Best Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks in Queensland

As one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world, Queensland is an amazing destination for up-close animal encounters. Whether you want to cuddle a koala or come face-to-face with a crocodile, all of this and more is possible at these bucket list-worthy zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks in Queensland.

Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

Nestled on more than 110 acres on the Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is renowned as the most interactive conservation destination on the planet. Here, you can get up close to over 1200 animals, including Australian favourites like koalas, kangaroos and wombats, along with exotic wildlife like tigers, elephants, rhinos, lemurs and so much more. Learn more about these animals during daily conservation shows, including the famous Wildlife Warriors Show, which features Steve Irwin’s favourite animal, the saltwater crocodile. It’s not hard to see why it’s considered one of the best zoos in Queensland.

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Southern Gold Coast, has been conserving native wildlife and nurturing local Indigenous heritage for over 75 years. Here, you can take part in several interactive animal encounters, such as feeding kangaroos, playing with possums and cuddling a koala. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to one of the world’s busiest wildlife hospitals, which you can visit on a guided tour. As a not-for-profit organisation, all proceeds at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are reinvested back into wildlife and conservation programs.

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Wildlife Habitat, Port Douglas

Just five minutes from Port Douglas is Wildlife Habitat, an awarded, eco-certified wildlife sanctuary that offers visitors a chance to interact with native Australian animals in their recreated natural environment. The park is divided into five distinct environments – Woodland, Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah and Nocturnal – each offering unique experiences, such as hand-feeding wallabies and kangaroos or catching a glimpse of the legendary Southern Cassowary. You can also join additional experiences, such as breakfast with the birds and nocturnal park tours.

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Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Tropical North Queensland

If you want to see Tropical North Queensland’s most famous resident, the saltwater crocodile, head to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. The largest wildlife attraction in Northern Australia offers an array of immersive wildlife encounters, including lagoon boat cruises that allow you to see the crocodiles up close and personal. There are also 2,500 metres of boardwalks and pathways to explore, home to an array of wildlife, including Komodo dragons, alligators, cassowaries, wombats, koalas, emus, kangaroos and wallabies.

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Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda

Set on 100 acres of World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest just 30 minutes from Cairns, Rainforestation Nature Park offers a host of experiences that get you up close with the wildlife that calls Far North Queensland home. Enjoy a guided rainforest tour aboard a World War II Army Duck and spot unique wildlife, including Lumholtz’s tree kangaroos, southern cassowaries and Tasmanian devils. More than just a wildlife park, Rainforestation also provides chances to connect with local Indigenous culture.

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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane

Head to the Queensland capital to visit the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Considered Brisbane’s premier wildlife attraction, Lone Pine is home to over 100 koalas and 70 species of other native Australian animals, such as platypuses, dingoes, wombats and kangaroos. The perfect day out for families, Lone Pine offers a daily schedule filled with shows, presentations, photo opportunities and animal feedings.

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Cairns Aquarium, Cairns

Cairns Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in Queensland. After all, it’s the only aquarium in the world to exclusively showcase wildlife from Tropical North Queensland’s two World Heritage-listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Cairns Aquarium is home to over 16,000 aquatic animals, which you can learn more about during daily ecosystem talks, animal presentations, live diver feeds and marine touch tank shows. Plus, you can upgrade your experience to include a turtle hospital tour, a coral biobank tour or a nighttime tour.

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Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Those with an interest in birdlife can’t miss Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Located on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this popular attraction has five walk-through aviaries with over 600 native and exotic birds from around the world. Learn more about what makes each of them unique during an interactive tour, led by friendly and experienced birdkeepers. Plus, Maleny Botanic Gardens also has a Farm Friends Petting Zoo, which houses rescue guinea pigs and rabbits, along with other farm animals.

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Make Furry Friends on Your Next Queensland Adventure

Want to get up close to Queensland’s iconic wildlife? Talk to the friendly My Queensland Experts about adding a wildlife experience to your perfectly packaged holiday today!

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