Gold Coast Wildlife

June 22, 2025

Koalas, Crocs & Whales: Your Gold Coast Wildlife Hit List

An beautiful view of a gold coast city with tall buildings and a beach.

Sure, the Gold Coast is known for beaches and theme parks — but it’s also full of amazing wildlife experiences. From cuddling a koala to spotting whales out at sea, there are plenty of ways to connect with nature (without needing to venture too far from your hotel).

Here’s your guide to the best animal and wildlife encounters around the Gold Coast:

1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Currumbin (about 35 minutes from Surfers Paradise)
Why Go: This iconic wildlife park has been caring for native animals since 1947 — and it’s still one of the best places to get up close to Australia’s most famous creatures.

What You’ll See: Koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, birds, reptiles, red pandas, and more.

Must-do: Cuddle a koala (yes, you can actually hold one here), hand-feed kangaroos, and check out the high ropes adventure course if you're feeling brave.

Tip: Arrive early for the free lorikeet feeding — just watch your hair!

2. Whale Watching (June to October)

Departure Point: Main Beach, 10–15 minutes from Surfers Paradise

Why Go: Every winter, thousands of humpback whales cruise past the Gold Coast on their migration. Watching them breach just offshore is unforgettable.

Tour Highlights:

Guaranteed sightings (or your money back on many tours)
2–3 hour boat trips with expert commentary
Up-close views of whales, dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles

Best Time: June to early October — and morning tours tend to have calmer seas.

3. David Fleay Wildlife Park

Location: Burleigh Heads (about 25 minutes away)
Why Go: A quieter, more natural wildlife park that feels more like a bush retreat than a zoo. Great for families or anyone who wants a slower, peaceful nature experience.

What’s Special: You can spot shy nocturnal animals like bilbies and echidnas in their custom-built habitats. Plus, it’s one of the few places where you can see a platypus up close!

Bonus: Combine your visit with a stroll along the Tallebudgera Creek boardwalk nearby.

4. Tamborine Rainforest Wildlife

While Tamborine Mountain is better known for hikes and wineries, it’s also home to some unexpected wildlife encounters.

Glow Worm Caves: Yes, actual glow worms. The man-made caves at Cedar Creek Estate give you a chance to see these little guys without needing to go night hiking.
Bird Watching: Keep your eyes out for kookaburras, bowerbirds, lyrebirds, and even wallabies along the walking trails.
Botanic Gardens: Packed with butterflies, dragonflies, and picnic spots. It’s a peaceful change of pace.

Tip: Bring binoculars or a good phone camera — you'll want it.

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What's on in November: Gold Coast Events

By Sophie B • November 1, 2025

The bottle shops have tripled their supply of cowboy shot buckets…instant noodle sales are front and centre at Woolworths…it can only mean one thing: Schoolies Season is upon us. As an accommodation provider, November on the Gold Coast is one of our busiest (and craziest times) of the year! If you have planned your family holiday for November fear not - Schoolies is so well organised now you’ll hardly even know they are here. There are plenty of events, markets and family friendly spots to escape to, check out our top picks below: NOVEMBER EVENTS Nitro Circus: Off the Rails World Tour When: November 1, 2025 – 7:00 pm Where: People First Stadium The Vibe: A high-octane spectacle of FMX, BMX and scooter stunts, pyrotechnics and non-stop action. Expect adrenaline-filled thrills and big crowds. Surfing State of Origin When: November 15 & 16, 2025 Where: John Laws Park, Burleigh Heads The Vibe: A surf showdown between Queensland & New South Wales, where the top 8 teams battle it out. The local surf clubs will be packed, and it’s a great way to experience local culture. Rolling Sets Festival When: November 29, 2025 Where: Ebenezer Park, Tweed Heads The Vibe: Think coastal music festival meets surf/skate culture. Headliners include Hilltop Hoods, Spacey Jane and the Parcels, with plenty more acts to follow. Lee Kernaghan – Boys From The Bush The Concert When: November 29, 2025 Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach The Vibe: One of Australia’s leading country music acts, expect feel good tunes and plenty of sing alongs. Schoolies Week One & Two Week One: November 22 – 29, 2025 | Week Two: November 29 – December 6 2025 Where: Typically around Surfers Paradise / official Schoolies venues. The Vibe: Two weeks of pure chaos. Just kidding, while it can seem the streets are a little busier than usual it’s an extremely well run event - beach parties, theme nights, concerts and group events. Week One is usually busier as it’s for Queensland students, with numbers dropping off for Week Two / interstate guests. NOVEMBER MARKETS Love Me Again Markets When: November 15, 8am - 12pm Where: Miami Marketta: Hillcrest Parade, Miami The Vibe: One of the best pre-loved fashion markets on the Gold Coast! Grab a coffee, grab a bag, and scout a vintage bargain. The Village Markets When: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am - 1pm Where: Burleigh Heads State School, The Vibe: Ever wanted to shop in an influencer's closet? That’s what the Village Markets are for. A huge range of preloved clothes, plus food stands, local labels and gifts. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 4pm Where: The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise The Vibe: Beach vibes, local labels, gifts and market food galore. Come for the sunset, stay for the shopping. B roadbeach Art & Craft Markets When: October 5 & 19, 8am – 2pm Where: Pratten Park, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach The Vibe: One of the most popular markets on the Gold Coast for families. These markets are full of handmade gifts, art, jewellery, local labels and of course - plenty of food! HOTA Farmers Markets When: Every Sunday, 6am – 11.30am Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise The Vibe: Fresh produce, live music and a relaxed Sunday morning vibe. Perfect for picking up local goods and enjoying breakfast outdoors. Be sure to check back next month for your December go-to guide featuring all the best Holiday Season events!