If you love animals, Brisbane is the place for you. With an abundance of nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries, the city is teeming with furry (and not so furry!) friends, from cuddly koalas to crocodiles and everything in between. Here are a few of the best spots to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic animals.

LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY

Conveniently located less than 30 minutes from our hotel, this sanctuary is home to more than 130 koalas and offers visitors the chance to hold one of these adorable creatures. You’ll also get to see kangaroos (which you can hand-feed!), platypuses, owls and other native Australian animals. In addition to the animal encounters, the sanctuary provides opportunities to learn about Australian wildlife through ranger-led tours and presentations. So whether you’re looking to cuddle a koala or learn about Australia’s unique ecology, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is sure to be a delightful experience.

DAISY HILL CONSERVATION PARK

The Daisy Hill Conservation Park is located 25km southeast of Brisbane City. This beautiful park protects the habitat of koalas and other wildlife while offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including biking and bushwalking. It’s also home to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, which is dedicated to helping koalas that are sick or injured. Visitors can learn all about these fascinating creatures and the rehabilitation and conservation processes, and you can also meet the centre’s resident koalas.

MT COOT-THA RESERVE

Situated on the edge of the city, Mt Coot-tha Reserve offers panoramic views of the skyline and the surrounding countryside. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wrens, robins, parrots, owls and cockatoos, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching! With its tranquil setting and abundant nature, the reserve provides a welcome respite from the busyness of everyday life. So if you’re looking for a place to relax and take in some world-class scenery, be sure to add Mt Coot-tha Reserve to your itinerary.

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES

If you’re an animal lover who wants to spend some quality time with your own furry friend, Manly or Nudgee Beach are great options. These dog-friendly beaches offer plenty of space for your pup to romp and play, and you can enjoy the stunning views while getting some fresh air. And, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even take a dip in the water with your pooch. So, for a fun day out with your furry buddy, you can’t go wrong with a dog-friendly beach. Just be sure to bring a dog poop bag with you!

AUSTRALIA ZOO

For something a bit more wild, travel out of the city and head to Australia Zoo. Made famous by the late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, the zoo is home to more than 1200 animals, including meerkats, giraffes, a Komodo dragon, and of course, crocodiles! Visitors can learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and get a special glimpse of some of the animals during their daily feeding times. There’s also a range of interactive experiences – from feeding otters to petting a rhino, you can choose your own adventure! For lovers of animals of all shapes and sizes, a visit to the Australia Zoo is sure to be unforgettable.

SUMMER LAND CAMELS

Looking for an animal experience that’s a little out of the ordinary? Then Summer Land Camels may be the perfect destination for you! Located an hour out of Brisbane, the farm offers camel rides, tours of their camel training facilities, and even guided art classes among the camels. You can also enjoy food and drinks made from the milk of your new four-legged friends along the way! Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family or a romantic outing for two, Summer Land Camels is sure to please any lover of these one-of-a-kind animals.

DEATH ROW UNCHAINED

This is an animal encounter experience with a difference. DRU is a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates mistreated animals of many different species, including pigs, cows, goats and horses. The sanctuary offers a place of refuge where these beautiful creatures can live out their days in peace and safety. Explore the sanctuary and meet some of the animals that call it home!

If you’re an animal lover who is looking for a new place to explore near Brisbane, be sure to check out these amazing spots – you won’t be disappointed! Stay up to date with our blog for more exciting activities to do in Brisbane.