About David Fleay Wildlife Park
David Fleay Wildlife Park is a Queensland Government-operated wildlife park in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Established in 1952 by pioneering naturalist Dr David Fleay, it is set within lowland rainforest and mangrove surroundings on the Tallebudgera Creek floodplain. The park is known for its conservation and education focus, housing native Australian animals including platypus, koalas, crocodiles and nocturnal species in naturalistic enclosures and a dedicated nocturnal house.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore boardwalks through natural bushland, rainforest and mangrove habitats with enclosures for koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, dingoes, cassowaries and platypus. The centrepiece is a nocturnal house where platypus, bilbies, gliders and owls can be viewed in low light. The park offers daily wildlife presentations, keeper talks, a visitor centre with displays on David Fleay's work, picnic areas and interpretive signage focused on conservation and education.
Key highlights
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Nocturnal house with platypus and other nocturnal native animals
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Koala and kangaroo enclosures with daily keeper talks
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Estuarine crocodile and freshwater crocodile displays
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Boardwalks through lowland rainforest and mangrove habitat
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Heritage-listed park founded by naturalist Dr David Fleay in 1952