Cairns Koalas & Creatures (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Cairns Koalas & Creatures?
What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 enjoy interactive water zone, lorikeet feeding, supervised reptile handling, family ticket savings, and birthday packages; safe flat paths and toilets support an easy half-day visit.
Positives:
- Interactive learning: Exhibits teach children about ecosystems and conservation in a fun, hands-on way.
- Family ticket value: AU$52 covers two adults and two children, saving compared to individual tickets.
Challenges:
- Outdoor heat: Most areas are open-air; plan visits early or late to avoid peak midday temperatures.
- Limited seating: Benches fill quickly during peak times; bring a lightweight blanket to sit on boardwalks.
What is Cairns Koalas & Creatures?
- A wildlife education centre in Cairns presenting Australia’s native fauna, including koalas, reptiles and avian species
- A facility showcasing five themed ecosystems – Great Barrier Reef, mangroves, rainforest, woodlands and Outback – through live animal displays and interpretive exhibits
- A conservation-focused centre operated by expert keepers to advance wildlife protection and natural heritage awareness
What is so special about Cairns Koalas & Creatures for with kids?
- Meet koalas up close with a photo session.
- Feed and interact with rainbow lorikeets for free.
- Explore five themed wildlife zones and hands-on exhibits.
- Learn about Australian ecosystems and conservation in fun activities.
- Save with a AU$52 family ticket covering two adults and two kids.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows the family to see all five zones, feed lorikeets, and join a koala photo session without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Explore five themed zones:
Walk through Great Barrier Reef, mangroves, rainforest, woodlands, and Outback exhibits.
Tip: Start in the rainforest zone to avoid mid-day heat, then move to cooler indoor reef and mangrove displays.
Feed rainbow lorikeets:
Use the free nectar cups to hand-feed colorful lorikeets in the aviary.
Tip: Hold cups at chest level and stay still; kids love watching lorikeets land on the cup.
Koala photo session:
Book a 6×9 koala-holding or perch photo for a family keepsake.
Tip: Reserve the 10:30 slot to fit between feeding and reptile displays; book online in advance.
Hands-on reptile meet-up:
Meet snakes and lizards in naturalistic enclosures and hold them under supervision.
Tip: Visit before 11:00 when keepers schedule hands-on sessions and lines are shorter.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cairns Koalas & Creatures
- Buy tickets online: Reserve admission and photo sessions online to skip ticket lines and secure your preferred times.
- Arrive early: Get here at opening to join the first lorikeet feeding and avoid crowds at the reptile zone.
Reviews of Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Michelle Wu
Holding a koala was a special experience, and the photo itself is lovely — although in one of our shots the koala had its eye closed, we know it was kinda of out of control but we weren’t given the option for a retake, which was a bit disappointing. We were told by an employee named Daphne that my parents who don’t speak English would be able to watch the Mandarin version of the instruction video...
JEFFA D
What an amazing opportunity to hold and hug but more so be educated and learn about koalas and local native animals up here in Far North Queensland. If you are staying in Cairns or at the Shangri-La on the pier I can highly recommend a short visit to Cairns koalas and creatures. The staff are very knowledgeable and extremely friendly and there are not many places left in Australia where you can le...
Leon Smith
Bucket List Experience at Cairns Koalas and Creatures! 🐨🌿 If holding a koala is on your bucket list—do it! Cairns Koalas and Creatures at The Pier is the perfect place to make that dream come true. The location is easy to find, right in the heart of Cairns, and the staff are warm, welcoming, and incredibly informative. A special shout-out to Charmaine and Ally for their outstanding hospitality...
Maria Ruiz
Poor habitat for Koalas - left feeling very disappointed and sad about how they spend their day and what we were funding with our entrance fee. We expected this experience to be a sanctuary or rescue for Koalas but instead arrived to discover two koalas in very small room with two measly trees. We are told there is a larger enclosure upstairs, but it appears the koalas spend most of their day in ...
Jerome Fink
This is a very small place but quite interesting. Nice video about Australia and animal presentations. The staff are very friendly and helpful. But the real draw and why we are still here after more than 2 hours is the water play area. Totally makes it worthwhile. And $2.50 for an espresso while they play? Heaven! We bought the multi park multi day CaPTA family pass ($275), and this is already our...
When is the best time to visit Cairns Koalas & Creatures (Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia)?
Visit in the dry season (May–October) to avoid afternoon rain; carry water and hats in hotter months.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family admission (2 adults + 2 kids) | AUD 52 |
| Koala photo session for 2 kids | AUD 96 |
| Snacks and drinks at café | AUD 30 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 178 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Address: 1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
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About Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 7 4020 8200Average price
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