Queensland Nature and Wildlife Activities

For nature lovers, wildlife events can be the highlight of each season.

Whether it’s the community coming together to enjoy the first blooms of spring or simply enjoying the sounds of birds singing to each other during mating season—there are plenty of marvellous Queensland wildlife events and activities to enjoy throughout the year.

So we’re looking at some of our favourite nature activities throughout the year, all over the state because Queensland is Calling.

Wildflower Blooms

Time of year: August to September

In national parks, public gardens, and anywhere flowers have taken root in and around Brisbane, springtime adds vibrant colours to the city and its surroundings. And keep your eyes peeled for the native bees and butterflies enjoying the blooms as well.

Try one of the walks or hikes around the city, like the Mount Coot-tha Spotted Gum Trail. Mount Coot-tha is a moderate walk through the vibrant greenery—perfect to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the natural beauty of Queensland wildlife.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Time of year: all year long

The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine is home to over 130 koalas as well as plenty of other animals needing a safe place to live. Guests can get to know birds, reptiles, and farm animals. Plus, you can even feed the kangaroos.

Manta Ray Viewing

Time of year: October to March

Spring to Autumn, head east to Toondah Hourboue (roughly a 40-minute drive, but there are also regular buses) and then catch the ferry out to North Stradbroke Island for a fantastic day trip and wildlife watching. From the island, try to spot the local manta rays as they enjoy the warm waters off Brisbane’s coast. Scuba divers and snorkelers will love the opportunity to swim amongst the teeming wildlife, alongside these spectacular rays.

Discover Brisbane hotels and accommodation and enjoy all the city and its surroundings have to offer. Stay at the Mantra Terrace Brisbane, Mercure Brisbane King George Square, or Novotel Brisbane Southbank for a comfortable home base in the heart of the Brisbane city.

Lyrebird Breeding Session

Time of year: May to August

Albert Lyrebirds are famous for their mimicry abilities. It’s not uncommon to hear the sounds of several distinct birds as you wander through any bushland that lyrebirds call home – you may even mistake some for the sound of power tools. There are plenty of sounds to entertain and delight. 

Head to Lamington National Park (just southwest of the Gold Coast) or Tamborine National Park (to the northwest) to enjoy the natural orchestra that is the lyrebird. While national parks are your best bet, you’ll likely be able to hear them in any large park or garden, so long as there are lyrebirds to call it home.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Time of year: all year long

Famous for its rainbow lorikeet experiences, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary invites guests into the world of Queensland wildlife. Feed the colourful birds, say hello to the friendly koalas, and even complete the treetop challenge to get the adrenaline pumping. 

If you favour a spooky experience, drop by in October for Fangtuary—three nights of Halloween family fun. Visit the sanctuary in your best Halloween get-up for a frightfully good time. 

Humpback Whale Migration

Time of year: September to November

While Humpback Whales migrate up and down the east coast of Australia, the best time of year to go whale watching is from September to November. You have a better chance of spotting the whales at this time of year because it’s after their breeding season, so they often have calves and will swim closer to the shore to protect their calves from predators.

You can go whale watching almost anywhere up and down the coast, but Hervey Bay is a popular spot, as the whales may swim into the bay’s safe waters. 

Stay in accommodation or a hotel on the Gold Coast and enjoy a seaside escape while you take in the best of the local wildlife. Stay just minutes from the beach at the Novotel Surfers Paradise, Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise for uninterrupted ocean views, or Mantra Legends Surfers Paradise to choose from ocean or hinterland views from your private balcony.

Coral Spawning

Time of year: October to December

During late spring and early summer, coral polyps release millions of tiny egg and sperm bundles into the water for a mass, synchronised reproduction process. Each bundle needs to find a matching bundle of the same species to reproduce, so mass spawning increases the chances of success for this unique organism.

To the human eye, the spawning process can look like stars in the night sky as the coral bundles float through the water, catching the diffused light that filters under the surface. Knowing the exact moment the coral will spawn is almost impossible to predict, so keep your eyes on local news to catch updates if you’re keen.

Turtle Hatching

Time of year: December to March

The warm sand of Australia in summer is an ideal incubator for turtle eggs, so Queensland locals and visitors might be lucky enough to spot some hatchlings emerging from their eggs in summer.

There are several professional, guided experiences that run throughout the state, helping guests enjoy the sight of the baby turtles without endangering these precious animals. One of the most popular is with Mon Repos Turtle Centre, 15 minutes away from Bundaberg.

Can’t get enough of the tropical wildlife? Stay in one of our Tropical North Queensland hotels for more time in this idyllic holiday paradise.

Visit the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa for an unforgettable, indulgent escape. Or within Cairns itself, stay at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort for 4.5-star resort style in the heart of Cairns or stay at the Mantra Trilogy Cairns and enjoy contemporary comfort and style on The Esplanade—close to an abundance of exciting attractions.

Rainforest Canopy Flowering

Time of year: November to February

Throughout Queensland, wildlife will celebrate the canopy layers of rainforest flowering. Animals tend to congregate around flowering trees, so as the canopies of the rainforest burst with colour, the rainforest can feel more alive than ever. 

Springtime Wildlife

Time of year: November to February

In the tropical paradise of Noosa, you’ll be able to go whale and dolphin watching along the coast and maybe even spot wild Koalas enjoying the springtime blooms in the Noosa National Park. At the national park and pristine beaches, you’ll find beautiful walks and picnic spots for a great day amongst the Queensland wildlife.

If you can’t get enough of the gorgeous, sunny vibes, stay in a Sunshine Coast hotel and enjoy seaside serenity.

In the heart of Hastings Street, visit The Sebel Noosa for an indulgent stay that’s just moments away from world-class dining, shopping, and more. Or escape into a tropical paradise at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, where you can enjoy a private saltwater lagoon, acres of manicured gardens, and maybe even see wild kangaroos roaming.