Discover the Daisy Hill Koala Centre: A Haven for Australia’s Iconic Wildlife
The Brisbane Travel Guide acknowledges the Kombumerri, Wangerriburra, Bullongin, Minjungbal and Birinburra peoples of the Yugambeh Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which QPAC is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Located just 25 minutes from Brisbane’s city centre, the Daisy Hill Koala Centre offers visitors a unique opportunity to get close to one of Australia’s most beloved animals—the koala.
Nestled within the lush Daisy Hill Conservation Park, this free-to-enter centre is dedicated to the care and conservation of koalas. It provides education about their natural habitat and the challenges they face in the wild.
Visitors to the centre can enjoy not only the up-close experience with koalas but also explore walking tracks, picnic areas, and scenic lookouts throughout the surrounding conservation park.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an educational day out, or a peaceful nature retreat, the Daisy Hill Koala Centre is a must-visit destination for learning more about these iconic marsupials.
Location and Getting There
The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is within the beautiful Daisy Hill Conservation Park, approximately 25 kilometres southeast of Brisbane’s city centre.
The centre is located at Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill, making it a convenient day trip destination for both locals and tourists staying in Brisbane or the surrounding areas, such as Logan City and the Gold Coast.
The most convenient way to visit is by car. Take the M3 Motorway from Brisbane and follow the signs toward Logan Road/Exit 23. Once you reach Daisy Hill Road, follow it into the Daisy Hill Conservation Park.
Free parking is available at the centre; however, the car park is small and fills up quickly. There are multiple car parks throughout the park, and if they’re all full, there is street parking just outside the park, which is just a short walk to the centre.
Those relying on public transport can catch the 555 bus from the city to Springwood Station. From there, take the 574 bus to Springwood Road at Kinlock Road. Then it’s just 900m to the koala centre.
What to do at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Below is a brief overview of things to do at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
Elevated Boardwalks
When you arrive at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, you take a short walk along a boardwalk before entering the enclosed centre. The area you first enter is open, with various areas for a few different koalas.
The outdoor koala enclosures allow visitors to watch these adorable marsupials resting, climbing, or munching on eucalyptus leaves. Information boards scattered throughout the centre provide insights into the koalas’ behaviour, diet, and the challenges they face in the wild.
The boardwalks get higher and higher as you wander around the centre so you have the fabulous opportunity to see the koalas nice and close.
The good news is the boardwalks are both pram and wheelchair friendly.
Interactive Displays
You then go indoors, where there are a variety of interactive displays that delve into the broader conservation themes, including the importance of preserving forests and native wildlife. These displays cater to all ages, making it an exciting experience for children and adults.
One of the key interactive displays focuses on koala biology, allowing visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures’ anatomy and unique adaptations. Through touch-screen panels, visitors can explore how koalas’ features, like their sharp claws and padded paws, help them climb trees and how their diet of eucalyptus leaves shapes their lifestyle.
A favourite among children is the koala hospital play area, where they can take on the role of a wildlife carer and help rescue and care for an injured koala. This highlights the important work of wildlife carers and veterinarians.
These interactive displays make learning about koalas both informative and fun, helping to instil an appreciation for the need to protect this vulnerable species and their environment.
Woodland Theatre
Visitors can watch short films in the Woodland Theatre. The selection varies, so check what is on during your visit.
Koala Feeding
Each day at 1.30 pm, the wildlife officers feed the koalas fresh leaves. This is a great time for visitors to be at the centre as it’s one of the few times during the day when the koalas tend to be active – although not always!
Koala Talks
Wildlife officers hold 20-minute sessions daily at 11 am and 2 pm, where visitors can learn about koalas. These sessions give visitors a deeper understanding of koalas, their behaviour, and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them.
The presentations are interactive, with opportunities for audience members to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by these iconic Australian animals.
So it’s well worth planning your visit to the centre around these times.
Admission and Opening Hours
Entry to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre is free and is open daily from 10 am to 4pm, but closed on public holidays.
Other things to do at Daisy Hill Conservation Park
In addition to the koala centre, Daisy Hill Conservation Park offers a variety of activities that make it a great day out for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Several well-maintained trails of varying lengths and difficulties wind through the native forest, offering the chance to spot local wildlife, including wallabies, birds, and lizards. The Buhot Creek Circuit and Stringybark Trail are perfect for leisurely walks, while more adventurous visitors can tackle some of the longer trails.
Mountain biking is also permitted in the park, with several trails catering to different skill levels. The park has dedicated mountain biking paths that weave through the bush and shared trails where cyclists can ride alongside walkers.
The park also has a picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. The picnic facilities include tables, shelters, and barbecue areas, making it ideal for lunch after exploring the park.
There are also open grassy spaces, ideal for games and for kids to run around.
Enjoy the Daisy Hill Koala Centre!
Hopefully, this review has inspired you to head down to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask lots of questions and find even more great suggestions on things to do in South East Queensland.
Looking for more things to do in and around Brisbane? Check out these guides: