3 awe-mazing wildlife encounters

Tucked away in the heart of Burleigh Heads just over an hours drive form Riverton, is David Fleay Wildlife Park—a park unlike any other. A visit to the park will see you transported from South East Queensland to the tropical north of the State as you stroll through the tranquil surrounds. Lovable and quirky critters will charm you from the minute you wander through the gate.

1. See quirky creatures you won’t see in other zoos or wildlife parks

As Aussie’s we love all creatures great and small, not just the popular kids on the block... And they don’t get much more obscure than fat-tailed dunnarts! These tiny insect-eating marsupials from the grasslands of north-west Queensland live for only a couple of years. Just like Speedy Gonzales (arriba arriba!) they are super mobile, zipping around a backyard nearly three times the size of the 'Gabba'. Unfortunately, that’s where the similarity ends and, unlike Speedy Gonzales who always out runs Sylvester the Cat, our fat-tailed dunnarts are falling prey to feral cats and foxes 'in the wild'. But what they lack in longevity they make up for in personality and Fleay’s is the only wildlife park in the world where you can witness their quirky capers.

From the 'Wild West' to our tranquil streams, another of Fleay’s special creatures is the platypus. Described as a 'hodgepodge' of more usual animals, with the bill and webbed feet of a duck, the tail of a beaver and the body and fur of an otter, the platypus was once thought to have been a hoax! Elusive in the wild, you can enjoy the antics of these curious creatures at in the only platypus display on the Gold Coast!

2. Catch awesome wildlife shows by real Park Rangers

If you’ve had a fascination with Park Rangers since the days of Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, you’re not alone. At Fleay’s, they have ‘real’ Park Rangers who not only feed and care for our furry, scaly and feathered residents but can tell you all about their habitats in Queensland’s national parks.

Behind the scenes, the Park Rangers are as busy as bees, captive breeding various species, like the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly. So, when you visit you can explore the park on your own, but for the best experience join our dedicated Park Rangers at the daily wildlife shows, talks and encounters. There is no better way to discover Queensland’s wild side.

3. Kids, you can become a ranger for a day

 Want to be a friend to the animals? Take a sneak peek behind the scenes and have an up close and personal experience with the animals of Fleay’s. Kiddies can stand in the boots of a wildlife ranger and channel their 'inner warrior'—wildlife warrior, that is.

Every school holidays, Fleay’s Park Rangers take small groups of kids on a live animal and environmental adventure. A select few can become a Junior Ranger for a day and learn about caring for native animals; go behind the scenes and help feed some of the furry, scaly or feathered residents; or muck about in the muddy mangroves searching for super-cool marine life. Places are limited so you must pre-purchase your Junior Ranger tickets online.

Convinced? This is one wildlife park you’ve just got to visit, right? Find out more about David Fleay Wildlife Park.