Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast, David Fleay Wildlife Park is a great school holiday option for families seeking adventure and a deeper connection with nature. With its unique blend of interactive wildlife encounters and educational programs, this lesser-known sanctuary is a haven for kids to unleash their curiosity. It also ignites their love for the natural world.
Although you can visit the park and stroll around on your own, booking the kids into a Junior Ranger program for the morning is one school holiday activity not to be missed.
What’s the David Fleay Wildlife Park all about
More than just a park, David Fleay Wildlife Park is unique. Why? Because it’s the only wildlife park that the Queensland Government (QLD National Parks) owns and operates. It doesn’t have that ‘commercial feel’ of a zoo. You know, that one that leaves you with an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach. Conservation and education of Australia’s threatened species are at the heart of what they do.
Behind the scenes, rangers rehabilitate injured and orphaned animals and, where possible, release them back into the wild.
How to experience the David Fleay Wildlife Park
We’ll start with our favourite way to experience the David Fleay Wildlife Park … as a Junior Ranger!
The Junior Ranger school holiday program is for children ages 5 – 14. Kids aged 5 – 7 can book into the Protectors Program. Kids a little older in the 8-12 age bracket can book in as a Junior Ranger Guardian. Those ages 12-14 can experience being a Junior Ranger Animal Carer.
For those with kids of varying ages, you might like the Junior Rangers Waterway Warriors Family Program (for ages 5+). Alternatively, you could choose the Junior Rangers Deadly and Dangerous Family Program (for ages 5+).
We visited as a family. Since we were short on time and it was a quiet day, we were able to do a kind of flexible Junior Rangers program similar to the ones above. It all started in the nocturnal theatre, where we met the fascinating night creatures. After that, we trekked through the beautiful national park, learning to spot the signs of wildlife. Next, we watched an amazing bird show, and finally, the kids created an enrichment toy for one of the park’s residents. They used recycled materials and even got to watch the cute little creatures play with their creations.
Here’s a quick peek at what to expect as a Junior Ranger:
Parents wanting to stay on-site while children are enjoying the school holiday programs can either enjoy the park at their own pace. Otherwise, they could take a break at the Fleays Cafe with whatever beverage and snacks you fancy.
Other ways to experience the David Fleay Wildlife Park include:
- Standard ticket (stroll around on your own)
- Annual pass
- VIP Ranger Guided tour (up to six people)
- VIP Ranger Guided Threatened Species Trail (up to six people)
- Group booking (minimum of ten people)
Don’t miss these while you’re at the David Fleay Wildlife Park
Tallebudgera Creek Walk
Departing from the David Fleay Wildlife Park carpark, venture along raised boardwalks on the Tallebudgera Creek Walk to experience one of the Gold Coast’s remaining large mangrove tracts. Signs will teach you of the area’s cultural significance for the Kombumerri people. Additionally, there are some lovely views of Tallebudgra Creek through the twisted mangrove tree trunks.
The David Fleay Wildlife Park Bird Show
Don’t miss the Birds in Flight show at the David Fleay Wildlife Park. It’s not a huge show, but it’s still thoroughly entertaining. It’s not uncommon for many other birds that frequent the natural surrounds of the park to make an uninvited appearance.
Check out the Nocturnal House
Make sure to visit the Nocturnal House at David Fleay Wildlife Park, where families can watch the intriguing behaviour of Queensland’s nocturnal animals. There is excellent signage. But, it’s great to time it with an informative talk to learn about our endangered species and conservation efforts.
The best part about it?
One of the best things about the David Fleay Wildlife Park is that it’s not a massive park compared to Australia Zoo and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. You could spend the whole day here if you wish and take in all the shows and talks. However, for those that prefer to spend a morning out and head home for a relax in the afternoon, I here ya. You can totally do that here.
The uncrowded nature of this wildlife park is a big win.
Getting there and getting around
Find David Fleay Wildlife Park in West Burleigh on the Gold Coast. Google Maps will do a good job of getting you there. If not, the park is a two-minute drive from the Tallebudgera Creek Road turn-off on the Pacific Motorway (exit 89). Travel to the corner of Loman Lane and West Burleigh Road in West Burleigh. Drive into the David Fleay Wildlife Park carpark. Parking here is free.
Trains operate regularly from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. Connecting bus services can be accessed from the train station to get closer to the park. The Surfside Bus Route 756 stops near the intersection of West Burleigh Road and Loman Road. From there, it’s only a 330m walk along West Burleigh Road to the park entrance.
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