Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Queensland

"Cuddling a koala is on the wish list of most critter-loving kids, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers this unforgettable experience, as well as other rewarding animal encounters. About 20 minutes from the city center, Lone Pine is the largest koala sanctuary in the world, with more than 130 of these cute marsupials clinging to the trees in natural settings. For an extra fee, you can score a one-on-one koala cuddle or hold a snake or a bird of prey, such as an owl or eagle-all with a special photo opportunity."

"Cuddle a cute l’il Koala Bear at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and then head to the city centre to climb City Hall’s bell tower before finishing off the day with one of 200 beers from the Brews Brothers Microbrewery. One of my favourite places to stay in the city is Brisbane City Backpackers, which has its own onsite pub and a rooftop swimming pool with views across the entire skyline. All this from 21 bucks a night."

"Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve is over 380 hectares in size and is part of a network of coastal wetlands on the edge of Moreton Bay. The wetlands are located 19 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD, between Pine River and Bald Hills Creek and includes tidal flats, mangroves, salt-marshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands and open forest."

"There’s over 18 flavours and all are made using local ingredients. Choose your flavours and sit back and relax in their 1960s styled parlour."

"This 22-acre farm located at Mount Samson offers visitors an insight into farm life on the first Saturday of every month. Only a 40-minute drive from Brisbane City, Trevena Glen Farm gives kids the chance to feed and cuddle their favourite farm animals. You will see horses, sheep, pigs, guinea pigs, miniature ponies, and even a donkey."

"The picnic grounds at J C Slaughter Falls are a great starting point from which to do a family bushwalk and explore the Mount Coot-tha Reserve. The easy Aboriginal Art Trail circuit is an easy, short walk, where you can see the falls and spot the rock paintings and other artwork along the way. Best of all though, is the Summit Track — a two-kilometre hike to the summit of Mount Coot-tha."

"For a fun walk that combines wildlife spotting with cultural heritage, the Boondall Wetlands are a must-visit. There are several different tracks available to suit different levels of ability and stamina, and all are great for exploring this unique ecosystem. The Nurri Millen Totem Trail is great for kids to follow to discover the wildlife and plants of the wetlands and learn about how the Aboriginal clans used this area and its flora and fauna."

"Boondall Wetlands is located 15 kilometres north of Brisbane's CBD. The wetlands lie on the edge of Moreton Bay between Nudgee Beach, Boondall and Shorncliffe and include approximately 1150 hectares of tidal flats, mangroves, saltmarshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands and open forest. The Boondall Wetlands offer a variety of walking tracks and some mountain bike trails. Download the track map."

"The Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in the Raven Street Reserve is a wonderful place to take children to learn about and explore Brisbane's bushland. The centre is open week days and features a fish tank display, interactive digital displays and other informative displays designed to raise awareness of the value of urban bushland in Brisbane and encourage personal responsibility for the maintenance of these areas. There are a number of short bush walks ideal for introducing children to the bush and developing in them an appreciation of nature."