When you take a road trip around Brisbane, don’t miss the chance to see the incredible wildlife in their natural habitats. Brisbane is well-known for its lively city atmosphere, breathtaking beaches, and unforgettable opportunities to interact with Australia’s iconic animals.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some must-see wildlife adventures that will make your Brisbane road trip unforgettable. Whether you are driving your campervan through Brisbane or flying in for a few days, these amazing experiences are worth the effort.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
You can start your wildlife adventure at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, just a short drive from Brisbane’s central business district. Since its establishment in 1927, it has been the largest and oldest sanctuary in the world for koalas. You can interact with over 130 of these cute marsupials and feed kangaroos and wallabies in a natural habitat.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary houses various other Australian animals, including dingoes, wombats, echidnas, reptiles, and birds, apart from koalas. You should definitely check out the daily wildlife shows to learn more about these interesting creatures and have the opportunity to hold a snake or cuddle a koala!
North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island, also known as “Straddie,” is only a 40-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. Inland, visitors can spot numerous wildlife species, including dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and different bird species, in the freshwater lakes and wetlands. Additionally, visitors can relish the breathtaking coastal landscape. The island’s unspoiled beaches are an ideal location for observing marine creatures.
From June to October, you can witness the annual migration of humpback whales, which is one of the highlights of North Stradbroke Island. To observe these majestic creatures, you can either join a guided whale-watching tour or head to Point Lookout’s North Gorge Walk, where you can watch them from the clifftops.
Moreton Island
Moreton Island, which is the third-largest sand island in the world, is another island paradise that can be found near the coast of Brisbane. You can enjoy the clear waters around the island and explore the diverse marine life, which includes over 180 species of fish, dolphins, and dugongs.
Take a guided snorkelling tour to explore the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, a cluster of 15 shipwrecks that have become a thriving underwater ecosystem. You’ll also have the opportunity to hand-feed wild bottlenose dolphins at the Tangalooma Island Resort, an experience that’s sure to create lasting memories.
Tamborine Mountain
If you’re a nature lover or wildlife enthusiast, Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland is the place to be. This subtropical rainforest is home to an incredible variety of native Australian animals, including pademelons, sugar gliders, and over 150 bird species.
Get ready for an enchanted experience by exploring one of Tamborine National Park’s many walking trails. And don’t miss the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk — a 300-meter walkway that will take you through the treetops to truly immerse yourself in this lush environment.
Lamington National Park
To see more of the wildlife in southern Brisbane, visit Lamington National Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its extraordinary and diverse wildlife and ancient rainforests. With over 160 kilometres of walking trails of varying difficulties, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes at your own pace.
Lamington National Park houses diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the Albert’s lyrebird, the Richmond birdwing butterfly, and the shy platypus. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with around 240 bird species residing there.
Springbrook National Park
If you’re going on a road trip to see wildlife in Brisbane, don’t forget to visit Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland. The park contains ancient rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, and a variety of native animals. Also, it’s a World Heritage site.
The park is home to the extraordinary glow worm caves, where thousands of these bioluminescent insects light up the dark, damp environment. Join a guided night tour for the chance to witness this magical natural phenomenon up close.
When you explore Springbrook Park, make sure to be aware of the different frogs, lizards, and marsupials that live there so that you can enjoy the natural surroundings without upsetting the wildlife.
Conclusion
Are you preparing for an exciting road trip to Brisbane? Get ready to have unforgettable encounters with Australia’s famous wildlife as you visit their natural habitats. Get ready to cuddle with koalas, feed dolphins by hand, and watch humpback whales migrate. These exciting encounters will undoubtedly make your Brisbane road trip truly remarkable and unforgettable.
