David Fleay Wildlife Park Gold Coast

4.3

Google reviews (1074 total)

Google reviews for David Fleay Wildlife Park

4.3 Write a review

  • 3 Brian Moore
    9 months ago

    Small park, good for a short stroll, id say kids under 8's to see a few animals ok. Crock feeding was highlight, only 2 snakes in the entry area. Other enclosures not much to speak of.

  • 5 Amelia Volk
    4 months ago

    The park environment is very calm and well signposted. The bird show was informative and not too long. Good small variety of animals to see.

  • 5 Samantha Smith
    8 months ago

    Definitely the best wildlife park I've been to. So relaxed, well laid out and informative. The bird show was a highlight, as was being able to get close to the animals. The pedestrian access is across a main road and it's a long bus journey, but worth it. Thank you for an amazing experience 😊

  • 5 Brodie Barsby
    11 months ago

    Best wildlife park I have ever been to. The staff are super friendly and informative, love to tell you about the animals and give you some of their time. All the habitats are very natural and large, their bird show and showcase are is so amazing and detailed. Would definitely come back, you can see the animals in such a better environment and up close compared to Zoos and other Wildlife Parks.

  • 5 Sassy Sasquatch
    9 months ago

    Lovely little wildlife experience close to home. Not a whole lot of animals to see but still a great experience nonetheless. Absolutely loved seeing these gorgeous Koalas and was exciting to see this quirky platypus. Not too expensive and very accessible and easily to get around.

  • More info and reviews

Meet the Rangers & wildlife of David Fleay Wildlife Park | Gold Coast

David Fleay Wildlife Park offers something for everyone! The park’s focus is on Queensland native species, particularly those that are threatened or rare to see in the wild, along with Australia’s iconic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, emus and platypus. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Ranger-led wildlife shows at David Fleay Wildlife Park | Gold Coast

Enjoy a day of wildlife encounters at David Fleay Wildlife Park, where our Rangers bring wildlife conservation to life through engaging presentations. Between shows, stroll through the park’s peaceful boardwalks and wetlands, then relax at the café deck with a coffee or lunch while listening to the sounds of the bush—an easy, educational and unforgettable experience for all ages. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Be inspired: 5 things you didn’t know you could do at David Fleay Wildlife Park

Tucked away in the heart of Burleigh Heads, just 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, 25 minutes from Surfers Paradise, and a little over an hour from Brisbane, David Fleay Wildlife Park is your gateway to Queensland’s incredible natural wonders. Photo credit: Steve Browne © Queensland Government

Spotlight on Wally

Wally the platypus

Wally the platypus

Photo credit: Wade Gilbert, Queensland Government

Wally the platpus being weighed in a basket on a scale.

Wally being weighed during his weekly check-up at David Fleay Wildlife Park.

Photo credit: Jacqui Seal, Queensland Government

Photo credit: Nikki Sparks, Queensland Government

Wally's Journey and the Wonders of the Platypus

In January 2014, a concerned citizen discovered Wally, a very young male platypus, near Mount Warning and close to the Queensland border. Injured and underweight, Wally weighed less than 200 grams and required intensive care from our dedicated rangers, receiving four-hourly feeds of crayfish, insects, and worms. Today, Wally weighs over 1100 grams, and has enjoyed being a wildlife ambassador at Fleays for close to 10 years.

Through the platypus exhibit at David Fleay Wildlife Park, we honor Dr. David Fleay's legacy of public education. Our goal is to deepen visitors' understanding of conservation challenges and demonstrate how simple daily actions can support wildlife conservation. We hope every visitor leaves inspired to become a guardian of the wild.

The platypus, unique to Australia, is perfectly adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. As a monotreme, it lays eggs, distinguishing it from other mammals. The platypus has a streamlined body and a broad, flat tail covered in dense, waterproof fur, providing excellent thermal insulation. Behind its distinctive bill are grooves that house ear openings and eyes, which close when the animal dives. The tail stores fat reserves, and strong claws on its feet aid in burrowing and movement on land. Male platypuses also have a venomous spur on their ankles, making them one of the few venomous mammals.

In early 2024, after almost ten years at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Wally has now moved to Healesville Sanctuary to participate in a crucial captive breeding program. Taking his place is Waddirrang, a fourteen-year-old female platypus who has joined the Fleays family at the end of her breeding years.

Waddirrang resides in our nocturnal house but enjoys the freedom to explore beyond the display tank into a specially designed burrow system with grass-lined nesting chambers. If you don't spot her right away, be sure to return later for another chance to see her up and about.

By visiting the platypus exhibit, you contribute to the ongoing story of these remarkable creatures. Your visit helps sustain their care and conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at this extraordinary species.

Learn more about platypus.

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