One of Australia’s most picturesque travel destinations is the Gold Coast which is located in Queensland. This is the second-most populous city in the nation and is renowned for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing conditions, exciting nightlife, and comfortable sub-tropical climate. The area is also well-known for plenty of zoos that you can visit. Nothing is quite as amazing as witnessing tigers, lions, and penguins. A trip to the zoo offers the opportunity to learn about the various animals that live on this planet, a range that is as diverse, wild, and beautiful as the many places on the globe. It’s unsurprising one of the best pastimes for Australians because they can see some of the most unusual living things in one location that can’t be found anywhere else.
Gold Coast is the place to be for animal lovers, with a tonne of options and diverse collections of animals. You can come across the adorable animals that call Australia home, including kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, wombats, and a wide variety of fish, sharks, and turtles. The best part is that they provide hands-on experiences that are unmatched. You will also get the chance to interact with animals up close by feeding, petting, and even taking selfies with them. Additionally, there are many professionals available to give you an inside look at the daily lives of the animals at the zoos.We have done our research and created this list of the best zoos located in the Gold Coast, where you can visit with your family or friends to witness an amazing variety of animals.
1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Currumbin Valley of Gold Coast, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the National Trust of Australia (Queensland). Visitors to this sanctuary can observe and learn about native Australian species like koalas, lorikeets, dingoes, snakes, cassowaries and many more. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers interactive and educational experiences for visitors through fun activities and knowledgeable guest speakers from various cultural backgrounds. This is an opportunity for humans to build a connection with nature and to gain insights into the fascinating inhabitants of this unique nature reserve.
⚙️ Services
Notable – Animals, Koala, Lorikeets, Crocodile, Dingo, Wombat |
⚙️ Payment
Cash | Visa |
Mastercard |
🕒 Working Hours
Monday | 9am–4pm |
Tuesday | 9am–4pm |
Wednesday | 9am–4pm |
Thursday | 9am–4pm |
Friday | 9am–4pm |
Saturday | 9am–4pm |
Sunday | 9am–4pm |
Review on Google – “Fantastic place to visit and see the animals. The staff were friendly and very insightful. I love the set up of the park, especially with the train. The train makes it easy for anyone to move around the park and not miss any of the sights & sounds. I would highly recommend a visit if you are in the area, you will not regret it!” – Nic Milligan
2. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Looking for a unique way to experience Australia’s wildlife? Look no further than Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary! This sanctuary is home to more than 130 koalas, platypuses, and other native Australian animals. Here, experienced koala keepers will show you around the sanctuary and provide learning opportunities while they educate you on the many species of animals. You’ll also be able to take part in educational programs, interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment suitable for all ages! Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is committed to conservation, education and research – making it an ideal place to explore Australia’s extraordinary wildlife.
⚙️ Services
Notable – Animals, Koala, Parrot, Snake |
⚙️ Payment
Cash | Visa |
Master card |
🕒 Working Hours
Monday | 9am–5pm |
Tuesday | 9am–5pm |
Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
Thursday | 9am–5pm |
Friday | 9am–5pm |
Saturday | 9am–5pm |
Sunday | 9am–5pm |
Review on Google – “Took the All-Star tour today at Lone Pine Koala sanctuary and it was exceptional! Our guide and Zookeeper Nick was both knowledgeable and friendly and made this tour one of a kind! We were able to handle owls like a falconer, see hundreds of Koalas and pet them and later get our picture holding them. We also were able to hold a few of the reptiles and feed kangaroos out of our hands. We topped the tour off by feeding the two platypus at the sanctuary. What a morning!! Highly recommended!” –Chris Seams
3. Paradise Country

Paradise Country is an amazing, one-of-a-kind farm experience in Australia. Visitors will witness the beauty of unique native animals such as kangaroos, koalas and more during memorable wild encounters. Spend some quality time with the adorable animals in the Farmyard Nursery which includes piglets, lambs and goats. Get ready to be mesmerised by an incredible show featuring extraordinary live action stunts or let your competitive spirit come out while playing mini golf on beautifully designed courses. The fun never ends for kids as they can enjoy our range of grassy areas with exciting facilities including sandpits, play structures and mazes!
⚙️ Services
Farmhouse Resturant | Notable – All Animals |
Animal Shows and Presentations |
⚙️ Payment
Cash | Visa |
Master card |
🕒 Working Hours
Monday | 10am-3:30pm |
Tuesday | 10am-3:30pm |
Wednesday | 10am-3:30pm |
Thursday | 10am-3:30pm |
Friday | 10am-3:30pm |
Saturday | 10am-3:30pm |
Sunday | 10am-3:30pm |
Review on Tripadvisor – ” you will have a chance to see animals like Koala bears, sheep, horses, pigs, kangaroo and more… Lunch is included for our tickets, it look OK but taste nice 🙂 We enjoy the show like Stockmen & Sheep Dog Show, Sheep Shearing Show , Ram Parade, Billy Tea and Stock Horse Arena .The first time in my life to touch the sheep and try to milking the cows. – ” MonkeyAhMo
Q.1 How Many Zoos Are In Australia?
A. There are over 100 zoos in Australia, ranging from large, world-renowned attractions to small, lesser-known animal parks. Many of the larger zoos offer up close and personal interactions with a variety of animals, while some of the smaller zoos focus on Australian wildlife conservation and research.
Q.2 How Much are the cost of Zoo Tickets?
A. The cost of zoo tickets varies from location to location. Generally, adult tickets range from $12 USD to $30 USD, while children’s tickets range from $6 USD to $15 USD. Family packages and other discounts may also be available.
Q.3 Can You Take Food And Drink To Australia Zoo?
A. Yes, you can bring food and drinks to Australia Zoo. Guests are also encouraged to bring along their own reusable water bottles to refill at our free water stations located at the park entrances and throughout.
Q.4 What Is The Best Month To Go To The Zoo?
A. Most zoos recommend visiting during the spring and early summer months, as these are typically when the animal enclosures are most active. But depending on where you live, certain months may also be ideal for optimal weather conditions while visiting your local zoo. To get the best experience out of your visit, aim to go in April through August.
Q.5 How Long Should You Spend At Australia Zoo?
A. The recommended minimum amount of time to spend at Australia zoo is three hours. However, if it’s your first visit, you may want to allow yourself more time. You can easily spend up to a full day exploring the numerous exhibits and wildlife experiences offered at Australia Zoo.
Q.6 What Time Of Day Are Animals Most Active At The Zoo?
A. Animals are typically most active in the mornings and early afternoons when the weather is cooler and there is more light for them to explore. However, the activity level varies depending on the species of animals and other environmental factors, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local zoo for their specific hours of operation.
Q.7 Are Animals Happy In Zoos?
A. It depends. While some animals may adapt well to zoo life and form strong bonds with their keepers, there is no denying that zoo life can be restrictive. Animals in captivity often experience boredom, stress, and separation anxiety. It is up to the individual animal whether or not they find happiness in a zoo setting.