Duck family stuns Boxing Day shoppers at Hope Island Marketplace

Visitors to a Gold Coast shopping centre were quacking up when a family of ducks waddled into a popular Chinese eatery.

Why did the duck walk into a Chinese restaurant?

Bulletin reporters weren’t able to find the answer, but shoppers at Hope Island Marketplace were quacking up when a family of ducks waddled into a popular eatery on Thursday night.

Bystanders said Mum and Dad caused a flap after leading their adorable brood through Kung Fu Jack (formerly Canton Road).

“We were walking past when going to Woolies (Woolworths) and I thought I was seeing things,” one shopper commented on social media.

Crowds quickly gathered, phones in hand, to watch the feathered family.

The ducks seemed blissfully unaware of the commotion, but the rumour is they are no strangers to adventure.

A family of ducks visit a Hope Island restaurant. Picture: Facebook/Sandra Bosworth

Another shopper claimed to have recently rescued the same family of ducks from a drain in the Hope Island hub’s carpark.

“There were three babies in the drain … and we managed to find the parents in the bush and reunite them,” she said.

According to the Wildlife Queensland website, duckling season typically peaks in September, with mother ducks often trekking through urban areas to find food or water for their babies.

Experts recommend giving wildlife space and contacting authorities if the animals are in danger.

Wildlife authorities were reportedly alerted to ensure the Hope Island ducks made it home safely from their outing.

Originally published as Duck family stuns Boxing Day shoppers at Hope Island Marketplace