Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Queensland

"Cuddling a koala is on the wish list of most critter-loving kids, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers this unforgettable experience, as well as other rewarding animal encounters. About 20 minutes from the city center, Lone Pine is the largest koala sanctuary in the world, with more than 130 of these cute marsupials clinging to the trees in natural settings. For an extra fee, you can score a one-on-one koala cuddle or hold a snake or a bird of prey, such as an owl or eagle-all with a special photo opportunity."

"Cuddle a cute l’il Koala Bear at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and then head to the city centre to climb City Hall’s bell tower before finishing off the day with one of 200 beers from the Brews Brothers Microbrewery. One of my favourite places to stay in the city is Brisbane City Backpackers, which has its own onsite pub and a rooftop swimming pool with views across the entire skyline. All this from 21 bucks a night."

"For a fun walk that combines wildlife spotting with cultural heritage, the Boondall Wetlands are a must-visit. There are several different tracks available to suit different levels of ability and stamina, and all are great for exploring this unique ecosystem. The Nurri Millen Totem Trail is great for kids to follow to discover the wildlife and plants of the wetlands and learn about how the Aboriginal clans used this area and its flora and fauna."

"Boondall Wetlands is located 15 kilometres north of Brisbane's CBD. The wetlands lie on the edge of Moreton Bay between Nudgee Beach, Boondall and Shorncliffe and include approximately 1150 hectares of tidal flats, mangroves, saltmarshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands and open forest. The Boondall Wetlands offer a variety of walking tracks and some mountain bike trails. Download the track map."

"Close to the Daisy Hill Conservation Park is Venman Bushland, National Park. The track has some hills and creek crossings, making this walk more suitable for families without wheels. The Tingalpa circuit takes approximately 1.5 hours, but the rewards are worth it!"

"The picnic grounds at J C Slaughter Falls are a great starting point from which to do a family bushwalk and explore the Mount Coot-tha Reserve. The easy Aboriginal Art Trail circuit is an easy, short walk, where you can see the falls and spot the rock paintings and other artwork along the way. Best of all though, is the Summit Track — a two-kilometre hike to the summit of Mount Coot-tha."

"Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve is over 380 hectares in size and is part of a network of coastal wetlands on the edge of Moreton Bay. The wetlands are located 19 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD, between Pine River and Bald Hills Creek and includes tidal flats, mangroves, salt-marshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands and open forest."

"The Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in the Raven Street Reserve is a wonderful place to take children to learn about and explore Brisbane's bushland. The centre is open week days and features a fish tank display, interactive digital displays and other informative displays designed to raise awareness of the value of urban bushland in Brisbane and encourage personal responsibility for the maintenance of these areas. There are a number of short bush walks ideal for introducing children to the bush and developing in them an appreciation of nature."

"Portside Wharf, located approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from the Brisbane CBD on the Brisbane River, is a residential, retail precinct with numerous cafes, restaurants, shops and cinemas."

"Address: 78 Musgrave Road, Red Hill, Brisbane, Queensland (QLD), 4059, Australia Tel: +61 (0)7 3369 5351 St. Brigid's Catholic Church is situated to the west of central Brisbane and dates back to the early 1900s. Featuring stunning, red-brick architecture, an enormous interior and classical features, St. Brigid's has regular masses during the week. Open hours: hours vary Admission: free"

"Impressive and inviting, Kalinga Park is loved for its abundance of space, its tree house-style "Wonderland" playground and its bushland setting. The playground features inter-connected treehouses with a variety of climbing ropes, ladders and lattices, twisting slides and a large rock climbing wall. There is a smaller "Vine" treehouse with a smaller slide that is more suitable to toddlers."

"What better way to admire a colourful sunset over the city than with a stroll among the Brisbane River?. South Bank is home to an ever-extending water-front walking trail worth experience for yourself. From here, families can come together, walk along the river, admire different angles of Brisbane’s cityscape, and admire the bustling heart of the city from afar."

"Lunch is easier to eat when your mouth falls open in wonder at Pitstop Café, one of Moreton Bay’s restaurants with a view of the entire Mt Pleasant valley. It has to be seen to be believed!. If you’re keen on a scenic drive along Mt Mee Road, you’ll find this rustic café in prime location atop the mountain."

"The Coats Group’s winsome Il Molo Italian Kitchen + Bar, sits at the end of Oxford Street in Bulimba, overlooking Brisbane River. Locals flock for long lunches kicked off with antipasti before going large on pasta, pizza and classic mains such as porchetta and saltimbocca. For drinks, the wines steer Australian, but a terrific cocktail and spritz menu is well-suited to the waterside location."

"Bulimba’s IL Molo offers mouthwatering Italian dishes alongside beautiful scenery. Sit back and enjoy views of the Brisbane River while digging into a variety of dishes, including antipasto, pizza, and heaps more. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."