Spot native animals

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Western Suburbs 

Brisbane’s favourite native animal sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. Open rain, hail or shine, here you can meet and have your photo taken with one of their 130+ koalas. Don’t let the name mislead you though; they’ve also got a stunning selection of birds, reptiles and farm animals, plus you can get up close to their kangaroos. They also offer an exciting night-time experience, Nocturnal, where you can experience the sanctuary after dark and see what all the critters get up to when the lights go out!

Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Logan 

This free-to-visit koala centre is located 25km south of Brisbane and is home to a number of educational koalas. Although you can’t touch or hold the koalas at Daisy Hill Koala Centre, you can get up close to them from two viewing platforms. Don’t forget to stop by the information centre to learn more about these adorable mammals!

Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre, Western Suburbs 

Just 12km from Brisbane’s CBD, the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre is home to native wildlife housed in exhibits that mirror their actual habitat. Take a glimpse inside the nocturnal house or walk through the subtropical aviary that replicates the lush rainforests of the D’Aguilar Range. While you’re there explore the surrounds, encounter native animals, enjoy a walk or bike ride, and take a dip in the reservoir for the perfect day out!

Birds of Prey - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Scenic Rim 

Head to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Scenic Rim to see aerial predators including owls, falcons and eagles in free flight performing amazing natural aerobatics. The Birds of Prey show starts at 1pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays, and afterwards you’ll have the chance to meet the stars and take photos. 

Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin

No animal lover’s trip to Brisbane is complete without a visit to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, where you can get up close and personal with sea life all around the island. The resort is also home to Australia’s longest-running whale watching tours from June to October, as well as a cruise to spot the dugongs, turtles, dolphins and so many more creatures that call Moreton Bay home. There are also daily kookaburra and seabird educational presentations from the eco-rangers! 

Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre, Minjerribah/Stradbroke Island 

The Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre, located on North Stradbroke Island, is the premier dive facility for high-quality, live-in scuba diving training. This is your opportunity to swim alongside diverse marine life year-round, as well as seasonal visitors such as manta rays and leopard sharks in summer, and grey nurse sharks and humpback whales in winter.

Visit the zoo 

Australia Zoo, Moreton Bay Region 

By far the biggest animal park in the Brisbane region, this 110-acre zoo is just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane. With state-of-the-art facilities and something new every time, Australia Zoo (owned and operated by the famous Irwin family) is run by a passionate team of conservationists. View everything from crocodiles, wombats and Tasmanian devils to rhinos, tigers, red pandas and giraffes. The zoo also offers a range of unique one-on-one animal experiences and is an absolute must-do when visiting Brisbane. 

A day out on the farm

Summer Land Camels, Scenic Rim 

Find Australia's largest wild camel training centre and dairy operation right in the heart of the Scenic Rim. Visit Summer Land Camels to meet these gentle giants. While you're there you can enjoy delicious country fare from the café, including camel milk gelato, cheese, cakes and even a camel-cino! Pick up some of their unique camel milk skincare from the farm shop before heading home.  

Towri Sheep Cheeses, Scenic Rim 

Say cheese! Sheep cheese that is, as you embark on a tour of Towri Sheep Cheesery. The tour includes a milking demonstration, sheep cheese tasting platter and of course some one-on-one time with the sheep. There is also a cheese-making workshop available for those wanting to get hands-on. 

Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Scenic Rim 

The Tommerups are a fifth and sixth generation working dairy farm. The family has worked on the property for 140 years and invite you to get a taste of farm life at Tommerup's Dairy Farm. Stay overnight on the dairy farm and choose to either kick back and relax, or join in the daily routine of a farmer. 

Lyell Deer Sanctuary, Moreton Bay Region

Deer, oh deer! Located just a 35-minute drive north of Brisbane, the Lyell Deer Sanctuary is home to a small herd of rescued red, fallow and rusa deer. This small, family-run farm attracts visitors from all over the world. A truly gorgeous experience getting up close and personal with these magical creatures. 

White Ridge Farm, Moreton Bay Region 

For a true farm experience, head to White Ridge Farm and say 'hi' to the resident camel Gypsy, take pictures with the llamas and alpacas, and watch the gorgeous cows graze the day away. There's an adventure playground and a barn with shady tables and chairs – a perfect picnic spot. As an added bonus their 9-hole putt putt golf is included in your entry ticket.  

Mountview Alpaca Farm, Scenic Rim 

Within the grounds of Canungra Valley Vineyards sits Mountview Alpaca Farm. Stop by to walk the alpacas or even enjoy a picnic next to Canungra Creek with your new fluffy friends. The team at Mountview also train their alpacas to be used as therapy animals in hospitals and aged care facilities. 

The Llama Farm, Ipswich 

You’re invited to The Llama Farm, where you can see for yourself how an authentic llama farm operates. These exotic creatures all have their own names, unique personalities and stories that you are encouraged to get to know. After all, life is calmer with a llama!  

Naughty Little Kids, Ipswich 

Experience a typical day on a goat dairy farm with a tour at Naughty Little Kids. Join one of their Sunday afternoon tours where families can make memories with the baby goats, watch a cheese-making demonstration, and taste some of their delicious gelato and cheese!