The Sunshine Coast is well known for being home to one of the most famous zoos in the world, as well as several other great attractions where you can experience the wildlife!
Australia Zoo
Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Australia Zoo, made famous by the late and great crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin. The zoo is home to over 100 different species of Australian and exotic animals. Visitors to the zoo can explore the different exhibits including ‘Africa at Australia Zoo’, ‘The Tiger Temple’, ‘The World-Famous Crocoseum’, the ‘Crocodile Environmental Park’, ‘Grace’s Bird Garden’ and more. If you’d like to get up close and personal with some of the amazing wildlife, you can also book an awesome animal encounter! Options include the ‘Tiger Walk Encounter’, ‘Rascally Red Panda Encounter’, ‘Colossal Komodo Encounter’, ‘Mischievous Meerkats Encounter’, ‘Ripper Rhinos Encounter’, ‘Cuddly Koala Encounter’, ‘Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter’, ‘Naughty Wombat Encounter’ and many more! You can also stop in at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for a sneak peak – admission is just $2, or grab a bag of roo food for $3 and feed the kangaroos and wallabies.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
The gorgeous Maleny Botanic Gardens is also home to an amazing bird aviary with over 700 native and exotic birds from around the world. Visitors can book in for a 50-60 minute interactive walk-through aviary tour where the experienced and informative birdkeepers will introduce you to a wide variety of feathered friends!
Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Discover the magical underwater world with a visit to Mooloolaba’s Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium, where you can see over 10,000 aquatic creatures including one of Australia’s largest collections of jellyfish. There are eleven themed zones to explore including the ‘Tidal Touchpool’, ‘Seal Island’, ‘Lower Seal Island’, ‘Jellyfish Kingdom’, ‘World of Penguins’, ‘Lower Penguins’, ‘Seahorse Sanctuary’, ‘Coastal Wreck’, ‘Finding Dory and Friends: The Experience’, ‘Shipwreck Shores’ and the amazing walkthrough ‘Ocean Tunnel’! While you’re there you can attend a feed or talk time, or for a totally unique experience you could book a seal swim, penguin encounter, seal encounter, behind the scenes tour or for the ultra adventurous there’s even a shark dive!
Whale Watching + Swim with Whale Experiences!
During whale season, which usually runs from approximately July to November each year, don’t miss the chance to join a whale watching cruise … or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even book a Sunshine Coast swim with the whales tour departing from Mooloolaba!.
You can book your tickets to these Sunshine Coast zoos and aquariums (there’s even some combo tickets available) or whale watching cruises and swim adventures via our online tour and attraction booking system below –
Sunshine Coast Zoos & Aquariums
Sunshine Coast Whale Watching & Swim with the Whales
For your Sunshine Coast accommodation look no further than Elouera Tower Maroochydore! Choose from 1, 2 or 3 bedroom fully self-contained holiday apartments and enjoy excellent onsite facilities such as a large outdoor swimming pool, BBQ area, tennis courts, heated spa, sauna, free onsite parking, free WiFi and a great location just across from the beach!
*pictured – Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World.