Meet our unique Australian wildlife

When it comes to wildlife, there's no shortage of friendly locals ready to welcome you to Queensland. If you’re ready to come face to face with some of nature’s most incredible creatures, you’re in the right place.

Set amongst the ancient Glass House Mountains, a short drive from the Sunshine Coast’s beaches, you can spend a day exploring Steve Irwin’s legacy at Australia Zoo. Exchange a smile with a crocodile, or visit the wildlife hospital to witness first-hand the work being done to protect our animal friends – made possible by your visit. Forget the postcard when you “adopt” a koala as a souvenir from your trip.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a subtropical, lush oasis filled with koalas, you might want to head to  Brisbane’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Here, you’ll find a sanctuary dedicated to koalas where you can connect with and learn more about these cute-as-a-button marsupials. We guarantee you’ll leave inspired to make positive changes to your life to protect these endearing locals. Or, tucked just behind the beaches of the Gold Coast, meet an animal oasis at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Why not head north to Tropical North Queensland to visit an immersive wildlife exhibit? Here, you can lock eyes with prehistoric creatures like cassowaries and crocodiles. They first roamed the earth 200 million years ago, and you’ll find them waiting for you at places like Rainforestation, Wildlife Habitat, and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Or spend a while getting lost at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Guaranteed, you’ll leave with a newfound connection to the magic of the world’s oldest surviving rainforest and its creatures. 

Head into the Great Barrier Reef and volunteer at a turtle rehab centre or take a tour. Or why not watch turtles take their first breath as they emerge from their nests on the shores of Bundaberg’s Mon Repos, before venturing into the big blue to start their big adventure.

Now, where are you going to explore first?