Best of the Gold Coast: 10 awesome animal experiences
IF you’re sick of humans, hang out with animals instead. The Gold Coast and its surrounds homes an array of animals that even Noah would be envious of: Here’s 10 awesome experiences.
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IF you’re sick of humans, hang out with animals instead. The Gold Coast and its surrounds homes an array of animals that even Noah himself would be envious of, and paying them a visit is a pretty good way to spend the day.
Mountview Alpaca Farm
2503 Lamington National Park Rd, Sarabah
Come on kids alpaca the car and go for a drive.
The farm may be a bit of a trek from the Coast but in return you will receive your fill of fresh air, rolling hills and the cutest and cheekiest alpacas this side of the border.
Those keen to make a weekend of it can even book in for a farmstay complete with a fireplace to ward off the mountain chills.
Visitors are encouraged to take a selfie with the cuddly inhabitants of Mountview and post it to social media.
The farm is open six days and closed Tuesdays
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
Originally set up as a bird sanctuary, this Currumbin attraction has taken flight and is now one of the Coast’s favourite attractions.
As well seeing the animals in their leafy homes, guests can take in the shows put on by experienced handlers.
For an additional fee visitors can also tour the wildlife hospital, take part in an encounter such as a koala cuddle or go on a segway tour.
The park is currently doing a promotion which admits adults at the kids’ price of $35.
Tiger Island Dreamworld
Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Once you’ve met the tigers at Dreamworld you’ve officially earned your stripes as a Gold Coast local.
Dreamworld general manager of life sciences Al Mucci says the close relationship staff have with tigers gives them intimate knowledge of their behaviour which in turn provides the visitor with an amazing experience.
“This new area is a powerhouse for the conservation of tigers in the wild,” he says.
“It’s a once in lifetime experience to visit an animal attraction that provides high quality care and welfare for these amazing creatures while delivering millions of dollars through the Dreamworld Wildlife foundation to tigers in the wild.
“Without the enormous public support we get for this animal attraction we couldn’t deliver the salaries for anti-pouching teams in Indonesia and Russia that protect thousands of hectares from the illegal wildlife trade and logging activities. That means we are saving tigers on the frontline with this attraction and that in itself is worth the visit.
“As the wildlife guy running the facility it’s an absolutely privilege and honour to serve our wild cousins who benefit from our existence.”
The all-new Tiger Island lets guests get closer to the magnificent cats than they previously could.
There are seven adults and five cubs who can be viewed free with entry to the park during the daily presentations at 12pm and 3.30pm.
While the tiger photos are currently unavailable due to ongoing remodelling guests can still opt for a tiger walk or feed experience for an extra fee.
Numinbah Valley Adventure Trails
2524 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Numbinbah Valley
Saddle up and head to our neigh — hours in the Numinbah Valley for an adventure.
David and Kimberley Lyons have run trail rides around this picturesque working cattle farm for three decades.
Mrs Lyons says the only ones who love to ride more than their guests are the horses themselves.
“You can definitely see the difference in the horses. They love to be out and about and working,” she says.
“We cater for beginners right up to experienced riders and offer walking, trotting and cantering rides.
“Some of our rides include a billy tea and damper to break up the ride and at the moment the weather is nice and warm so you can stop by the waterhole and have a swim.”
Prices start at $45 for a half-hour lead ride for children up to $150 per person for a three hour couples’ romance ride complete with a platter and non-alcoholic sparkling wine at a secluded spot by the river.
Crazy Cat Cafe Surfers Paradise
3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Want your fix of kitty cuddles without having to deal with the litter tray?
The Crazy Cat Cafe has separate areas for food and feline fun although visitors are permitted to take their snacks into the cat room should they wish.
Manager Jackie Moureau says it’s also a great place to come to help make a final decision about whether the responsibility of cat ownership is for you.
“The cats are resident to the cafe and they live in the most awesome set up ever — kitty heaven,” she says.
“In the cat lounge we have comfy couches, chairs and rugs where you can sit and read, cuddle the cats, have a coffee and bite to eat. There’s free wi — fi so bring your laptop to work or study.”
Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay
On The Park — Opposite 56 Lawson Street, Byron Bay
You’ll be riding the wave of euphoria after an encounter with dolphins in their natural habitat.
Go Sea Kayak in Byron Bay is one of the area’s favourite attractions and for good reason according to operations manager Stephen Noort.
“We call it the ‘dolphin daze’. After people have their first encounter they call kind of enter this daze and start talking about nature and the experience of meeting these people out on the water,” he says.
“That kind of awkward nervousness at the start of the tour, that all changes as soon as the dolphins appear.
“And if you thought the dolphin daze was good wait until you see the whales in winter.”
Tours run seven days a week at 9.30am and 2pm.
Suitable for ages five and up.
Australian Outback Spectacular
Entertainment Drive, Oxenford
As well as horsing around at the fabulous Salute to the Light Horse show, guests can also get up close and personal with the stars.
Australian Outback Spectacular general manager Shane Phillips says visitors will be guided behind the scenes by an experienced cast member.
“The Backstage Pass at Australian Outback Spectacular gives our guests the opportunity to head out to the stables and meet our amazingly talented animal stars including horses, dogs, cattle and camels and what goes in to preparing them for the show,” he says.
General entry to the show starts at $99.99 and includes a three course meal and drinks.
A Backstage Pass is only an extra $20.
Sea World Penguin Experience
SeaWorld Dr, Main Beach
You might have cold feet about meeting with these creatures but once you’re there the penguins will have you spellbound.
Sea World Director of Marine Sciences Trevor Long says the park boasts a great range of amazing animal experiences which have a focus on education and conservation to give guests a greater appreciation for the marine environment and the many wonderful animals which call it home.
“The Penguin Antarctic Adventure is a hugely popular experience among our guests who head out onto our world-class Penguin Encounter exhibit to get an up-close experience with the resident King and Gentoo penguins,” he says.
“At the moment, guests on the tours are treated to a very special experience with the recent arrival of two adorable king penguin chicks.”
The experience is suitable for ages 14 plus and costs $124.99 in addition to park entry.
Thunderbird Park Bird Experience
Tamborine Mountain Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine
You’ll be flying high after an encounter with the feathered friends at Tamborine Mountain.
Guests to Thunderbird Park are invited for a free bird feeding at 2pm daily with rainbow lorikeets the star attraction.
Also making guest appearances are the rare Albert’s lyrebird, bowerbirds, butcherbirds and wedge tailed eagles.
While you’re at the 112 — hectare rainforest property you might also be lucky enough to encounter a duck billed platypus which is a regular visitor to Cedar Creek.
Paradise Country Aussie Farmyard
Entertainment Dr, Oxenford
Take a right at the roller-coasters and you’ll find yourself transported to an animal — filled paradise.
Whether you want to snuggle with farm favourites like the baby chicks, piglets and lambs or check out native wildlife like koalas and dingoes Paradise Country has you covered.
Entry also includes a range of shows which illustrate how these incredible animals live life on a farm.
The Stockman and Sheepdog as well as the Stock Horse displays are highly popular.
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