Whether it’s the colossal splash of a whale tail, or the gentle rustling of a pademelon on the forest floor, get ready to meet our ‘locals’ on your next visit to the Sunshine Coast.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best places to spot animals AND the who’s who in the zoo at our iconic wildlife parks.
From kayaking with dolphins to checking out meerkat antics, here are our top picks for a walk on the wild side on the Sunshine Coast.
Visit Australia Zoo
Family at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Irwin family’s rich legacy of conservation comes to life at Australia Zoo, which is home to more than 1,200 precious animals. Whether you’re saying g’day to the kangaroos, checking out all the action at the Containers for Change Crocoseum, spotting giraffes in the African Savannah, or taking a glimpse inside the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, you’ll have no shortage of ways to fill your day with wonder. Keen to stay longer? Spend the night surrounded by beautiful bushland and luxurious comfort at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge.
Kayak with dolphins
Kayaking with dolphins, Epic Ocean Adventures, Double Island Point
If you fancy the opportunity to paddle alongside dolphins (set against the backdrop of the stunning Great Sandy National Park, no less!), you’ll want to check out the Dolphin View Ocean Kayak Tour with the crew from Epic Ocean Adventures. As you make your way out across the sparkling blue water at Double Island Point, keep an eye out for everything from Bottlenose Dolphins to turtles peeping up from below.
Make some feathered friends
Birds at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Maleny
For a ‘hoot’ of a time, spend the day at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. These privately-owned gardens, flanked by ancient forest, are set across 110 acres and gaze out over the spectacular Glass House Mountains. You’ll also find an abundance of native and exotic birds in the enormous onsite aviaries, including colourful Macaws and black cockatoos eager to make friends. While you’re here, make sure to pay a visit to the garden’s resident songstress Coco (an Amazon Parrot), whose shrill renditions of ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm’ and warbling opera will leave you in stitches.
Check out SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
An immersive Ocean Tunnel, Seahorse Kingdom, adorable Little Blue Penguins and more await at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, which you’ll find conveniently located just a short walk from the beach at Mooloolaba. Bring the whole family along for an epic day of aquarium action (make sure to keep a note of the seal presentation time). There’s also lots going on behind the scenes here, too, with SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast playing an active role in local marine conservation work.
Swim with whales (seasonal)
Swimming with whales on the Sunshine Coast, The Pressure Project
If you’re visiting the Sunshine Coast in winter and early spring, don’t miss the chance to book one of our spectacular swim-with-whales experiences. Local operators like The Pressure Project and Sunreef have got you covered for the chance to enjoy an unmissable encounter in the water that’ll stay with you long after you’ve returned to shore. With tens of thousands of humpback whales passing through Sunshine Coast waters each year on their migration, you’ll be in the box seat to zip up a wetsuit and head out for a #SunshineMoment like no other.
Swim with turtles
Missed the whale season but still keen to pop on a snorkel? The Sunshine Coast’s iconic Mudjimba Island, visible from the beach, boasts a magical reef teeming with sea turtles, tropical reef fish and gorgeous coral. Check out the offerings from Sunreef and The Pressure Project to find the right experience for you.
Check out Wildlife HQ
Feeding Meerkats at Wildlife HQ, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
Located right next door to The Big Pineapple, you can say g’day to loads of cuddly and cheeky creatures at Wildlife HQ. Here, you can learn about the likes of Wildlife HQ’s resident Sun Bear, Spider Monkeys and Hamadryas Baboons at Keeper Talks, and check out the diverse mix of other animals that live here.
Take a stroll through the Hologram Zoo
For anyone who’d rather skip the real-life animals but is still keen for a wild adventure, make sure to add the Hologram Zoo in Nambour to the itinerary. Filled with vivid holograms that feel larger than life, you’ll have the chance to walk alongside plenty of impressive creatures... including dinosaurs!
Hang out at Highland Hideaway Experiences
Highland Hideaway Experiences, Gympie Region
Fancy getting a taste of farm life for a couple of hours? At Highland Hideaway Experiences, you can dial up the country vibes as you hang out with adorable goats, piglets, and sheep. If you need any more convincing, Highland Hideaway Experiences is also home to the CUTEST Highland cows named Jock, Cupcake and Apollo.
Next, build out your Sunshine Coast itinerary further by discovering more incredible things to do.
