This park was so fun
1 / 10

David Fleay Wildlife Park

4.3
·980 reviews·Burleigh Heads, Australia

An intimate conservation park on the Gold Coast, offering close encounters with native Australian wildlife and educational shows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
This park was so fun

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An intimate conservation park on the Gold Coast, offering close encounters with native Australian wildlife and educational shows.

4.3
(980 reviews)

"Such a beautiful hidden pocket - well maintained and preserved park. Small but mighty!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Daily Talk Schedules

Don't miss animal feedings and informative talks! Check the schedule upon arrival. :calendar:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on well-maintained paths. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wallaby Feeding Encounters

Wallaby Feeding Encounters

Various enclosures

Witness adorable wallabies enjoying their sweet potato snacks, a delightful sight for all ages.

Crocodile Feeding Shows

Crocodile Feeding Shows

Crocodile enclosure

Experience the thrill of watching powerful crocodiles being fed by knowledgeable park keepers.

Serene Bushland Walks

Serene Bushland Walks

Park grounds

Stroll through beautifully preserved bushland, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and native flora.

Informative Bird Shows

Informative Bird Shows

Show arena

Enjoy a short but insightful bird show, learning about the fascinating avian life of Australia.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Intimate Experience

David Fleay Wildlife Park offers a more personal encounter with Australian native animals than larger zoos. It's a well-maintained, serene park, perfect for a few hours of exploration. Don't expect a vast array of species; focus on the quality of the experience and the conservation efforts.

Timing is Key for Wildlife Sightings

While the park is generally quiet, especially on weekdays, animal activity can vary. Check the daily talk and feeding schedules to maximize your chances of seeing animals like kangaroos being fed. Some visitors note that 2 hours is ample time to see everything.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During feeding times
Why
More active animals
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

SUPING Slo Mo 🏄🌊 #fyp #fypシ #goldcoastaustralia #burleigh #burleighheads #burleighbeach #standuppaddleboard #surfering #surf #ocean #waves #drone #dronevideo #dronelife #slomo
@kaseyhatton20
173.3K likes • 1.1M views

Check Daily Talk Schedules

Don't miss animal feedings and informative talks! Check the schedule upon arrival. :calendar:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on well-maintained paths. :athletic_shoe:

Someone tell me it isn’t true… #goldcoast #burleighheads
@lachiedavies
18.4K likes • 238.1K views
Burleigh, did you know we have the incredible David Fleay Wildlife Park right on our doorstep? You’ve probably driven past it countless times but trust me – it’s absolutely worth a visit! As your member for Burleigh, I’m committed to preserving this state asset, working alongside @friendsoffleays and the Department. Let’s support our local wildlife and discover this hidden gem together. @q...
hermannvorstermp
32 likes • 681 views

Embrace the Conservation Focus

This is a rescue and conservation space, not a 'hugging zoo'. Appreciate the ethical approach. :heart:

Cafe Offers Good Coffee

The cafe serves good coffee and has decent food options, including vegetarian choices. :coffee:

Spend a day at David Fleay's! ☀️ #DavidFleayWildlifePark has creatures and critters to keep you marvelling for hours. With the long weekend ahead, now's the perfect time to explore this #GoldCoast gem.
qldparks
147 likes • 6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Daily Talk Schedules

Don't miss animal feedings and informative talks! Check the schedule upon arrival. :calendar:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on well-maintained paths. :athletic_shoe:

Embrace the Conservation Focus

This is a rescue and conservation space, not a 'hugging zoo'. Appreciate the ethical approach. :heart:

Cafe Offers Good Coffee

The cafe serves good coffee and has decent food options, including vegetarian choices. :coffee:

Small but Mighty Park

Allow around 2 hours to see everything; it's not a huge park but offers a quality experience. :stopwatch:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(980 reviews)

Reviews Summary

David Fleay Wildlife Park is praised as a beautiful, well-maintained, and serene park offering an intimate encounter with native Australian wildlife. Visitors appreciate the conservation focus and the knowledgeable staff, though some note it's smaller than other parks and may require only a couple of hours to explore. The feeding shows and bushland walks are particular highlights.

"Purchased a Father's Day buffet and entrance package and was not disappointed. Such a beautiful hidden pocket- well maintained and preserved park. Although not as big as other parks attended, the surroundings and walk around the facility was serene and clean.
Small but mighty!"

stephanie goodwin

"The park is quite small. Some areas are still recovering from cyclone Alfred. There were not too many animals... 2h will be more than enough to see everything, including attending some of the daily talks. It's not possible to feed the Kangaroos 🦘, but depending on the time of the day you go, you might see the park carers doing so. It's quite cute to see them eating sweet potato 😊

Friendly staff members who will be happy to answer any questions you might have. I visited the park on a Wednesday. It was quite quiet, which was pretty pleasant.

Hope you have an enjoyable day 🐨🦘🤗"

Natalia Torreira

"Close to Currumbin wildlife park this is a Park with a lot of history.
Returning after 25 years, the park has detoriated from its earlier years. This historic park needs to be spruced up especially with the pot hole road access and the cafe and more wildlife related activities.
The cafe is average . Besides vegetation options ( has only 1 ), needs better menu. The quality of what they serve is fine"

Pratul Chatterjee

What People Like

Beautiful, serene park
Intimate wildlife encounters
Conservation focus

What People Dislike

Smaller than other parks
Road access needs improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

David Fleay Wildlife Park is located on the Gold Coast. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's often recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for convenient access. Parking is generally available on-site. Reddit

Yes, the park is accessible by car, and reviews mention available parking. Some older reviews mention pothole-ridden access roads, so be mindful of that. Reddit

Given its location, driving or using a taxi/rideshare service is likely the most straightforward method from other Gold Coast attractions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but reviews suggest it's around $27 per person, which is considered reasonable for the conservation efforts. Special packages, like Father's Day buffets, have also been offered. Reddit

While not explicitly stated in all reviews, it's always a good idea to check the official David Fleay Wildlife Park website for online ticket purchasing options to save time. Reddit

Information on specific discounts isn't readily available in reviews, but it's worth checking their website or contacting them directly for potential family passes or concession rates. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but the park is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on operating times. Reddit

Yes, many visitors find that 2 hours is sufficient to see everything, including daily talks and feedings, making it ideal for a shorter outing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The park focuses on native Australian wildlife, including crocodiles, wallabies, and various bird species. It's known for its intimate encounters rather than a vast collection. Reddit

Direct feeding of kangaroos is not permitted, but you might see park carers feeding them, which is a cute sight. Other feeding opportunities are usually part of scheduled shows. Reddit

Yes, the park offers daily talks and feeding demonstrations, including informative bird shows and crocodile feeding. These are highlights for many visitors. Reddit

The park's natural setting and well-preserved bushland offer great opportunities for nature photography. Some visitors have captured stunning desktop wallpaper-worthy shots. Reddit

The park is described as serene, clean, and well-maintained, offering a peaceful escape. It's a conservation and rescue space, so the atmosphere is respectful of the animals. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves coffee and food. Reviews indicate the coffee is good and the food quality is fine, with vegetarian options available. Reddit

The cafe offers a decent menu, including vegetarian choices. While not extensive, the quality of what's served is generally satisfactory. Reddit

Information on bringing outside food isn't explicitly mentioned in reviews, but it's common for wildlife parks to allow picnics. It's best to check their policy beforehand. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The natural bushland setting, animal enclosures during feeding times, and the bird show arena offer excellent photo opportunities. Look for unique angles and natural light. Reddit

Yes, with patience and by attending feeding times, you can capture some great shots. The intimate setting can allow for closer views than in larger zoos. Reddit

A telephoto lens is useful for capturing wildlife details, but a standard zoom lens will also work well for general shots and the park's scenery. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

David Fleay Wildlife Park offers a wonderful, intimate wildlife experience for families. The smaller size makes it manageable for little legs, and the scheduled feeding times and talks are engaging for children. Seeing wallabies enjoy their snacks or watching crocodiles being fed are definite crowd-pleasers. Reddit

It's important to manage expectations: this is a conservation park, so direct interaction like hugging animals isn't the focus. Instead, families can enjoy learning about native Australian wildlife in a beautiful, natural setting. The park's serene environment is also a plus for a relaxed family outing. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Conservationists

For those passionate about Australian wildlife and conservation, David Fleay Wildlife Park is a must-visit. It's celebrated for its ethical approach and dedication to rescue and rehabilitation. You'll appreciate the well-preserved bushland setting and the opportunity to learn about the importance of native species. Reddit

This park provides a more authentic and less commercialized wildlife encounter. The knowledgeable staff and the focus on education make it an enriching experience for anyone interested in the natural world and conservation efforts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Conservation Ethos of David Fleay Wildlife Park

David Fleay Wildlife Park is more than just a place to see animals; it's a dedicated conservation and rescue space. This distinction is crucial for visitors to understand, as it shapes the entire experience. Unlike some larger zoos, the focus here is on providing a safe haven for native Australian wildlife and educating the public about their importance and the threats they face. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the ethical approach, understanding that the animals' welfare is paramount. Reddit

This commitment to conservation means you won't find opportunities for direct animal handling or 'hugging' experiences. Instead, the park offers a chance to learn about the animals in a naturalistic setting and understand how human actions impact the Australian biosphere. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about their work, often sharing insights during talks and feeding sessions. Reddit

By visiting David Fleay Wildlife Park, you are directly contributing to these vital conservation efforts. The admission fees and any additional support help maintain the park and care for its residents. It's a place where you can have a wholesome, altruistic Australian wildlife experience that benefits both the animals and the visitors' understanding of the natural world. Reddit

Navigating the Park and Maximizing Your Visit

David Fleay Wildlife Park is described as a small but mighty destination, meaning you can comfortably explore its entirety within a few hours. Reviews suggest that approximately 2 hours is sufficient to see all the animals, attend daily talks, and enjoy the serene surroundings. The park features well-maintained paths, making it easy to get around and enjoy the native wildlife. Reddit

To make the most of your visit, it's highly recommended to check the daily talk and feeding schedules upon arrival. These scheduled events are often the best times to see animals at their most active and to learn fascinating facts from the park keepers. While you can't feed the kangaroos yourself, witnessing them being fed sweet potato by the carers is a highlight for many. Reddit

For a truly enjoyable experience, wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be traversing the park's grounds. The atmosphere is generally quiet and pleasant, especially on weekdays, offering a peaceful retreat. The park's natural beauty, combined with its conservation mission, creates a unique and rewarding visit. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2