Nestled comfortably alongside the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane is usually ignored 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 interested in Australia’s distinctive wildlife. Brisbane and its surrounding space supply wildlife experiences worthy of any customer’s coastal itinerary.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Positioned instantly on the Brisbane River, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary presents rather more than its title may recommend. After all, it additionally lives as much as that title by letting you view, maintain, and take photos with the cuddly creatures. Past koalas, nonetheless, the sanctuary is dwelling to all kinds of indigenous wildlife, together with kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, and crocodiles. Although hands-on interplay is restricted to koalas, snakes, and child crocs, there are additionally feedings and talks to be discovered all through the park that present lots 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 in case you’re staying in Brisbane, and might really be visited by way of a river cruise. Think about including this to your tour for an additional sprint of journey. E book 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 dwelling Steve Irwin, higher generally known as the Crocodile Hunter. His conservationist ethos can nonetheless be discovered everywhere in the zoo, which is dwelling to species as different as tigers, parrots, kangaroos, echidnas, rhinos, and, after all, crocodiles.
Australia Zoo continues to be owned and operated by the Irwin household, and as such it’s not terribly stunning that the zoo presents its displays in a means that’s extremely accessible to households and kids. Notably, the zoo additionally presents 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 may 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 worth worthwhile.
Additional Adventures
These seeking 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. Somewhat greater than an hour away by ferry, Moreton is without doubt one of the world’s largest sand islands, and presents 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 totally 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 payment, after all. Whale-watching cruises additionally depart from the island, and whereas sightings will not be assured, the creatures are really magnificent to behold.
Moreton is only a day journey from Brisbane, and costs fluctuate relying on what actions you select. It doesn’t matter what you do, nonetheless, the island is bound to be an journey.
Header picture by Bob Walker on Unsplash
