Daisy Hill Koala Centre is located within the Daisy Hill Conservation Park. Just 25 kilometres south of Brisbane or 40 kilometres north of the Gold Coast, this unexpected gem is the perfect spot for a family day out. Oh and did I mention it’s completely free?
DAISY HILL KOALA CENTRE
Everyone loves our native Koala, but in many areas they are on the brink of extinction. Many Koala populations are also riddled with disease which prevents them from feeding properly and breeding. At the Daisy Hill Koala Centre you can not only see Koalas but you can learn about conservation efforts and simple things that you can do to ensure the survival of this important native animal.
You can also learn about other endangered animal species in Australia like the Northern Hairy Nose Wombat or the Green Logger Head Turtle.
RECREATION PARK
Once you have had a wander through the Koala Centre you will find the Recreation Park the perfect spot for a picnic or a barbecue. This huge grassed area has so much open space for the kids to run around on. There were literally families everywhere enjoying the beautiful Brisbane winter weather. There are plenty of picnic tables dotted around the area. Some are covered and some are in the open. There are also plenty of wood fired barbecues and I loved being able to smell the wood smoke in the air. Dogs are also permitted in this area provided they are on a leash.
WALKING TRACKS
There are four dedicated Walking Tracks at Daisy Hill Koala Centre ranging in length from 450 metres to 7.5 kilometres. I completed the shortest two being the Paperbark trail and the Tree Discovery trail. The Paperbark trail is flat and consists mainly of boardwalks. It is wheelchair and stroller friendly. The Tree Discovery trail is quite steep and windy and closer to 1.3 kilometres long according to my fitness app. Both are lovely walks and you really do feel as though you are out in the middle of no where. Don’t forget to look up as you walk along in case you spot a Koala.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Possibly the best part of the Daisy Hill Koala Centre and the reason we ended up there are the mountain bike trails. There are 15 trails all up within the Daisy Hill Conservation Area. All of these trails, bar four, are shared trails available for use by walkers and also horse riders. These trails are classified as either easy or intermediate, although there are a number of hills involved. So you will need a reasonable degree of fitness.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre will be holding a Family Fun Day on Sunday 10th July so why not pack a picnic and enjoy a day out at this lovely park.
USEFUL LINKS
Listen in to their podcast episode https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/travelling-and-working-around-australia/
Looks like a great little place and you are right everyone loves a koala. I have not seen a koala in the wild before.
No I still haven’t seen one in the wild either. I hope it will happen one day!