Brisbane has some fantastic aquariums and zoos, so if you’re looking to find the best places to take your kids or just love looking at exotic fish, here are some of the top spots in Brisbane!
1. Cairns Aquarium
Located on Hay Street, Cairns Aquarium is a world-class attraction. It was established over 20 years ago by a husband and wife team who had a dream to build an aquarium that combined beauty with education for visitors from around Australia as well as overseas. In that time, it has become one of North Queensland’s top tourist attractions, which is not surprising when you consider its incredible number of animals – including saltwater crocodiles! If you want to learn more about these amazing creatures up close, be sure to check out their feeding times at 12 pm and 3 pm each day. Also, don’t miss their daily ‘Dr Shamu’ show at 2:30 pm every afternoon!
2. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Located on 3 hectares of tropical gardens with views across Dunk Island, Wildlife Habitat is home to more than 600 native Australian animals. Visitors can see koalas, crocodiles, kangaroos, wombats and birds at close range. A new Australian river animal experience lets visitors touch some of Australia’s most unusual freshwater animals, including platypus, eels and turtles. If you are travelling with children, they will love exploring ‘Treetops Trails’, which gives them a bird’s eye view of some of Australia’s famous wildlife.
3. Sea World
Sea World is a great option if you’re looking for a theme park experience but with marine animals. And if your kids are slightly older, their separate Wipeout Bay water park could be a big hit. For those travelling from out of town or interstate, Sea World has several rooms available for accommodation. From classic family rooms to exclusive honeymoon suites – they have something for everyone!
4. Gold Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at Burleigh Heads on Queensland’s gold coast is a fantastic wildlife sanctuary – especially if you want to get up close and personal with all kinds of Australian native animals, including Koalas, Kangaroos and native birds as well as crocodiles.
5. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If you live on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit. The home of Australia’s largest aquarium, more than 300 marine species reside at Currumbin—including sea turtles, rays, dolphins and sharks. Of course, there are also some Australian favourites to check out—koalas are very popular! It’s worth noting that while admission into Currumbin is free, there is pay per view options for many of their shows. If you want to see more than one show, purchasing a combo ticket might be worth so you don’t have to pay for each one individually.
6. Billabong Sanctuary
Nestled into a picturesque area with stunning views of Moreton Bay is one of Australia’s most beautiful and interactive animal sanctuaries. The Billabong Sanctuary, located just 30 minutes away from Brisbane, provides its visitors with unique opportunities to swim with giant saltwater crocodiles, hold harmless snakes in their bare hands, feed endangered animals or stare into mesmerizing eyes of Australian animals roaming freely. The sanctuary also features an underwater observatory that allows people to observe marine life without damaging its ecosystem. For an unforgettable experience while enjoying nature, visit Billabong Sanctuary.
7. Australia Zoo
Located in Queensland, Australia Zoo is one of Australia’s most popular animal tourism attractions. With over 5,000 animals across 4,200 acres of land, there’s something for every adventurer at Australia Zoo. These range from polar bears to koalas and platypuses. Since its opening in 1970, it has become a globally recognized conservation organization that runs an extensive range of educational programs. As well as zoos, you can visit aquariums too, including Sea World Aquarium located on Woorim Road at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
8. Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 400 animals, including camels, birds, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and snakes. Visitors will be mesmerized by these exotic creatures as they roam freely throughout their natural habitat. There are picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a meal during their visit. It is conveniently located near Underwood Road at Rochedale South on Brisbane’s southside.
