Cuddly koalas, regal crocodiles, slithering snakes – these are just a few species from the magnificent animal kingdom that call the state of Queensland home. A great way to see or have an even closer encounter with these creatures is by hiring a car and embarking on a road trip to see them all. Here are the best places to visit to enjoy some quality animal time. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane  It won’t matter if you’re a tourist to Aussie shores or a local, getting to hold and cuddle these real life teddy-bear cuties is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. What makes this spot in Brisbane special is that it is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, caring for more than 130 koalas. It’s not just these Australian icons to admire here, though, but also kangaroos that you can hand feed. To add to the adventure, there are special presentations such as the Bird of Prey Free Flight Show and Snake Presentation. Pretend you’re over the Tasman in New Zealand as you enjoy watching the sheep shearing shows!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast If it’s interacting with kangaroos that you want to prioritise during your QLD road trip, this is the ideal place to go. The novelty at this Gold Coast attraction is the Segway Safari, where you can roll with the ‘roos. You are treated to a guided tour through areas of this 27 hectare coastal rainforest, but the crowning jewel of this tour is being able to segway beside kangaroos, then hop off and feed them. There are also baby saltwater crocodiles to ‘ooh and ahh’ over, and you can watch the sinuous contours of their parent’s muscles move during the saltwater crocodile feeding encounter. Guests have the opportunity to purchase a special ticket that allows you to be the person who feeds the 4.8 metre crocodile, if you are brave-hearted. Another animal worth appreciation here is the dingo. Dingo’s are a distant relative of the grey wolf, and have held a special place in the culture of Aboriginal Australians, often depicted in cave paintings. Of course, no QLD guide to animal encounters is complete without mentioning the late Steve Irwin’s legendary Australia Zoo in the Sunshine Coast. You can hold a Burmese python here by visiting the Wildlife Studio. Read on for more information on this destination in this article.