Where to see wildlife on the Gold Coast byHertz AU

The Gold Coast isn’t just all about sun, surf and sand. The Gold Coast also has its own fair share of natural and wildlife wonders to explore. Hop in your Gold Coast car hire from Hertz and head for one of these attractions to experience the local fauna.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, half an hour south of the Gold Coast on the Gold Coast Highway, you can cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo or shear sheep. Watch the spectacular bird show to see the vets in action at the Wildlife Hospital. Aboriginal performances, train rides, tree top and high ropes courses round out the experience. This is perhaps the Gold Coast’s most well known wildlife attraction.

Paradise Country

At Paradise Country just half an hour northwest of the Gold Coast on Entertainment Drive, there’s no better place for an authentic Australian farm adventure. Experience the Aussie bush lifestyle firsthand: visit Koala Village and the Animal Nursery, watch the sheep shearing show and ram parade, or the dogs round up a flock of sheep effortlessly. Fossick for gold, silver and gems, and visit the Opal Mine. Wrap things up with a scrumptious buffet of country tucker in the farmhouse restaurant at the end of it all.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

An hour northwest of the Gold Coast, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is hailed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s first and biggest koala sanctuary. There are more than 130 koalas in residence here, as well as lorikeets and platypus. Sip a coffee surrounded by wildlife in the Koala Forest or catch the daily sheepdog and sheep shearing show. The park has free wi-fi throughout plus wireless phone charging stations.

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Twenty minutes drive south of the Gold Coast in the heart of Burleigh Heads is the secluded David Fleay Wildlife Park. The park plays an important role in Queensland conservation efforts, housing dozens of threatened species for breeding and research, plus public education. Look out for cassowaries and tree kangaroos, crocodiles and platypus. A true hidden gem enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.