Wildlife HQ

Sunshine Coast


Located at the Big Pineapple, this 8-hectare zoo houses native Australian, African, South American and rare Asian critters, among them binturongs, red pandas and tahrs (Himalayan mountain goats).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sunshine Coast attractions

1. Big Pineapple

0.08 MILES

Sprouting 10km west of Maroochydore, the 16m-high, fibreglass Big Pineapple is one of Queensland's most iconic and thoroughly underwhelming tourist…

2. Kondalilla National Park

7.56 MILES

Some 2.3km north of hilltop hamlet Montville lies Kondalilla National Park, home to swimmable rock pools, spectacular views, and a 90m waterfall. If you…

3. Sea Life Sunshine Coast

8.03 MILES

Kids will love this tropical oceanarium, complete with an 80m-long transparent underwater tunnel for close-up views of rays, reef fish and several species…

4. Ginger Factory

8.28 MILES

Great for young families, this isn't so much a factory as a veritable temple to that most glorious of spices: ginger. Factory tours offer insight into how…

5. Mt Coolum

9.69 MILES

Looming 4km south of Coolum Beach is Mt Coolum (208m), an ancient volcanic dome whose peak offers spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast and its…

6. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

10.18 MILES

The ethereal, 55-hectare Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve wraps visitors in a remnant of the subtropical rainforests that once blanketed the Blackall Range…

7. Queensland Air Museum

11.32 MILES

Occupying two hangars beside Caloundra airport, the volunteer-run QAM houses about 100 civilian and military aircraft, including a mid-century Douglas DC…

8. Australia Zoo

11.73 MILES

Just north of Beerwah is one of Queensland’s most famous tourist attractions. Australia Zoo is a fitting homage to its founder, wildlife enthusiast Steve…