Australia Zoo & Wildlife Experiences

The Sunshine Coast has always been defined by its relationship with nature. Steve Irwin built a global conservation movement from a small wildlife park at Beerwah. Humpback whales use the warm waters off Mooloolaba as a nursery on their annual migration. The Noosa Everglades — one of only two everglade systems on Earth — teem with birdlife, turtles and the occasional saltwater crocodile. And beneath the waves at Mooloolaba, an 80-metre ocean tunnel puts you face-to-fin with sharks, rays and little blue penguins.

This guide covers every wildlife experience worth having on the Sunshine Coast — from a full day at Australia Zoo to a dawn kayak through the Everglades.

Australia Zoo

The "Home of the Crocodile Hunter" is one of Queensland's most iconic attractions. Founded by Steve Irwin's parents Bob and Lyn and transformed by Steve and Terri into a world-class wildlife conservation facility, the zoo is now home to more than 1,200 animals and continues to be run by the Irwin family — Terri, Bindi, Robert and Chandler.

The zoo's mission, "Conservation Through Exciting Education", runs through everything. Every dollar you spend supports conservation projects worldwide, from protecting Sumatran tigers to rehabilitating injured Australian koalas and saltwater crocodiles.

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

Steve Irwin's ultimate dream was to let visitors stay overnight, surrounded by wildlife. That dream is now reality at the Crocodile Hunter Lodge — a luxury eco-accommodation nestled in native bushland near Australia Zoo. One-, two- and three-bedroom cabins (some two-storey with heated plunge pools overlooking freshwater crocodiles) blend five-star comfort with genuine conservation purpose.

Cabins are built from timbers upcycled from a Crocoseum grandstand that Steve built with his own hands. The gardens are planted with critically endangered species like the Glass House Mountains tea tree. The lobby houses diamond python and bearded dragon exhibits. Outside, resident red kangaroos, emus, koalas and echidnas live on the grounds — visible from the 25-metre infinity pool and the Warrior Restaurant & Bar, which sources every ingredient from within 100 km.

Rates start from $949 per night and include a welcome gift, daily breakfast, unlimited zoo entry, a Wildlife Hospital Sneak Peek tour and dining credit. A complimentary shuttle runs to the zoo. The Lodge won the World Luxury Hotel Awards in its first year and continues to collect accolades — but it's the feeling of waking up to kangaroos grazing outside your window that makes it unforgettable.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Located at The Wharf in Mooloolaba, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a multi-award-winning, all-weather aquarium with 11 interactive animal zones across three levels. The centrepiece is an 80-metre Ocean Tunnel where you walk beneath sharks, rays and sea turtles gliding overhead. Other highlights include Little Blue Penguins, a Tidal Touch Pool where kids can handle starfish and sea cucumbers, Seahorse Kingdom, and Seal Island with daily presentations.

It's one of the best rainy-day activities on the Sunshine Coast and a guaranteed hit with children of all ages. Allow 2–3 hours. Located right on the Mooloolaba Esplanade, so it pairs easily with a beach visit or lunch on the strip.

Wildlife HQ at the Big Pineapple

Located next to the iconic Big Pineapple in Woombye, Wildlife HQ is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals — including koalas, dingoes, crocodiles, sun bears, red pandas, meerkats, quokkas and marmosets. Smaller and more intimate than Australia Zoo, it offers close animal encounters, feeding experiences and photo sessions. The café has a Cotton Top Tamarin exhibit right beside the tables — immersive dining at its finest. Open daily 9 AM – 4 PM.

Whale Watching

Between June and November, humpback whales migrate along the Sunshine Coast on their annual journey from Antarctica to the warm breeding waters of the Whitsundays and back. Whale-watching cruises depart from Mooloolaba and Noosa, offering small-group experiences where you'll witness breaching, tail slapping and spy-hopping from remarkably close range.

For the ultimate bucket-list experience, several operators offer in-water swim-with-whales encounters — slipping into the ocean to observe these gentle 40-tonne creatures from just metres away. Conditions and permits are strictly regulated, so book early. From the shore, Sunshine Beach surf club deck and Point Cartwright are excellent free whale-spotting vantage points.

Noosa Everglades & More Wildlife

Noosa Everglades

One of only two everglade systems in the world, the Noosa Everglades (also called the "River of Mirrors") is a pristine waterway accessible by kayak or eco-cruise. Paddle through mirror-calm, tea-tree-stained waters surrounded by paperbark forests alive with kingfishers, sea eagles, azure kingfishers and the occasional goanna sunning on a fallen log. Guided kayak tours with operators like Kanu Kapers offer half-day and full-day options.

Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World

Set in the hinterland, these gardens combine exotic plant collections with a free-flight aviary where macaws, cockatoos, lorikeets and other tropical birds land on your head, arms and shoulders. Gorgeous views of the Glass House Mountains from the elevated walkways. A relaxed half-day experience.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Fifty-five hectares of protected rainforest where you might spot pademelons, brush-turkeys, green tree frogs and dozens of bird species on the 1.7 km boardwalk. The Discovery Centre makes wildlife identification fun for kids. Free entry. See our Hinterland Walks guide for full details.