Wildlife HQ Zoo
Wildlife HQ Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Wildlife HQ Zoo is located at the iconic Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast. The zoo is home to over 200 animal species from around the world including Primates, African Wild Dogs, Red Pandas, Binturong Meerkats & Queensland's only Sun Bear. The zoo is also home to all your favourite Australian animals including Koalas, Quokka, Kangaroos, Quolls, Wombats, Crocodiles & heaps more! We are accredited by the Zoo & Aquarium Association (ZAA) & recognized for promoting positive animal welfare at the zoo. There is a cafe. You can even book an up close and personal Animal Encounter which allows you to go behind the scenes & feed the animals. There are over 15 animal encounters available which include Monkey and Meerkat feeding or you can even cuddle a koala. Don't forget your camera so we can take plenty of photos for you! Our Ticket Office entrance which is located just down the service lane from the Big Pineapple.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Phileas_Fogg1Carterton, New Zealand125 contributionsA worthwhile visitWildlife HQ was a great place to visit. We got to see animals up close and were impressed by the variety of species on display. We paid extra to do an emperor tamarin experience and while it wasn’t cheap we felt that we got a good amount of time with the animals and it was an amazing experience having them jump onto our shoulders and sit on our hands while they ate. The animals were active and looked well cared for on the whole. We would happily return and recommend to others.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 November 2023
- Kelly BBrisbane, Australia11 contributionsA hidden gem 💎What a hidden gem 💎 Turned up late in the afternoon for a koala encounter and pretty much had the park to ourselves. The animals are so well taken care of and the amount of time and effort put in to keep the zoo going must be a small fortune with the range of animals cared for. I'd highly recommend this to anyone: solo, couple, friends or family, there is so much to see and you're bound to have an amazing day. I'll definitely go back as there was still so much to see.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 December 2023
- SarahElizabeth1990Brisbane, Australia4 contributionsBest zoo if you don’t like crowds and have young children who can’t walk farSuch a beautiful zoo. The animal habitats are gorgeous and it’s well looked after. It’s peaceful and not too big, only takes about 2 hours to walk the whole place. My kids had a lovely morning here and the gibbons were my favourite! Sooo cute.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 January 2024
- NiksoenPortland, Oregon7 contributionsVery nice family experienceVery nice park with many local animals. Amazing for young kids. Only negative comment: cafe and amenities closed around 3:15-3:30 although official close time is 4pm.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 April 2024
- Marty H1 contributionBeautifulGoing here was incredible. I loved the capybaras and small monkeys (forgot what there called 😑). It was absolutely the best zoo I’ve ever been to. I am definitely going again. The staff were really nice. You should definitely go.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
319 reviews
Excellent
216
Very good
59
Average
25
Poor
9
Terrible
10
ladyhawknz
Napier, New Zealand98 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We decided to visit Wildlife HQ as had heard about it from family who live in oz and we wanted to visit a smaller less well known zoo as have done others.
Really enjoyed ourself's, nice little place to wander around and plenty of animals to see.
You can do animal encounters for quite a reasonable price which we did for my daughter with the Koala, Kita I think her name was.
There is a cafe in the middle so can buy food and drinks.
Definitely recommend taking the time to visit if you are in the area.
Really enjoyed ourself's, nice little place to wander around and plenty of animals to see.
You can do animal encounters for quite a reasonable price which we did for my daughter with the Koala, Kita I think her name was.
There is a cafe in the middle so can buy food and drinks.
Definitely recommend taking the time to visit if you are in the area.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiany Jackson
18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Entry prices are so reasonable. Its great to have a lovely family day out which doesn't break the bank!!! So many beautiful animals to look at and the zoo is so much bigger than first expected. The Zoo Keepers are all super friendly and happy to tell you all about the animals.
We paid a little extra to feed mealworms to the Meerkats for my daughters birthday present. She said it was the best Birthday EVER!!!
The kids loved the zoo so much that we have been back many times this year just to say hello to all of the animals and their keepers.
They love it every time, wether we are just looking around or doing another animal encounter.
We can't wait to come back and see the new exhibits and try the new cafe.
We paid a little extra to feed mealworms to the Meerkats for my daughters birthday present. She said it was the best Birthday EVER!!!
The kids loved the zoo so much that we have been back many times this year just to say hello to all of the animals and their keepers.
They love it every time, wether we are just looking around or doing another animal encounter.
We can't wait to come back and see the new exhibits and try the new cafe.
Written 13 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MyTribe11
Gold Coast, Australia11 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
After a terrible start to our day, visiting The Big Pineapple (see my Big Pineapple? Big Disappointment! review), we ventured down the hill to Wildlife HQ hoping to enjoy some animals and purchase an animal encounter for a thrill for our children. We found the entrance fee high, about $100 for our family, but our children were excited so in we went. Most of the animals seemed to be asleep. I don’t know if we arrived just after feeding time? but there was very little activity from the animals. We meandered through some jungle and eventually popped out at a cafe. Perfect! Or so we thought... We were all starving. We waited in the queue at the shipping container/site office cafe and perused their long menu. We all made our selection, waited our turn and then placed our order. What’s that? You’re out of everything we wanted? Nuggets? Nope? Hot chips? Nope. Sandwiches? Nope. Hot dog? Nope. Ice cream? Umm, half of those not available either. So off we went to look at the rest of the sleeping animals. We decided it was time to book our animal encounter. The sign at the front gate showed what the options were, however when we went to book we were told...,, you guessed it, some of those weren’t available either. So we made our selection, paid the money, filled in the forms and were then told it would be at 2pm. It was currently 12.45. I questioned why the long wait, especially as we had just watched other people having their turn, and we were told that the staff had just gone for lunch (I wish they had some food for us!). We couldn’t wait around for over an hour as our children were starving so we had to leave not being able to enjoy an animal encounter. So disappointing for the kids. Unfortunately the train was also not running today so we didn’t get to do that either.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire L
Sunshine Coast, Australia26 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Such a memorable afternoon visit to Wildlife HQ. A smaller more personalised zoo with plenty of wildlife to see and very affordable for families. The wildlife are well cared for and with just recently reopening since Covid 19 closure, am sure they were happy to see visitors. Staff very helpful and friendly too. Support Aussie small business. 👌🇦🇺♥️
Written 19 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane P
Murgon, Australia4 contributions
Mar 2021
I cannot say enough about this place. Staff were so welcoming, and knowledgeable, Prices were very reasonable, animals are happy and their habitats are clean and natural looking. I will go back again with the grandkids, because it is such a worthwhile day out. Master 8 said..' they treated us like family!" And he was right! I would highly recommend doing a photo or feeding experience, it is great value for money. something the kids will remember. The sugar gliders are just the BEST!
My husband said about the cafe.....common sense menu, at common sense prices. All round everyone was more than happy. (Do you get that we love, love, love this place!!)
My husband said about the cafe.....common sense menu, at common sense prices. All round everyone was more than happy. (Do you get that we love, love, love this place!!)
Written 28 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly Saw
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This zoo is at the big pineapple WOW .. where do I start , an absolute amazing zoo, the entry price cheap as , the animal experience AMAZING.. the animals beautiful, funny could watch them all day .. the animals were in beautiful enclosures , clean and well thought out for mind and behaviour enrichment for the animals. Bob Irwin is a important member of this zoo. On the day I went it was hot , the animals had their own sprinklers going , to be able to cool themselves down. This visit was a 50th birthday present from my husband . Best present ever.. the staff were wonderful. From the ladies at the kiosk to the train gentleman, to my intern taking me into the enclosures for my personal animal experience . I would recommend this zoo to anyone who is visiting Brisbane Sunshine Coast . You can drive there or even catch the train to Woombye station and Catch a Uber from Woombye station . It’s a small zoo that packs a punch with more to come .. so excited to watch it grow .
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon S
30 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This place is fantastic! So many amazing animals, wonderful friendly and helpful staff and the animal encounters are very affordable. Our son was too young to do any of the encounters (they are meant to be 7), until the beautiful Tahlia said he could meet Simba the Dingo! Our son was so excited and absolutely loved the encounter. Tahlia was happy for my husband and I to pat and sit with Simba too 🥰 It made our day! With many different animals to have an encounter with and the most expensive one being only $50, we will definitely be back 😄
The Cafe is currently being upgraded but there is still hot and cold food and drinks available. Take the train from The Big Pineapple to the zoo for only $5 each. It's worth it! Great day out for the whole family 😊
The Cafe is currently being upgraded but there is still hot and cold food and drinks available. Take the train from The Big Pineapple to the zoo for only $5 each. It's worth it! Great day out for the whole family 😊
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susann G
Pomona, Australia7 contributions
Sept 2020
My husband and I and a friend spent several fascinating hours here strolling around the zoo and watching the animals. A nice collection of animals of the smaller varities including some reptiles. The animals are well cared for by the staff and volunteers . At the time there was a bit of disruption with the zoo being readied for visitors expected during the upcoming school holidays. Can definitely recommend a visit.
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottyc74
Brisbane, Australia53 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Just spent a great day out at Wildlife HQ zoo at the Big Pineapple. Being the relocated Alma Park zoo, there are obviously a few works-in-progress and isn't as slick as other zoo attractions in the area but we liked it, as it came across more genuine and honest. Don't come here if you are after croc shows, tigers, lions etc, this place is more homely and showcases mainly smaller animals. The folks working there are really friendly and helpful and will happily share info with you. We visited in winter school hols at end of covid and place was busy not uncomfortably so and we were able to not feel rushed and have plenty time in each area. There is a cafe there, which is run out of a demountable, but looks like they are building a new facility. The menu is limited but personally it was perfect, a sausage on bread, chips and can of drink was perfect for kids whilst we adults had a freshly made chicken wrap... this place is great for young kids, we spent the extra $5pp to get plantation train from Big Pineapple which was great way to begin and end day. We spent 4 hours there at an easy pace. Can't wait for big pineapple to get its revamp with much anticipated waterpark and this place will be fantastic
Written 2 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thebaileyfamily2020
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We came the day after a few really wet days as we needed to do something with the kids. We saw I think 95% of the animals - amazing!
There is a section where a few animals roam free so you can actually get up close and personal with them which was so engaging for my 3.5yo.
We got through the zoo quite quickly as it started to rain again when we were there so we had to take refuge in the toilets lol. But it was such a great morning for my 2 children.
The train ride from the Big Pineapple to the zoo was also a great experience for the kids. Lots to see.
Highly recommend this zoo 😁
There is a section where a few animals roam free so you can actually get up close and personal with them which was so engaging for my 3.5yo.
We got through the zoo quite quickly as it started to rain again when we were there so we had to take refuge in the toilets lol. But it was such a great morning for my 2 children.
The train ride from the Big Pineapple to the zoo was also a great experience for the kids. Lots to see.
Highly recommend this zoo 😁
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have any crocs? My husband is obsessed with them snd and would love to do the croc feeding
Written 21 January 2019
Yes they have crocks but you can't feed them. Sorry. You will enjoy it immensely though I'm sure.
Written 22 January 2019
If I take my dad in a wheelchair will we be able to view the animals?
Written 21 November 2018
Hi Kathy,
Some path is bitumen and paved and other areas are grassed and a little trickier but most people manage to get by.
We are always happy to assist in any way we can during your visit and we can always have you drive down into the main zoo and unload him at presentation park if that is easier on you both.
Written 22 November 2018
How much time should I allow for our visit? I am asking as I hope to see other attractions on the same day...
Written 15 July 2016
You will definitely have plenty of time to visit the zoo in a day. I had 4 kids with me who lingered at their favourite animals and we needed up going over our time because we loved the walk in enclosure where all the kangaroos were that you could feed along with the farm animals. 3-4 hrs is more than sufficient and that included us eating lunch there. I would guarantee purchasing the zoo entry ticket along with the pineapple train ticket so you can get a tour around the pineapple plantation and hitch a ride to the entry and back to the exit. If you get the train - you should park by the big pineapple and not the zoo entry.
Written 16 July 2016
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