One of Australia’s most picturesque travel destinations is the Gold Coast which is located in Queensland. This is the second-most populous city in the nation and is renowned for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing conditions, exciting nightlife, and comfortable sub-tropical climate. The area is also well-known for plenty of zoos that you can visit. Nothing is quite as amazing as witnessing tigers, lions, and penguins. A trip to the zoo offers the opportunity to learn about the various animals that live on this planet, a range that is as diverse, wild, and beautiful as the many places on the globe. It’s unsurprising one of the best pastimes for Australians because they can see some of the most unusual living things in one location that can’t be found anywhere else.
Gold Coast is the place to be for animal lovers, with a tonne of options and diverse collections of animals. You can come across the adorable animals that call Australia home, including kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, wombats, and a wide variety of fish, sharks, and turtles. The best part is that they provide hands-on experiences that are unmatched. You will also get the chance to interact with animals up close by feeding, petting, and even taking selfies with them. Additionally, there are many professionals available to give you an inside look at the daily lives of the animals at the zoos.We have done our research and created this list of the best zoos located in the Gold Coast, where you can visit with your family or friends to witness an amazing variety of animals.
1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Currumbin Valley of Gold Coast, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the National Trust of Australia (Queensland). Visitors to this sanctuary can observe and learn about native Australian species like koalas, lorikeets, dingoes, snakes, cassowaries and many more. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers interactive and educational experiences for visitors through fun activities and knowledgeable guest speakers from various cultural backgrounds. This is an opportunity for humans to build a connection with nature and to gain insights into the fascinating inhabitants of this unique nature reserve.
⚙️ Services
| Notable – Animals | Koala |
| Lorikeets | Crocodile |
| Dingo | Wombat |
⚙️ Payment
| Cash | Visa |
| Mastercard | |
🕒 Working Hours
| Monday | 9:00am–4:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am–4:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am–4:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am–4:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am–4:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am–4:00pm |
| Sunday | 9:00am–4:00pm |
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Review on Tripadvisor – “Great place to see the kangaroos and other wildlife. All animals are friendly, and the people working there are great. Welle worth the visit.” – Sunshine27811957948
2. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Looking for a unique way to experience Australia’s wildlife? Look no further than Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary! This sanctuary is home to more than 130 koalas, platypuses, and other native Australian animals. Here, experienced koala keepers will show you around the sanctuary and provide learning opportunities while they educate you on the many species of animals. You’ll also be able to take part in educational programs, interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment suitable for all ages! Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is committed to conservation, education and research – making it an ideal place to explore Australia’s extraordinary wildlife.
⚙️ Services
| Notable – Animals | Koala |
| Parrot | Snake |
⚙️ Payment
| Cash | Visa |
| Master card |
🕒 Working Hours
| Monday | 9:00am–5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am–5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am–5:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am–5:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am–5:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am–5:00pm |
| Sunday | 9:00am–5:00pm |
708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket ,Queensland Australia 4069
Review on Facebook – “Must visit place, I would highly recommended !!” –Veneet Thakur
3. Paradise Country
Paradise Country is an amazing, one-of-a-kind farm experience in Australia. Visitors will witness the beauty of unique native animals such as kangaroos, koalas and more during memorable wild encounters. Spend some quality time with the adorable animals in the Farmyard Nursery which includes piglets, lambs and goats. Get ready to be mesmerised by an incredible show featuring extraordinary live action stunts or let your competitive spirit come out while playing mini golf on beautifully designed courses. The fun never ends for kids as they can enjoy our range of grassy areas with exciting facilities including sandpits, play structures and mazes!
⚙️ Services
| Farmhouse Resturant | Notable – All Animals |
| Animal Shows and Presentations |
⚙️ Payment
| Cash | Visa |
| Master card |
🕒 Working Hours
| Monday | 10:00am-3:30pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00am-3:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00am-3:30pm |
| Thursday | 10:00am-3:30pm |
| Friday | 10:00am-3:30pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am-3:30pm |
| Sunday | 10:00am-3:30pm |
Production Drive, Oxenford Gold Coast, Queensland QLD 4210 Australia
Review on Google – “We did a day visit, very nice!. Great for young families. The shows are entertaining and informative. Main attraction for the children are Peppa Pig and Shaun the Sheep. Not a long walk within the complex. The Farmhouse Restaurant has a buffet lunch option that is reasonably priced.”– Nitesh Mistry
4. Sea World
One of Australia’s finest wildlife sites is Sea World, the best marine park in the world. The recent addition, the Reef at Castaway Bay, and the Seal Guardian presentation, which advocates for ocean protection, are highlights. Chase and Marshall’s new show on Nickelodeon is sure delighting fans of PAW Patrol. Visitors can get up close and personal with seals, penguins, dolphins, and the newest addition, Mishka the polar bear. For an exciting day out, thrill-seekers can enjoy the Storm coaster and jet ski rides.
⚙️ Services
| Polar Bears | Dolphins |
| Shark Bay | Ray Reef |
| Sea Jellies |
⚙️ Payment
| Cash | Visa |
| Master card |
🕒 Working Hours
| Monday | 10:00am-5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00am-5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00am-5:00pm |
| Thursday | 10:00am-5:00pm |
| Friday | 10:00am-5:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am-5:00pm |
| Sunday | 10:00am-5:00pm |
Main Beach Gold Coast, Queensland 4217 Australia
Review on Google – “Great experience with family and exceeded expectations. So much to do and different experiences to make it worthwhile depending on what you want. Really worth it if your into marine life, plus the other theme park aspects kept us busy all day. I went on Leviathan ride early on which an absolute blast. Staff were friendly and helpful at all stages. The Village Theme Park app is outstanding to help navigate and find key events at any point in the day.” – Matt (Mattps1)
5. Darling Down Zoo
Darling Downs Zoo is a family-run safety committed to providing care for creatures of all sizes. It is owned by Steven and Steph Robinson. Ground-dwelling birds, reptiles, and free-ranging marsupials all find safe havens within the zoo’s grounds, where they reproduce and flourish. Although it is possible for visitors to recognise these creatures, please refrain from approaching or pick them up. The zoo depends only on tourist revenue and private donations for operations, with neither the government nor the Council providing support. All of the animals in Steve and Stephanie’s care are given a loving environment because of their devotion.
⚙️ Services
| Cats | Birds |
| Primates | Reptiles |
⚙️ Payment
| Cash | Visa |
| Master card |
🕒 Working Hours
| Monday | 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Sunday | 9:00am-4:00pm |
Darling Down Zoo, Gatton Clifton Road, Pilton, QLD, 4361
Review on Google- “This was such a great zoo experience! Big enough enclosures but not too spread out to tire the kids out walking around. Informative, short talks rolled on from each other through the first half of the day. Kangaroos and Zebras were too far off to see when we got there. Fully privately funded and well maintained facility with healthy looking animals. Over all a great day trip with our kids aged 5-10.” – Erin Stalenberg
Q.1 How Many Zoos Are In Australia?
A. There are over 100 zoos in Australia, ranging from large, world-renowned attractions to small, lesser-known animal parks. Many of the larger zoos offer up close and personal interactions with a variety of animals, while some of the smaller zoos focus on Australian wildlife conservation and research.
Q.2 How Much are the cost of Zoo Tickets?
A. The cost of zoo tickets varies from location to location. Generally, adult tickets range from $12 USD to $30 USD, while children’s tickets range from $6 USD to $15 USD. Family packages and other discounts may also be available.
Q.3 Can You Take Food And Drink To Australia Zoo?
A. Yes, you can bring food and drinks to Australia Zoo. Guests are also encouraged to bring along their own reusable water bottles to refill at our free water stations located at the park entrances and throughout.
Q.4 What Is The Best Month To Go To The Zoo?
A. Most zoos recommend visiting during the spring and early summer months, as these are typically when the animal enclosures are most active. But depending on where you live, certain months may also be ideal for optimal weather conditions while visiting your local zoo. To get the best experience out of your visit, aim to go in April through August.
Q.5 How Long Should You Spend At Australia Zoo?
A. The recommended minimum amount of time to spend at Australia zoo is three hours. However, if it’s your first visit, you may want to allow yourself more time. You can easily spend up to a full day exploring the numerous exhibits and wildlife experiences offered at Australia Zoo.
Q.6 What Time Of Day Are Animals Most Active At The Zoo?
A. Animals are typically most active in the mornings and early afternoons when the weather is cooler and there is more light for them to explore. However, the activity level varies depending on the species of animals and other environmental factors, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local zoo for their specific hours of operation.
Q.7 Are Animals Happy In Zoos?
A. It depends. While some animals may adapt well to zoo life and form strong bonds with their keepers, there is no denying that zoo life can be restrictive. Animals in captivity often experience boredom, stress, and separation anxiety. It is up to the individual animal whether or not they find happiness in a zoo setting.
