Coombabah Lakelands
A free, sprawling conservation area on the Gold Coast teeming with kangaroos, koalas, and diverse birdlife. Perfect for peaceful walks and wildlife en...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Coombabah Lakelands
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, sprawling conservation area on the Gold Coast teeming with kangaroos, koalas, and diverse birdlife. Perfect for peaceful walks and wildlife encounters.
"A breath of fresh air away from the noise, with amazing opportunities to see kangaroos and koalas!"
🎯 Best Wildlife Viewing Times
Visit at dawn or dusk for peak kangaroo and koala activity.
👟 Accessible Trails for All
Paths are generally flat and wheelchair-friendly, but some may flood.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Koala Spotting
Koala Walk & Melaleuca Trail
Search the eucalyptus trees for sleepy koalas. Best seen at dusk with a torch for a magical encounter.
Kangaroo Encounters
Open grassy areas
Watch kangaroos graze and relax in their natural habitat. A truly heartwarming sight for all ages.
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Various trails
Listen to and spot diverse birdlife, including kookaburras. A must-visit for avian enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Wildlife Spotting Tips
Navigating Coombabah: Trails & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Wildlife Viewing Times
Visit at dawn or dusk for peak kangaroo and koala activity.
👟 Accessible Trails for All
Paths are generally flat and wheelchair-friendly, but some may flood.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking available, or take a bus from Southport.
🔦 Koala Spotting at Dusk
Bring a torch to spot koalas on the Melaleuca Trail after dark.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Wildlife Viewing Times
Visit at dawn or dusk for peak kangaroo and koala activity.
👟 Accessible Trails for All
Paths are generally flat and wheelchair-friendly, but some may flood.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking available, or take a bus from Southport.
🔦 Koala Spotting at Dusk
Bring a torch to spot koalas on the Melaleuca Trail after dark.
🌿 Respect Wildlife Habitat
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Coombabah Lakelands is a highly recommended, free natural escape on the Gold Coast, praised for its abundant wildlife, accessible walking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors rave about seeing kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat, making it a fulfilling experience for all ages. Some minor concerns include occasional trail flooding and koalas being asleep during midday.
"If you're looking for something free and relaxing on the Gold Coast Coombabah is it! This huge kangaroo and koala habitat is managed by Gold Coast Council, and is a breath of fresh air as you step away from the noise. The access road takes visitors straight to the koala walk...an easy 3km loop through a variety of vegetations. Paths are flat and well maintained, and kids riding bikes is a must do. Sadly, Blinky Bill and his mates were asleep at midday however Skippy and Co were happily dozing nearby for photos. We walked one way by accessing the 712 bus via Kangaroo Park in Runaway Bay. See photos for unmarkef gate access to rear trails. Easy access via car, or take a half hour bus ride from Southport for just 50 cents. Better yet, make a day of it and stop at Harbour Town outlets en route half way home. Park closes at 6pm. View Koalas at dusk via the Melaleuca Trail with a torch."
donna maree
"Must not miss this if you are in Brisbane / Gold Coast! We spent a few hours there strolling around the various trails and saw 6x koalas and goodness knows how many kangaroos / wallabies… also an Australian water dragon and kookaburra.
Beautiful reserve with so many opportunities to see and hear diverse wildlife and gorgeous landscapes. Apparently 80% of people visiting the area do not visit Coombabah. Be one of the 20 (and hopefully growing) per cent!!!"
Kathryn McGlynn
"What an amazing place to go for a walk. With lots of different wildlife to see and hear. If you are a birdwatcher this is a good spot to go to. The paths around here are wheelchair friendly but some of the paths get flooded. There are lots of kangaroos around as well. Not a lot of koalas, but I did see one. The paths are easy great for any age. Highly recommend going to have a look.🙂🙂"
Ruth Mavroleon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coombabah Lakelands is easily accessible by car with ample parking. If you're coming from Southport, you can take a bus (e.g., the 712) which stops nearby.
Yes, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is completely free to enter and explore.
The park generally closes at 6 PM, but it's always best to check with the Gold Coast Council for any specific seasonal changes or updates.
As Coombabah Lakelands is a conservation area focused on native wildlife, pets are generally not permitted to protect the animals. Always check local council regulations for the most current information.
Yes, public transport is available. Buses from Southport, such as the 712, can take you close to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required for Coombabah Lakelands. It's a free public access area.
No booking is necessary. You can visit Coombabah Lakelands anytime during its operating hours.
Absolutely not! Coombabah Lakelands is a free natural reserve for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, you can visit without any prior reservation. Just head over during park hours.
Parking at Coombabah Lakelands is free of charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You have a great chance of spotting kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, Australian water dragons, and a variety of birdlife like kookaburras.
Yes, the paths are generally flat, well-maintained, and easy to navigate, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Some paths can flood after heavy rain.
Definitely! Kids will love seeing the kangaroos and koalas. The flat, easy trails are also great for them to explore, and they can even ride bikes.
Yes, Coombabah Lakelands offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dress for the weather, and consider bringing insect repellent, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The open grassy areas are perfect for kangaroos, while the eucalyptus trees are where you'll find koalas. Keep an eye out near water sources for water dragons and birds.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, and these are also the times when wildlife is most active.
A telephoto lens is beneficial for capturing clear shots of wildlife from a distance, but even a standard zoom lens can capture great moments.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the wildlife's space.
You can capture stunning shots of kangaroos in their natural environment, koalas in trees, and a variety of native birds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Those Seeking Peace
🐦 Birdwatchers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: Your Best Bet
Koalas are also a major draw, though they can be more elusive. The best times to spot them are typically at dawn and dusk. Some visitors recommend using a torch on the Melaleuca Trail after dark for a chance to see them. While midday sightings are less common, looking up into the eucalyptus trees is always worthwhile.
Beyond the iconic marsupials, keep an eye out for Australian water dragons, various lizard species, and a rich diversity of birdlife, including kookaburras and parrots. Birdwatchers will find this area particularly rewarding.
Exploring the Trails: Accessibility and Scenery
While the paths are generally easy, it's worth noting that some sections can become flooded after significant rainfall. It's advisable to check local conditions if you're visiting after a wet period. The variety of vegetation along the trails provides a beautiful and changing landscape as you explore.
For those looking for a more secluded experience, there are unmarked gate access points to rear trails, as mentioned by some visitors, offering a chance to venture off the main paths. Cycling is also a popular activity for kids on these trails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit