Updated June 5, 2018
If you consider yourself of the likes of David Attenborough, then the Gold Coast has your wildlife needs covered. Explore some of Australia’s native animals at some of the top nature and wildlife areas on the Gold Coast.
1# Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
The short-beaked echidna is mighty cute and quite a clever little creature. These little guys love eating termites, ants and other soil creatures and use electric pulses in their beaks to find them. With no teeth it uses its super long sticky tongue to eat. The spines that run along the echidnas back are used as a protection mechanism. When the echidna is threatened, it curls up into a ball leaving only the spines exposed. You can visit the Short-beaked echidna at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
© Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
2# Australian Red-eyed tree frog (Litoria chloris)
The Red-eyed tree frog gets its name from its startling vivid red eyes. Also displaying colours of green, yellow and purple, this little guy is super colourful. You would expect this colourful creature with big red eyes to be easily spotted, but no, this frog is notoriously good at hiding. So if you want to have a go at spotting this red-eyed beauty then grab your hiking shoes and check out Springbrook National Park.
3# Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis)
The Silvereye is a small bird who gets its name from the ring of white feathers around its eyes. They feed on insect prey, fruit and nectar. Silvereyes breed in spring and early summer. They make tiny cup like nests from grass, hair and other fine vegetation. During a breeding season they can lay two to four pale blue eggs that start to hatch 11 days later. If you would like to sight of one of these beautiful birds then we recommend trying the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
4# Flying foxes (Pteropus spp.)
Flying foxes are remarkable creatures. Many don’t know that they are regarded as a ‘keystone’ species; meaning a species that many other species of plants and animals rely upon for their survival and wellbeing. Their habits of pollination and seed dispersal help keep our forest regulated and our ecosystems healthy. Unfortunately, the flying fox population across Queensland and other parts of Australia is on the decline. Some researchers even believe they could be extinct by 2050. If you want to catch a glimpse of a flying fox, you can do so at the Burleigh Head National Park.
5# Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Humpback whales are such majestic creatures. Weighing anywhere up to 50 tonnes, they can propel themselves out of the water and perform stunning acrobatic displays. During migration season around 1,200 humpback whales make their way between Antarctica and Australia. Along the way the males communicate by song, which can be heard for hundreds of kilometres. To witness one of these gentle giants we recommend you go to Spirit Whale Watching, who have a whale sighting guarantee.
