabies, and emu are roaming free in the grass.

Included in the second area are the “wetlands,” where you can find many different birds.

There are 2 more areas in the zoo, but we chose to walk through the 3rd area, which has koalas, wombats, and reptiles, and head back to the exit.

The 4th area is where you will find typical zoo animals such as elephants and giraffes.

There is a train from the last exhibit back to the exit, but we were hot and tired and ready to leave.

You have to go to the same entrance to exit the park. You can not exit from anywhere else.

Animal Shows at Australia Zoo

Current conservation shows at the zoo include koalas, birds of paradise, tortoises, and parrots.

A daily “warriors” show is held in “Mount Franklin Crocoseum” where you can see and learn about snakes, birds, and of course crocodiles.

Dining Choices at Australia Zoo

There is 1 main eating area inside Australia Zoo.

Crikey Cafe has many options from sandwiches to sushi, hamburgers to pizza, and just about every kind of snack you could want. Alcohol is available here as well. There are plenty of seating options available at Crikey Cafe.

If you are far from the Crikey Cafe and hungry, visit the kiosk in the Africa section of the zoo for pies, drinks, and ice cream.

Maybe it is just the dessert you are after. The Laughing Frog Lolly Shop has loads of treats, ice cream, and coffee available.

We packed a picnic and loads of snacks and found tables throughout the park. In the end, we still ended up buying more at Crikey Cafe.

Wildlife HQ, Sunshine Coast

Just a little further north of Australia Zoo, you can find Wildlife HQ.

Wildlife HQ is less than 30 minutes from Australia Zoo and a little more than an hour from Brisbane. It is located at the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast.

Basic Information

Wildlife HQ is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and closed on Christmas. Seasonally, they are open for a Night Zoo.

Experiences at Wildlife HQ

You can be the Zookeeper for a day, which includes 6 custom experiences.

Anyone older than 8 can participate in a 10-15-minute animal feeding experience. Bookings can be made on arrival and can include the following:

• meerkat
• emperor/cotton top tamarin
• marmoset/pygmy marmoset
• lemur/ruffed lemur
• red panda
• binturong
• sun bear (must be 12 years old)

Photo experiences are available. They suggest signing up in advance, if possible. Children of all ages are welcome to join their parents, but need to be at least 8 years old to hold an animal. Photos are available with the following animals:

• dingo
• sugar gliders
• koala
• quokka
• reptiles

Right outside of Wildlife HQ, also at the Big Pineapple, is Tree Top Adventures. There is a junior ziplining course for children 3-9 and an adult course for anyone 8+. My kids loved the ziplining course.

Night Zoo at Wildlife HQ

Seasonally, Wildlife HQ opens up a Night Zoo on the weekends.

Limited to 25 guests at a time, the Night Zoo begins at sunset and allows visitors to see the animals that are more active at night.

We visited Wildlife HQ during their night zoo.

Animals at Wildlife HQ

Wildlife HQ is home to animals from Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia.

• koala
• kangaroo
• sun bear
• marmoset
• reptiles
• birds
• quokka
• Tasmanian devil
• dingo
• sugar glider
• tamarin
• lemur
• binturong
• red panda
• sun bear
• tree kangaroo
• baboon
• rabbit
• guinea pig
• wallaby
• spider monkey
• wolf
• cassowary

Restaurant Options at Wildlife HQ

The Zoo Cafe is open daily from 9 am to 2 pm. They serve burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and treats.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is about 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Brisbane on the Gold Coast.

There is a paid parking lot, or you can find street parking nearby.

Basic Information

You can add on breakfast or afternoon tea with the koalas or ziplining with Treetop Adventures.

Animal Encounters and Experiences

Photos are available with koalas, snakes, eagles, and owls

• Breakfast with the koalas includes a photo
• Afternoon tea with the koalas includes a photo
• koala behind the scenes
• scaly tales (reptiles), 4+
• raptor encounter (includes a photo of you holding an eagle), 12+
• dingo encounter, 10+
• dingo walk, 12+
• echidna, 8+
• possum, 6+
• cotton top tamarin, 8+
• capybara, 6+
• red panda, 12+
• behind-the-scenes tour
• treetop ziplining, 8+
• Lost Valley experience, 5+
• wildlife hospital private tour, 4+

Twilight Tour at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary holds a Twilight Tour seasonally.

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, and there are options, one of which is pram-friendly.

Animal Shows and Feedings

• wild lorikeet feeding
• pelican and eel feeding
• Wild Skies bird show
• Aussie scales and tales
• wild hospital presentations

Non-animal shows include Blinky Bill’s Rookie Ranger Station and an Aboriginal Culture Show.

Animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

• koala
• kangaroo
• wallabies
• wombat
• crocodile
• dingo
• Tasmanian devil
• echidna
• birds
• reptiles and amphibians
• emu
• red panda
• tamarin
• cassowary
• capybara
• lemur
• tree kangaroo

Restaurant Options at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Sanctuary Cafe is before the entrance to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Hot meals are served as well as salads, bowls, and fruit.

Wild Burgers is next to the Blinky Bill show and 2 playgrounds. They serve burgers and bowls.

Kangaroo Outpost has premade sandwiches.

There is a candy shop near Wild Burgers and a General Post where you can find ice cream, premade wraps, and sandwiches.

Ipswich Nature Centre, Ipswich

Ipswich Nature Centre is a small nature centre located in Queens Park in Ipswich, about 40 minutes away from Brisbane City.

Street parking and a large parking lot provide free parking by Ipswich Nature Centre

Basic Information

Admission to Ipswich Nature Centre is free, though a gold coin donation is suggested. Unlike the zoos and animal sanctuaries near Brisbane, the Ipswich Nature Centre is small and does not have animal experiences, feeding times, or shows.

The toilets are located right outside of Ipswich Nature Centre. There are picnic tables out front, a cafe nearby, and a playground within walking distance.

Animals at Ipswich Nature Centre

• kangaroo
• wallabies
• pademelon
• wombat
• black swan
• python snake
• bilby
• flying fox
• emu
• chicken
• rooster
• cow
• goat
• peacock
• possum
• dingo
• quoll
• black cockatoo
• lizards
• turtles
• spinifex hopping mice

How To Choose Where To Go To See Australian Animals near Brisbane

With so many places to see Australian animals near Brisbane, how do you choose which place is best for you?

We have been lucky enough to have been able to go to all 5 locations closest to Brisbane, where we can see Australian animals. All 5 have been great for different reasons.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is small and perfect for young kids. It is close to Brisbane. We saw more koalas at Lone Pine than ever before. If you don’t want to leave Brisbane to see Australian animals, then Lone Pine is the choice for you.

Currumbin Wildlife Center has a lot of shows and chances to see animals up close. You can zip line over the kangaroos! They have a train that goes all over the park, making it fun and easy to get around. There is a playground and a splash pad for kids. The park is very well shaded.

Australia Zoo is the only place near Brisbane that has typical zoo animals. They have a splash pad and play area, plus lots of shows. Australia Zoo is the largest of the 4 places to see Australian animals near Brisbane.

Wildlife HQ is a small, walkable park with plenty of Australian animals. Plus, there is zip-lining for kids as young as 3.

Ipswich Nature Centre doesn’t have any frills, but it is essentially free, and visitors can see many Australian animals there.

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