Nestled comfortably alongside the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane is usually neglected as a vacationer vacation spot in favor of the Nice Barrier Reef to the north and Sydney and Melbourne to the South. Put merely, it shouldn’t be – particularly for anybody inquisitive about Australia’s distinctive wildlife. Brisbane and its surrounding space provide wildlife experiences worthy of any customer’s coastal itinerary.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Situated straight on the Brisbane River, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary provides far more than its identify may recommend. After all, it additionally lives as much as that identify by letting you view, maintain, and take photos with the cuddly creatures. Past koalas, nonetheless, the sanctuary is residence to all kinds of indigenous wildlife, together with kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, and crocodiles. Although hands-on interplay is proscribed to koalas, snakes, and child crocs, there are additionally feedings and talks to be discovered all through the park that present most of the identical thrills. All of those experiences – together with platypus feedings and Tasmanian Satan talks – are run every day, so don’t be afraid of lacking out. 

Lone Pine is by far the simplest attraction to get to if you happen to’re staying in Brisbane, and might truly be visited by way of a river cruise. Think about including this to your tour for an additional sprint of journey. Guide prematurely on Klook to save lots of on admission. 

Australia Zoo

To the north of Brisbane correct lies Australia Zoo, an establishment fondly remembered because the one-time residence Steve Irwin, higher often known as the Crocodile Hunter. His conservationist ethos can nonetheless be discovered all around the zoo, which is residence to species as diverse as tigers, parrots, kangaroos, echidnas, rhinos, and, in fact, crocodiles. 

Australia Zoo continues to be owned and operated by the Irwin household, and as such it’s not terribly shocking that the zoo presents its reveals in a manner that’s extremely accessible to households and youngsters. Notably, the zoo additionally provides a “Zookeeper for a Day” program, which permits youngsters ages 4-15 to have behind-the-scenes encounters with all kinds of the zoo’s inhabitants. Although the zoo is kid-friendly, it will also be fairly satisfying for adults, providing interactive experiences to company of all ages. 

At 59AUD, admission right here is a little more costly than Lone Pine, although the interactivity and sheer breadth of animals on show right here make the steeper value worthwhile. 

Additional Adventures

These trying to discover extra pure wildlife encounters than these listed shouldn’t revise their itinerary simply but. Whereas Brisbane is pretty constructed up, close by Moreton Island may slake your thirst for extra a wild journey. Just a little greater than an hour away by ferry, Moreton is without doubt one of the world’s largest sand islands, and provides hikes, seashores, and loads of seaside adventures. Snorkeling and diving alongside the island’s wrecks and reefs present a aspect of Australia’s waters a bit completely different from that of the Nice Barrier Reef to the north. 

These preferring to work together with wildlife whereas remaining dry can head to Tangalooma Island Resort, the place they will feed wild dolphins – for a charge, in fact. Whale-watching cruises additionally depart from the island, and whereas sightings usually are not assured, the creatures are really magnificent to behold.

Moreton is only a day journey from Brisbane, and costs range relying on what actions you select. It doesn’t matter what you do, nonetheless, the island is certain to be an journey.

Header photograph by Bob Walker on Unsplash