Top Animal Experiences Brisbane-Wide

If you love meeting beautiful animals, Brisbane is the place for you. With an abundance of nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries, the city is teeming with furry (and not so furry!) friends, from cuddly koalas to crocodiles and everything in between. 

Whether you are travelling with kids or enjoying a weekend getaway, staying at Novotel Brisbane South Bank places you right near the Brisbane River in the heart of the city, perfectly positioned to join a wildlife journey you won’t forget.

From a relaxed koala encounter to thrilling crocodile feeding demonstrations, here are the top animal experiences Brisbane and the surrounding regions have to offer.

Must-Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries, Zoos & Nature Parks Near Brisbane 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Conveniently located less than 30 minutes from Novotel Brisbane South Bank, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first koala sanctuary and one of Australia’s largest koala conservation centres. Home to more than 130 koalas, this iconic destination offers visitors the chance to be up close to these adorable creatures, making it one of the best animal encounters Brisbane has to offer. 

You’ll also get to see kangaroos (which you can hand-feed!), platypuses, owls and other native Australian animals. In addition to the animal encounters, the sanctuary provides opportunities to learn about Australian wildlife through ranger-led tours and presentations. So whether you’re looking to see a koala up close or learn about Australia’s unique ecology, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is sure to be a delightful experience.

Daisy Hill Conservation Park & Koala Centre 

The Daisy Hill Conservation Park is located 25km southeast of Brisbane City. This beautiful park protects the habitat of koalas and other wildlife, while offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including biking and bushwalking. It’s also home to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, which is dedicated to helping koalas that are sick or injured. Visitors can learn all about these fascinating creatures, the rehabilitation and native wildlife conservation processes, as well as meet the centre’s resident koalas.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

Located on the Gold Coast, around an hour south of Brisbane, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed sanctuary set within 27 hectares of lush rainforest. Known for its rich history and vital conservation work, it offers some of the most unique animal encounters in Australia. Visitors can experience wildlife up close as they meet dingoes, echidnas, llamas and even red pandas. While visiting, you also have the chance to catch the iconic wild lorikeet feeding where hundreds of birds land to eat their favourite treats, or get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the busiest vet hospitals for injured native wildlife in the country. 

Mt Coot-tha Reserve

Situated on the edge of the city, Mt Coot-tha Reserve offers panoramic views of the skyline and the surrounding countryside. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wrens, robins, parrots, owls and cockatoos, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching! With its tranquil setting and abundant nature, the reserve provides a welcome respite to enjoy the animal experiences Brisbane has hidden away from the busyness of everyday life. So if you’re looking for a place to relax and take in some world-class scenery, be sure to add Mt Coot-tha Reserve to your itinerary.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

If you’re an animal lover who wants to spend some quality time with your own furry friend, Manly or Nudgee Beach are great options. These dog-friendly beaches offer plenty of space for your pup to romp and play, and you can enjoy the stunning views while getting some fresh air. And, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even take a dip in the water with your pooch. So, for a fun day out with your furry buddy, you can’t go wrong with a dog-friendly beach. Just be sure to bring a dog poo bag with you!

Australia Zoo

For something a bit more wild, travel out of the city and head to Australia Zoo. Made famous by the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, the zoo is home to more than 1200 animals, including meerkats, giraffes, a Komodo dragon, and of course, crocodiles! Visitors can learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and get a special glimpse of some of the animals during their daily feeding times. There’s also a range of animal activities for you to experience, from feeding otters to petting a rhino, giving you a chance to choose your own adventure! For lovers of animals of all shapes and sizes, a visit to the Australia Zoo is sure to be unforgettable. 

Wildlife HQ 

Situated on the Sunshine Coast next to the iconic Big Pineapple, Wildlife HQ is a peaceful zoo known for its shaded rainforest trails and intimate animal interactions. Visitors can wander through global habitats featuring Asian, African, and South American wildlife, or book a special encounter to meet red pandas, capybaras, meerkats, or sun bears up close. The relaxed, boutique atmosphere makes these unique animal encounters feel exclusive, unhurried, and perfect for families wanting a calm zoo adventure.

Moreton Bay Whale Watching & Eco-Tours

For an unforgettable encounter with marine life, take a short drive or transfer to the coast and embark on a Moreton Bay day tour. Between June and November, Moreton Bay becomes a prime marine highway for humpback whales migrating along the Australian coastline, offering daily eco-cruises where visitors can watch these gentle giants breach and splash in their natural ocean habitat. Year-round marine eco-tours also give visitors the chance to spot wild dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles cruising through the bay’s pristine waters. It is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences near Brisbane to witness marine creatures in the wild before heading back to South Bank for the evening.

Summer Land Camels 

Looking for an animal experience that’s a little out of the ordinary? Then Summer Land Camels may be the perfect destination for you! Located an hour out of Brisbane, the farm offers camel rides, tours of their camel training facilities, and even guided art classes among the camels. You can also enjoy food and drinks made from the milk of your new four-legged friends along the way! Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family or a romantic outing for two, Summer Land Camels is sure to please any lover of these one-of-a-kind animals.

Plan Your Wildlife Staycation at Novotel Brisbane South Bank 

After spending time up close and personal with reptiles, possums, or grey kangaroos across some of the best animal parks Brisbane-wide, return to modern comfort at Novotel Brisbane South Bank. Situated near the Brisbane River, our hotel offers easy access to transport routes across South East Queensland, making it simple to discover incredible wildlife from the Sunshine Coast to Moreton Bay. Families travelling during the school holidays with kids will love our spacious suites, outdoor pool, and on-site dining.

If you’re an animal enthusiast looking to experience these natural wonders, be sure to check out these amazing spots. You won’t be disappointed! Snap a great photo, enjoy these wildlife experiences, and stay up to date with our blog for entertainment, exciting kids’ activities and more in Brisbane. Explore our latest special offers and book directly with us today!