Gold coast is one of the most beautiful destinations for travel in Australia. Situated in Queensland, Gold Coast is the second most populated city of the country and is best known for the scenic beaches, great surfing opportunities, a vibrant nightlife, and the pleasant sub-tropical climate. Moreover, the place is also famous for all the zoos that you can visit. For the international traveler, the zoos in gold coast are a must-see attraction.
10 best Gold coast Zoos to See the wildlife of Australia
Australia is famous for its wildlife and was the home to the renowned conservationist Steve Irwin. So, there is no reason not to visit the Gold Coast zoos. Here is a quick run down:
1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an iconic wildlife sanctuary in Gold Coast. It is a non-profit organization that gives away all its proceedings towards wildlife conservation programs. Here, you can experience the natural beauty of the Currumbin rainforest that is spread over 27 hectares. You can walk through open animal enclosures, feed kangaroos, and even cuddle koalas as you roam through the vast rainforest.
You can even catch a glimpse of the wild lorikeet feeding, see shows by free flight birds and performances by Aboriginals too.
A new section in the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lost Valley. It is five hectares of rainforests that is bound to mesmerize you. In the Lost Valley, you will get to know about the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. You will also get to see distinct flora and fauna, exotic reptiles, free-flying birds, Capybaras, Red pandas, cotton-top tamarins, and friendly lemurs.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary ticket price starts from $50 for adults. However, there are family tickets too that costs less.
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Corner of Tomewin Street, Currumbin, QLD, 4223
Open Time: 8 AM to 5 PM
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2. Sea World
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One of Australia’s most famous places to explore wildlife is the Sea World. One of the most well-known Marine Park in the world, Sea World can be a fun-filled, adventurous or even a relaxing trip for both adults and children. The Seal Guardian’s presentation is a cool new attraction aimed towards raising awareness on how one can save the oceans. The Reef at Castaway Bay is one of the newer attractions. Plus, there is the new PAW Patrol show where you can meet Chase and Marshall, the characters from the Nickelodeon TV show. Sea World allows you to get up close with seals, dolphins, penguins and even polar bears. Mishka, the polar bear is the newest member of the Sea World family. For those seeking an adventurous day can go for the jet ski ride or even go for a ride on the Storm coaster.
Where: Sea World Drive, Main Beach, QLD, 4217
Open Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
3. David Fleay Wildlife Park
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The David Fleay Wildlife Park is a gold coast zoo with a difference. The wildlife park started as an initiative by David Fleay. He established the property back in 1951. Previously, he was an employee of the Melbourne Zoo and was the first person who helped breed platypus in captivity. Since then, he was an advocate of providing animals in zoos a place that resembled their natural habitat. Today, the philosophy of the naturalist can be seen in many of the modern zoos all across the world. Even today, the park continues with the education programs and the breeding programs that were initiated by Fleay. The nearby Tallebudgera Creek lined with mangroves is also a great place to explore.
Those who find it difficult to walk can also visit the place using wheelchairs. The park also accommodates prams for children.
Where: Loman Lane, Burleigh Heads, QLD, 4220
Open Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
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4. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
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Australia is famous for its Koalas, and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a World Record holder when it comes to Koala sanctuaries. It has been working with Koalas for over 90 years and currently has about 120 Koalas. Both in 2015 and again in 2018, this place was awarded the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame for the positive reviews it received from its guests. In 2018, the Brisbane Koala Science Institute was set up by the Sanctuary in partnership with the Brisbane City Council, allowing researchers from all across the world to study Koalas.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary allows you to see over 100 species of animals and get up close with some of them. The place comes with free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and comfortable places where you can sit and work on your laptop. In the “Koala Forest,” you can live stream videos of you having coffee while being surrounded by thirty Koalas.
Where: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, QLD, 4069
Open Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
5. Paradise Country
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If you want a great farm experience, then Paradise Country is the place to go. Located between the Australian Outback and Warner Bros. Movie World, the farm is an excellent place to make memories with friends and family. It’s one of the most unique zoos in Gold Coast where you can watch sheep being round up by stockmen, see how sheep are sheared, and even have some billy tea. You can feed wild lorikeets and kangaroos. You can even hold a koala in your arms. This place is great for bloggers and those who love showcasing their travel on social media.
Where: Production Drive, Oxenford, QLD, 4210
Open Time: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
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6. Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Tours
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Located at the Cedar Creek Restate, Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Tours allows you to explore a Glow Worm cave. Even though the cave is purpose-built, it gives you magical views of the place. Once in the cave, you will need some time to accommodate the low light. Once, you are used to the darkness, you can see thousands of glow worms.
Even though the place is open throughout the day, you need to be there in the twilight hours, that is, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. If you are going in a large group, it is recommended that you book in advance.
Where: 104 – 144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine, QLD, 4272
Open Time: 10 AM to 6:30 PM
7. Alma Park Zoo
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Alma Park Zoo is one of the more popular zoos in Gold Coast, Australia. Here, you can see over 100 species and over 200 animals. Many of them are exotic while the rest are indigenous. Moreover, you can also get a lot of hands-on opportunities, making this the ideal place for families. Even children are allowed to touch crocodiles and snakes. They can hold Koalas too. Moreover, you can also see peacocks, kangaroos, deer, and other farm animals.
Alma Park Zoo also comes with a rainforest garden for a picnic. The park also arranges for presentations and keeper talks throughout the day.
Where: 18 Alma Road, Dakabin, QLD, 4503
Opening Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
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8. Serendipity Farm
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Another great option for a farm visit is the Serendipity Farm. It’s an excellent option for a day out with the family. Here, you can see camels, lambs, chickens, donkeys, pigs. The way in which Serendipity Farm is different from other commercial farms is that it is a refuge for rejected farm animals. In most commercial farms, sick animals often get put down. But this is not the case in Serendipity Farm. You can see a lot of threatened native animals in the park that you cannot see elsewhere.
Where: Serendipity Farm, 383 East Haldon Road, Junction View, QLD, 4343
Opening Time: 10 AM to 4 PM
9. Darling Down Zoo
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This is a zoo that is privately owned and is split into different continental sections such as South America, South-east Asia, Africa and Australia. Moreover, it is the only place where you can see a lion in Queensland. This is a wonderful place for people of all ages. The paved paths allow wheelchairs to be pushed easily. The trek course will challenge your physical fitness. It is a fun-filled canopy ropes course. You can even see the vets working that is located in the region. This zoo is especially fun for children as there is a playground. There is a miniature train to keep children entertained.
Where: Darling Down Zoo, Gatton Clifton Road, Pilton, QLD, 4361
Opening Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
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10. Australia Zoo
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And finally, the home of the iconic Steve Irwin, the Australia Zoo is the ultimate wildlife experience. It’s a lush green place with over a thousand animals and even Koalas to cuddle. You can see Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tiger, and giant crocodiles too. You can even arrange for a private tour where you can have a personal guide to accompany you throughout the zoo.
Where: Australia Zoo, 40 Fraser Road, Beerwah, QLD, 4519
Open Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
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These zoos in Gold Coast, Australia, are not only a landmark. There is even a daily sheepdog show where experienced handlers show you how their loyal dogs help them every day. They are an expression of the love this country holds for its unique indigenous animals and other ones as well. Thus, don’t forget to visit this wealth on your trip to Australia.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In Gold Coast
Which is the largest zoo on the Gold Coast?
The largest zoo in the Gold Coast is the Monarto Zoo, the largest open-range zoo in Australia. It has been designed to let the grazing animals roam about in the natural environment.
Are zoos in Gold Coast safe enough to be visited with kids?
Yes, the zoos are safe and exciting and protected enough for kids to be taken there. There are plenty of other places to visit in Gold Coast too where you can take your kids.
What are the native animals of the Gold Coast?
The indigenous animals of the Gold Coast are as follows:
1. Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
2. Australian Red-eyed tree frog (Litoria chloris)
3. Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis)
4. Flying foxes (Pteropus spp)
5. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Which zoos in the Gold Coast have the largest collection of snakes?
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Luke’s Reptile Kingdom and David Fleay Wildlife Park has the largest number of venomous snakes in the Gold Coast.
Which is the largest animal on the Gold Coast?
The kangaroos, officially Australia’s national animal, are the largest creatures found there.
Which are the most dangerous animals found in the Gold Coast?
The topmost dangerous animals found in Gold Coast are:
1. Common Brown Snake
2. Saltwater Crocodile
3. Box Jellyfish
4. The Inland Taipan
5. Stonefish
6. Blue-Ringed Octopus
7. The Redback Spider
8. Funnel Web Spider
How far is the Australia Zoo from the Gold Coast?
The Australia Zoo is located at a distance of 156 km from the Gold Coast, which is approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes of drive.
Which zoo in Gold Coast is a must-visit?
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary should not be missed by tourists while on a journey to the Gold Coast.
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