Getting up close and personal with animals is a great way to keep the family active and the kids entertained. Luckily, Brisbane has plenty of furry-friend-fun on offer. From farm life to migrating marine mammals, there’s an animal encounter for every family member. So get ready to unleash your inner zoologist and join us as we uncover all the best places to see animals in Brisbane!
Places to see animals in Brisbane
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Where: 253 Daisy Hill Rd, Daisy Hill QLD 4127
When: Mon – Sun, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: Free!
This specialised facility for Koalas in Daisy Hill Conservation Park can be explored for free. The centre is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of Koalas. Kids can observe and learn about koalas in their natural habitat, all while contributing to a great cause!
Ipswich Nature Centre
Where: Goleby Avenue, Ipswich
When: Tues – Sun, 9:30am – 4:00 pm (Open 7 days/week during School Holidays)
Cost: Gold coin donation
A gold coin is a small price to pay for this extensive nature complex and fabulous place for kids to see animals in Brisbane. The whole family can enjoy an engaging stroll through the many wildlife enclosures, walkthrough rainforest aviary and bilby tunnel. The kids can also brush a rescue bull and interact with other farm animals in the farmyard petting zoo.
The bird show at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Where: Fig Tree Pocket, QLD 4069
When: 9:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week
Cost: Tickets start from $35 Or Book tickets here for the special Lone Pine Sanctuary and River Cruise
The largest Koala sanctuary in the world is located only 20 minutes from Brisbane CBD. This huge wildlife complex features koala, kangaroo, wallaby, wombat and bird enclosures. Visitors can explore the sanctuary, hold a koala or handle a bird, all while contributing to vital research and conservation efforts.
Lyell Deer Sanctuary
Where: 6 Lyell Ct, Mount Samson QLD 4520
When: Sat & Sun, 10am – 4pm
Cost: $5 Adults, $3 Children
Not your typical zoo experience, this sanctuary for rescued deer is open to the public and is one of our favourite places to take the kids to see animals in Brisbane. Purchase a bag of pellets for $1 and feed the deer, or let the kids have a cuddle. Picnic, tea and coffee facilities are also available.
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
Where: 60 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir QLD 4520
When: 7 Days/week 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: From $7.75
Take the kids to explore one of Brisbane’s beautiful national parks full of native wildlife. Look out for animals around the park or check out the informational ranger talks and daily animal feeding sessions.
Farm Experiences for Kids
The Llama Farm
Where: 563 Riverside Dr, Pine Mountain QLD 4306
When: Weekend tours available
Cost: From $15 – $45, Free for under 5’s
Give the kids a taste of Llama life on this working Llama farm. Tours and workshops are available on weekends. Kids can meet, pat and feed the Llamas, or even take one for a walk.
Trevena Glen Farm
Where: 1100 Winn Rd, Mount Samson QLD 4520
When: Mon – Sat
Cost: From $20, Infants under 2 are free
Only 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD, this farm has everything you’d want from a petting zoo. Horses, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, goats, turkeys, alpacas, llama, pigs, sheep, donkeys, mini horses and even a dog. Kids can get up close and personal with the animals, and help with feeding, walking, and returning them to their enclosures.
Summer Land Camels
Where: 8 Charles Chauvel Dr, Harrisville QLD 4307
When: 9:00am – 3:00pm, 7 days/week
Cost: Free – $30 per rider
An hour’s drive from Brisbane CBD, visiting this camel farm is an exciting day trip for kids and adults alike. You can enjoy the cafe and homestead, while watching the kids feed some camels in a nearby paddock. The farm also offers camel rides (4yrs+) and cameleering experiences, and If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try some camel milk gelato!
White Ridge Farm
Where: 130 Hamilton Rd, Elimbah QLD 4516
When: Wed – Sun, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: From $14 – $75
Who doesn’t love a tractor ride? This farm has lots of fun on offer, from hayrides to mini golf, and of course an interactive area full of friendly animals. Kids can pet and feed a range of farm creatures. They can even milk a cow!
Moreton Bay Marine Park
Where: Pinkenba QLD 4008 to Moreton Island QLD 4025
When: Various times
Cost: $99+
In the mood for some fresh ocean air? Take the kids on a Marine Discovery Day Cruise and encounter the best of Brisbane’s sea life. Boats depart from Pikenba and cruise around Moreton Bay Marine Park in search of dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more. Packages include lunch, a beverage on arrival, and full access to resort facilities including pools, restaurants and bars. Additional activities are also available, such as wild dolphin feeding and scenic helicopter rides.
Brisbane Whale Watching
Where: Redcliffe Jetty, Redcliffe QLD 4020
When: June – November
Cost: From $145+
Over the winter months, this company offers a 100% whale sighting guarantee on their whale watching cruises. Adorn their purpose built vessel and enjoy a guided tour of Moreton Bay Marine Park. The kids can learn all about migrating whale season and see the spectacle for themselves.
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Be a zookeeper for the day at Australia Zoo
Find out what goes on at Wildlife HQ after dark
By Annie Mayer-Rayment
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
