Australia’s wildlife gets a bit of a bad rap, but we tend to believe that any tourist is just one positive (and professionally coordinated) experience away from loving our furry, feathered, scaly and slimy local residents. So, where to begin? Here’s where to see animals on the Gold Coast.
If you don’t go to Dreamworld for the thrill rides or the captivating characters, you probably go for Tiger Island. Where else can you come face-to-face with some of the world’s most ferocious, yet beautiful creatures? Time your visit with a show or book in a tiger feeding experience. While you’re there, be sure to check out the native wildlife (and maybe even give them a cuddle).
Where else can you hang with quokkas, capybaras, koalas and dingoes, and still be just a short walk from the beach? But while they’re certainly famous for their array of wildlife, it’s the animals that descend upon Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary morning and evening – as part of the free lorikeet feeding sessions – that bring tourists flocking.
Get the Aussie farm experience at Paradise Country in Oxenford. From up-close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, emus and dingoes to the Aussie Farmyard, which is filled with farm animals like cows, horses, sheep and pigs, spending one day exploring everything may not be enough – luckily, you can make it an overnight farmstay!
Wine and alpacas? We’re so there. Jen and Steve Pack are the couple behind Mountview Alpaca Farm, home to one of the Gold Coast’s best wineries (O’Reill’ys Canungra Valley Vineyards) and… 70 alpacas. Say hello to Ernie, Elvis, Noodles and other members of the pack, walk them through the vineyards and even snap a selfie with them. Then, take in the beautiful scenery (and delicious food and wine) with a picnic lunch.
It may be small, but David Fleay Wildlife Park is one Gold Coast attraction making a big difference. Home to some of Queensland’s most unique and threatened species – like the shy bridled nailtail wallaby (which was thought to be extinct for over 30 years – it’s hard to believe the park is so close to the heart of Burleigh.
Nestled in the World Heritage listed Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the perfect hinterland escape if you’re looking for native wildlife. From the beloved Birds of Prey show (which shows off the power of eagles, owls and black kites) to the Glow Worm tour, one day at O’Reilly’s really isn’t enough.
Did you know, almost every day at 1.30pm, a pod of pelicans gathers on the beach at Ian Dipple Lagoon, Labrador, to be fed? The staff at Charis Seafood throw leftover fish to the birds, and it’s quite the sight. Grab your own seafood lunch from Charis and watch the spectacle – just make sure you keep a respectable distance (lest you be nipped by a peckish pelican).
Perhaps the best reason to visit the Gold Coast between June and October is to catch a glimpse of some other visiting tourists – of the sea-born, humpback variety. Keen to see the whales as they pass our golden coast in search of warmer waters? Here are our favourite Gold Coast whale watching tours.
Tangalooma
Tourists come from all over the world to explore this marine playground, but don’t forget about the animals you can meet while standing in the shallows. Every evening, pods of wild bottlenose dolphins swim up to Tangalooma’s shoreline, expecting treats from the resort’s visitors – and the visitors certainly get a treat in return. Not only will you get to come face-to-face with them, but you’ll also learn about their behaviours, family connections and how to protect them.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
It’s a celebrity favourite for a reason. Situated in Fig Tree Pocket, one of Brisbane’s leafy western suburbs, Lone Pine is a must-visit for anyone visiting Brisbane. Cuddle koalas, say hello to dingos and feed kangaroos in their free-range feeding enclosure.
www.lonepinekoalasanctuary.com
Kayaking at Byron Bay
Kayaking on the open sea is an experience in itself, but getting to meet some of Byron Bay’s locals makes it even better. Drift alongside turtles and dolphins with Go Sea Kayak. They’re so confident you’ll get to see at least one dolphin in your kayaking trip, they’ll give you another trip for free if you don’t.
Image credit Tourism and Events Queensland
