Australia 2026

[aramacao]

Hello everyone:

Although there's still almost a year to go, I'm already starting the initial research for what will surely be my next big trip: this one to Australia and New Zealand. I'm planning three weeks in Australia and two in New Zealand, giving priority to zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, nature reserves, and, in short, all the places where I can observe the wonderful wildlife of these countries. I'll talk about New Zealand in the corresponding section, but here I'll just talk about Australia.

My initial idea was to take a trip across the entire eastern part of the country, by car or campervan, roughly from Melbourne to Cairns. However, since New Zealand is included in the trip, this option is impossible; there simply isn't time. Therefore, I have to limit the places I'll visit and I have to discuss this with my girlfriend. However, prior to this decision, I had already prepared a list of intersting places with animals to visit in East Australia. I'll share that list below:

- Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre
- Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Melbourne Zoo
- Melbourne museum
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- Healesville Sanctuary (Zoos Victoria)
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- The Funky Farm
- Phillip Island Wildlife Park
- Koala Conservation Reserve
- Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant
- Potoroo Palace
- National Zoo & Aquarium
- Canberra Walk-In Aviary
- Symbio Wildlife Park
- Sydney Zoo
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Taronga Zoo
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
- Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
- Australian Reptile Park
- Blackbutt Reserve Wildlife Exhibit
- Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
- Oakvale Wildlife Park
- Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park
- Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
- Solitary Islands Aquarium
- Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- David Fleay Wildlife Park
- Sea World Gold Coast
- Dreamworld
- Darling Downs Zoo
- Ipswich Nature Centre
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Australia Zoo
- SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
- Wildlife HQ
- Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo
- Alexandra Park Zoo
- Rockhampton Zoo
- BREDL'S WILDLIFE
- Billabong Sanctuary
- Tolga Bat Hospital
- JCU eduQuarium
- Rainforestation Nature Park
- Batreach Bat Rescue & Rehabilitation
- Birdworld Kuranda
- Kuranda Koala Gardens
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
- Wildlife Habitat
- Daintree Discovery Centre

Obviously, visiting them all is impossible, as I've already said. Doing so would take a lot of time, and it's clear that I'll be doing more than just seeing animals in Australia. Therefore, this list is only a first approximation of what's available in the region. In fact, I've already made lists of the species in each place, and I could cross several of them off the list based on them. However, I mainly got my information from Zootierliste, and I don't think it's really reliable in many places.From now on, I'll be reviewing the entire forum, with the threads about each place, to make a selection. I'll also rely on your responses, advice, and suggestions, which I would greatly appreciate.

I hope you can help me create a trip that is a true dream for me.

 

[Jambo]

Looks promising - it's good that you've given yourself enough time to truly give the time that both Australia and NZ require for a proper trip and experience.

One note though - I do think you could absolutely drive from Melbourne to Cairns in three weeks, stopping at a select amount of places along the way. It's only a 30 hour drive. I have friends who've done a similar trip (stopping along the way at certain towns) on a ten day trip, but only went up to Brisbane.

Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions which I (and others) would be happy to answer.

 

[aramacao]

Looks promising - it's good that you've given yourself enough time to truly give the time that both Australia and NZ require for a proper trip and experience.

One note though - I do think you could absolutely drive from Melbourne to Cairns in three weeks, stopping at a select amount of places along the way. It's only a 30 hour drive. I have friends who've done a similar trip (stopping along the way at certain towns) on a ten day trip, but only went up to Brisbane.

Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions which I (and others) would be happy to answer.

Yes. In fact, the trip would take approximately 35 to 40 hours along the coast (the shortest trip is inland, where there's little to see). The problem is that there are so many things to see, I've to choose. On this list, I'm showing more than 50 places with animals... Absolutely impossible in three weeks, considering travels and the usual sightseeing in cities and other places. I had thought about domestic flights and seeing three areas: one in and around Melbourne, another in and around Sydney, and another in a third area yet to be determined, probably Cairns, but I'm not sure.

I think it would be very helpful for this trip to eliminate from the list those places you think aren't worth it, because they're not interesting or because all the wildlife can be seen elsewhere. Although, obviously, the major cuts will come when I actually know the places I'll be visiting.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes. In fact, the trip would take approximately 35 to 40 hours along the coast (the shortest trip is inland, where there's little to see). The problem is that there are so many things to see, I've to choose. On this list, I'm showing more than 50 places with animals... Absolutely impossible in three weeks, considering travels and the usual sightseeing in cities and other places. I had thought about domestic flights and seeing three areas: one in and around Melbourne, another in and around Sydney, and another in a third area yet to be determined, probably Cairns, but I'm not sure.

I think it would be very helpful for this trip to eliminate from the list those places you think aren't worth it, because they're not interesting or because all the wildlife can be seen elsewhere. Although, obviously, the major cuts will come when I actually know the places I'll be visiting.

This sounds like an exciting trip. I’m from New Zealand, but have visited a number of Australian zoos myself.

I would recommend this thread for a comprehensive list of facilities:

Zoos of Australia

The best advice I can give is to focus on each area you’ll be visiting and make realistic decisions about what to visit based on accessibility and available time. Priortiise what’s important to you based on your interests e.g. exotic megafauna, Australian native species etc.

 

[aramacao]

This sounds like an exciting trip. I’m from New Zealand, but have visited a number of Australian zoos myself.

I would recommend this thread for a comprehensive list of facilities:

Zoos of Australia

The best advice I can give is to focus on each area you’ll be visiting and make realistic decisions about what to visit based on accessibility and available time. Priortiise what’s important to you based on your interests e.g. exotic megafauna, Australian native species etc.

Of course, I'll check out this thread you mentioned and many others on the forum, that's for sure.

My interest is native wildlife, without a doubt. I don't care about the popular species that can be seen in Europe. I might only be interested in a non-native species if it were a species not found in Europe. But Australian wildlife, with so many interesting species, is definitely my experience. And I don't care what it is: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, or invertebrates. If I'm going that far, I want to make the most of it.

 

[Zoofan15]

Of course, I'll check out this thread you mentioned and many others on the forum, that's for sure.

My interest is native wildlife, without a doubt. I don't care about the popular species that can be seen in Europe. I might only be interested in a non-native species if it were a species not found in Europe. But Australian wildlife, with so many interesting species, is definitely my experience. And I don't care what it is: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, or invertebrates. If I'm going that far, I want to make the most of it.

In that case, to start with Victoria, Healesville Sanctuary and Moonlit Sanctuary are both great facilities to see native species. Moonlit Sanctuary offers night tours, which makes efficient use of time (i.e. you can visit other things during the day). My original plan was to visit here on the return trip I made to Phillip Island, which has some native species as well.

Melbourne Zoo is arguably Victoria’s most prestigious zoo. I couldn’t imagine visiting Victoria and not visiting Melbourne Zoo. They have a decent amount of native species and the Great Flight Aviary and Platypus were a highlight. I’m sure you’ve seen elephants before, but Werribee Open Range Zoo have just opened one of the world’s largest habitats for this species (21ha) and would also be worth your time imo.

Ballarat have an impressive reptile house (as does Melbourne Zoo).

 

[aramacao]

Really, something that would be very useful to me is: from the list I present of places with animals, would you initially remove any because you consider it not worth it, because the species that can be seen there I will see elsewhere and it is not worth wasting time?

 

[Jambo]

Really, something that would be very useful to me is: from the list I present of places with animals, would you initially remove any because you consider it not worth it, because the species that can be seen there I will see elsewhere and it is not worth wasting time?

I think the first step is to list what you want to see and this will help decipher which facilities would therefore be best to visit. Perhaps go through each facilities species lists and highlight a select amount of species (ten for instance), which would be your priorities to see there. And then go from there.

 

[aramacao]

I already have a list for each park with the species that interest me, from Zootierliste, and from that list I can make a selection and remove places. But first, I'd like you, who know the sites well and have visited them, to give me your opinion. For example, if you think a site on the list isn't worthwhile because I'm only going to see koalas and wombats, it should obviously be removed. But I prefer to hear your opinion first, since you know much more than I do.

 

[Yoshistar888]

Hello everyone:

Although there's still almost a year to go, I'm already starting the initial research for what will surely be my next big trip: this one to Australia and New Zealand. I'm planning three weeks in Australia and two in New Zealand, giving priority to zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, nature reserves, and, in short, all the places where I can observe the wonderful wildlife of these countries. I'll talk about New Zealand in the corresponding section, but here I'll just talk about Australia.

My initial idea was to take a trip across the entire eastern part of the country, by car or campervan, roughly from Melbourne to Cairns. However, since New Zealand is included in the trip, this option is impossible; there simply isn't time. Therefore, I have to limit the places I'll visit and I have to discuss this with my girlfriend. However, prior to this decision, I had already prepared a list of intersting places with animals to visit in East Australia. I'll share that list below:

- Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre
- Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Melbourne Zoo
- Melbourne museum
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- Healesville Sanctuary (Zoos Victoria)
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
- The Funky Farm
- Phillip Island Wildlife Park
- Koala Conservation Reserve
- Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant
- Potoroo Palace
- National Zoo & Aquarium
- Canberra Walk-In Aviary
- Symbio Wildlife Park
- Sydney Zoo
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Taronga Zoo
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
- Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
- Australian Reptile Park
- Blackbutt Reserve Wildlife Exhibit
- Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
- Oakvale Wildlife Park
- Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park
- Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
- Solitary Islands Aquarium
- Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- David Fleay Wildlife Park
- Sea World Gold Coast
- Dreamworld
- Darling Downs Zoo
- Ipswich Nature Centre
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Australia Zoo
- SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
- Wildlife HQ
- Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo
- Alexandra Park Zoo
- Rockhampton Zoo
- BREDL'S WILDLIFE
- Billabong Sanctuary
- Tolga Bat Hospital
- JCU eduQuarium
- Rainforestation Nature Park
- Batreach Bat Rescue & Rehabilitation
- Birdworld Kuranda
- Kuranda Koala Gardens
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
- Wildlife Habitat
- Daintree Discovery Centre

Obviously, visiting them all is impossible, as I've already said. Doing so would take a lot of time, and it's clear that I'll be doing more than just seeing animals in Australia. Therefore, this list is only a first approximation of what's available in the region. In fact, I've already made lists of the species in each place, and I could cross several of them off the list based on them. However, I mainly got my information from Zootierliste, and I don't think it's really reliable in many places.From now on, I'll be reviewing the entire forum, with the threads about each place, to make a selection. I'll also rely on your responses, advice, and suggestions, which I would greatly appreciate.

I hope you can help me create a trip that is a true dream for me.

The Funky Farm is via bookings only and has mostly common species (not that I’ve been there) probably not worth your time if you’re limited. The Koala Conservation Centre in Phillip Island is also very standard, it’s just a boardwalk with some Koalas although if you’ve got a couple days on the island it’s worth it.

Daintree Discovery Centre is a tourist trap, only cool thing it has that you may not see anywhere else are Rhinoceros Beetles. Not worth it.

As for places not on your list, I’ve heard some decent things about Canberra Reptile Zoo, not the flashiest enclosures but a good range of species including some found at few or no zoos in other parts of the country. Cairns Aquarium is a must visit, in my opinion the best aquarium in the country, a great oceanarium, the largest freshwater tank in Australia and will be the only place on your list with Freshwater Whiprays, Olive Sea Snake and a host of other species.

Werribee doesn’t have very many native animals, and all of them can be seen at other places in Victoria, unless you want to see the elephants and exotics it’s not really worth visiting.


Also a question for you. Is this just a zoo trip or will you be incorporating wildlife watching as well? It’s a great way to see a lot of species you may not find in zoos and aquariums and on your way around the east coast you’ll pass some of the greatest spots for it.

 

[Jambo]

I already have a list for each park with the species that interest me, from Zootierliste, and from that list I can make a selection and remove places. But first, I'd like you, who know the sites well and have visited them, to give me your opinion. For example, if you think a site on the list isn't worthwhile because I'm only going to see koalas and wombats, it should obviously be removed. But I prefer to hear your opinion first, since you know much more than I do.

For Victoria:

Funky Farm is bookings only - and offers close up encounters with a wide variety of animals (including natives) so if that's of interest to you, I would recommend that. But otherwise all of the species can likely be seen elsewhere in other collections (although obviously you likely won't be able to get as up close).

There's also the four Zoos Victoria facilities; Werribee is mainly exotics with a little native trail. As you've said your interested in natives mainly, this won't probably be worth the visit however I do note it's close proximity to Melbourne City, and is a relatively easy zoo to get around so may be an option to spend a morning or afternoon at. Melbourne Zoo is a must see - not only for it's prestige, but it also has some amazing displays - especially for natives, such as the Great Flight Aviary. Healesville would be a must visit if you want to see natives. The whole facility is dedicated to them. Kyabram is a smaller facility, also with a lot of natives but most of them can also be seen at both Melbourne and Healesville. In saying that, it is in decent location to stop by on the way up North.

Melbourne Aquarium is your usual aquarium, although is on the small side. It's located in the city center and houses a good amount of native marine life which you might be interested in.

Melbourne Museum is also located in the city - but offers a good amount of wildlife displays for a lot of the smaller (and often forgotten) native species that aren't displayed at most other facilities. So might be worth the visit just for this.

Moonlit Sanctuary is also a very good destination if your interested in natives. The whole facility is dedicated to them, and the night tours are apparently well worth it. There's also a good amount of special tours you can also pay extra to take; one of which takes you to see some of Australia's most threatened native species.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park and the Koala Conservation Centre are located incredibly close by and also provide good displays of natives and IMO, if you head down that it would probably be worth it to visit the Wildlife Park at least!

Mt Rothwell is just a reserve that is open to the public for free - if your wanting to catch some natives in their natural habitat, this would be a good opportunity to do so however it would be a time consuming venture.

 

[aramacao]

The Funky Farm is via bookings only and has mostly common species (not that I’ve been there) probably not worth your time if you’re limited. The Koala Conservation Centre in Phillip Island is also very standard, it’s just a boardwalk with some Koalas although if you’ve got a couple days on the island it’s worth it.

Daintree Discovery Centre is a tourist trap, only cool thing it has that you may not see anywhere else are Rhinoceros Beetles. Not worth it.

As for places not on your list, I’ve heard some decent things about Canberra Reptile Zoo, not the flashiest enclosures but a good range of species including some found at few or no zoos in other parts of the country. Cairns Aquarium is a must visit, in my opinion the best aquarium in the country, a great oceanarium, the largest freshwater tank in Australia and will be the only place on your list with Freshwater Whiprays, Olive Sea Snake and a host of other species.

Werribee doesn’t have very many native animals, and all of them can be seen at other places in Victoria, unless you want to see the elephants and exotics it’s not really worth visiting.


Also a question for you. Is this just a zoo trip or will you be incorporating wildlife watching as well? It’s a great way to see a lot of species you may not find in zoos and aquariums and on your way around the east coast you’ll pass some of the greatest spots for it.

Ok, Funky Farm deleted of the list.

With The Koala Conservation Centre in Phillip Island i've doubts, they have some interesting species for me. In bold, species not present anywhere else on the list:

- Australian kestrel (Nankeen kestrel) (Falco cenchroides)
- Australian Masked Owl (Chestnut-faced Owl) (No Subspecific status) (Tyto novaehollandiae)
- Barking owl (Barking Hawk-owl) (Ninox connivens (Syn.: Hieracoglaux connivens))
- Black flying fox (Pteropus alecto)
- Black-breasted buzzard (Hamirostra melanosternon)
- Black-striped wallaby (Notamacropus dorsalis (Syn.: Macropus dorsalis))
- Blotched bluetongue (Southern bluetongue) (Tiliqua nigrolutea)
- Children’s python (Antaresia childreni (Syn.: Liasis childreni))
- Greater Sooty-owl (Dusky Barn-owl) (Tyto tenebricosa)
- Grey butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus)
- Grey goshawk (Variable goshawk) (Accipiter novaehollandiae)
- Johnstone's Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii (Syn.: Casuarius casuarius australis))
- Jungle carpet python (Morelia spilota cheynei)
- Lesser sooty owl (Tyto multipunctata (Syn.: Tyto tenebricosa multipunctata))
- Lowland copperhead (Australian copperhead) (Austrelaps superbus)
- Red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)
- Southern koala (Victoria koala) (Phascolarctos cinereus victor)
- Spotted python (Eastern childrens python) (Antaresia maculosa (Syn.: Liasis maculosus))

Regarding the Daintree Discovery Centre, I couldn't find out what species they have there. If you say they only have those beetles, maybe I can delete it from the list.

I add Canberra Reptile Zoo and Cairns Aquarium to the list. It's strange that they're not included, because I've them marked on the map, but it's true that I didn't add them to the list before. I'll study them. The Canberra Reptile Zoo's species list in Zootierliste is almost nonexistent, and I don't see any rarities on their website that I can't see elsewhere on the list, but I could be wrong...

In Werribee, they have some interesting species for me, but only one unique species, a monkey no native, obviously. Buit I can delete, it's not a priority
- Hilgert's vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus hilgerti (Syn.: Cercopithecus aethiops hilgerti))
- Orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster)
- Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus)
- Southern koala (Victoria koala) (Phascolarctos cinereus victor)
- Tammar wallaby (Dama wallaby) (Notamacropus eugenii (Syn.: Macropus eugenii))

Yes! I'd love to see wildlife! In fact, I prefer to see wildlife at zoos or aquariums, although I'll obviously go to many. If you tell me places where I can easily see wildlife, I'll try to include them in my trip.

 

[Osedax]

Hilgert's vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus hilgerti (Syn.: Cercopithecus aethiops hilgerti))

This would be an incorrect identification most likely.

- Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus)

Note that there is nowhere currently where you can see Plains Wanderers on display. At all five zoos they are kept at, they are kept off display to maximise breeding results.

 

[aramacao]

For Victoria:

Funky Farm is bookings only - and offers close up encounters with a wide variety of animals (including natives) so if that's of interest to you, I would recommend that. But otherwise all of the species can likely be seen elsewhere in other collections (although obviously you likely won't be able to get as up close).

There's also the four Zoos Victoria facilities; Werribee is mainly exotics with a little native trail. As you've said your interested in natives mainly, this won't probably be worth the visit however I do note it's close proximity to Melbourne City, and is a relatively easy zoo to get around so may be an option to spend a morning or afternoon at. Melbourne Zoo is a must see - not only for it's prestige, but it also has some amazing displays - especially for natives, such as the Great Flight Aviary. Healesville would be a must visit if you want to see natives. The whole facility is dedicated to them. Kyabram is a smaller facility, also with a lot of natives but most of them can also be seen at both Melbourne and Healesville. In saying that, it is in decent location to stop by on the way up North.

Melbourne Aquarium is your usual aquarium, although is on the small side. It's located in the city center and houses a good amount of native marine life which you might be interested in.

Melbourne Museum is also located in the city - but offers a good amount of wildlife displays for a lot of the smaller (and often forgotten) native species that aren't displayed at most other facilities. So might be worth the visit just for this.

Moonlit Sanctuary is also a very good destination if your interested in natives. The whole facility is dedicated to them, and the night tours are apparently well worth it. There's also a good amount of special tours you can also pay extra to take; one of which takes you to see some of Australia's most threatened native species.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park and the Koala Conservation Centre are located incredibly close by and also provide good displays of natives and IMO, if you head down that it would probably be worth it to visit the Wildlife Park at least!

Mt Rothwell is just a reserve that is open to the public for free - if your wanting to catch some natives in their natural habitat, this would be a good opportunity to do so however it would be a time consuming venture.

Obviously, the idea of close encounters with animals is appealing, but since I don't have time, I have to choose. I'd rather not have such close encounters but see more rare animals than have very close encounters with common animals. It's true that those common animals may be common in Australia and not in the rest of the world, but if they're present in other places on the list, I have to choose.

For now, I'm adding more places than removing them from the list. This is crazy, hahaha

 

[aramacao]

This would be an incorrect identification most likely.

Note that there is nowhere currently where you can see Plains Wanderers on display. At all five zoos they are kept at, they are kept off display to maximise breeding results.

This information is very useful. I think it's pretty clear that Werribee is a strong candidate for delisting...

 

[Zoofan15]

I would throughly recommend Taronga Zoo. Most would agree they’re Australia’s most prestigious zoo and they have an extensive collection of native species.

A species list can be found here:

Taronga Zoo Species List (27.6.23) [Taronga Zoo]

A notable resident of Taronga Zoo is JR the Eastern long-beaked echidna. He’s the only member of his species in captivity outside of Papua New Guinea and a life tick for many Australasian ZooChatters.

 

[Osedax]

Also Featherdale is a must-visit for many native species, especially birds but also some herptiles (though you've got more chance of actually seeing Crucifix Frog at Melbourne Zoo). I would highly recommend Hunter Valley as well, as there are several native birds you will not see anywhere else.

 

[aramacao]

Also Featherdale is a must-visit for many native species, especially birds but also some herptiles (though you've got more chance of actually seeing Crucifix Frog at Melbourne Zoo). I would highly recommend Hunter Valley as well, as there are several native birds you will not see anywhere else.

The Hunter Valley listing on Zootierliste is practically nonexistent. I only have two species listed as interesting here: the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) and the spectacled flying fox (Pteropus conspicillatus). It's difficult to rely on the incomplete information on Zootierliste...

 

[aramacao]

I would throughly recommend Taronga Zoo. Most would agree they’re Australia’s most prestigious zoo and they have an extensive collection of native species.

A species list can be found here:

Taronga Zoo Species List (27.6.23) [Taronga Zoo]

A notable resident of Taronga Zoo is JR the Eastern long-beaked echidna. He’s the only member of his species in captivity outside of Papua New Guinea and a life tick for many Australasian ZooChatters.

Yes, Taronga is probably the highlight of the trip. A must-see.

I'm aware of the echidna, but I don't know if it'll be easy to spot...

 

[Jambo]

Yes, Taronga is probably the highlight of the trip. A must-see.

I'm aware of the echidna, but I don't know if it'll be easy to spot...

Luckily he now has an enclosure in a new nocturnal house so he's apparently more active than before.