The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and Enoggera Reservoir make the perfect combination for a family outing. Located at The Gap, on the edge of D’Aguilar National Park, this wildlife centre and outdoor recreational facility provide an opportunity to learn about our native animals and then get active and explore the local bushland! Here are eight great reasons to visit the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and Enoggera Reservoir today…
1. It’s an affordable day out
We keep coming back to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre because it’s so close to home and lots of fun. The centre itself is relatively small but great value for money. Entry is only $7.70 for adults, $3.70 for children, and kids under 4 years are free (or $19.50 for a family of four). Once inside there is plenty of native wildlife to discover including snakes, turtles, freshwater crocodiles, fish, lizards, wombats, wallabies and more. Access to the surrounding Enoggera Reservoir is free and exploring this can keep you busy for hours!
2. Discover all of Queensland’s National Parks in the one place
The information centre at the entrance to Walkabout Creek houses a stunning panoramic virtual experience of all the national parks around Queensland. The display reminds us of how many beautiful and varied landscapes span our state. I’m inspired by this every time we visit, to explore more of our incredible national parks.
3. Meet a platypus up close
We always time our visit for the platypus feeding. At 10 am and 2.30 pm each day you can learn all about these fascinating monotremes from one of the rangers. Watching the platypus dive for crayfish right up close is a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. We learn something new each time.
4. Interact with the animals
If you’re looking for something more hands-on you can participate in the Wildlife Discovery Show. This ranger-led guided tour is run on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1.30 pm. The experience costs $15 (adults), $10 (children aged 4 – 17 years) or $35 for a family of four and includes entry to Walkabout Creek.
5. Get active in nature
Once you’ve finished at the wildlife centre, it’s time to get outdoors. The surrounding bushland includes many family-friendly tracks. Follow the pathway down to the Enoggera Reservoir where you can take dip in the warmer months. Many people enjoy kayaking and stand up paddle boarding on the water. Kids also love the balance beams and the simple pleasure of rolling down the green hills!
We usually just wander along the pathways and enjoy spotting more wildlife – including turtles, birds and insects. If you have older children you could order a nature play passport for them. This fun learning tool helps encourage kids to explore and enjoy nature.
6. Enjoy a picnic
The Enoggera Reservoir provides the perfect location for a picnic. You can take your food down and enjoy your lunch by the water’s edge, while you enjoy the gorgeous bush surroundings. Watch the kayakers and paddle boarders or spot wildlife while you eat. Then burn it all off by taking a walk or jumping into the water!
7. Dig for dinosaur fossils
The fossil dig is a relatively new addition to Walkabout Creek and is located a short, scenic stroll from the Wildlife Centre, on the bank of the Enoggera Reservoir. It is lots of fun finding the fossils and learning about the dinosaurs they came from.
Signs explain the dinosaurs that would have been local to the area millions of years ago. The fossil dig is completely free and lots of fun for kids of various ages. Little man enjoys exploring in the sand and finding the bones hidden underneath.
8. Relax with a coffee at the Walkabout Creek Cafe
The cafe is set on a big wooden deck above the wildlife centre – overlooking the treetops. Its lovely relaxing atmosphere is the perfect setting for a coffee after all your adventuring! Our toddler loves meeting the brush turkeys that come to visit as we’re enjoying a drink.
Walkabout Creek and Enoggera Reservoir
60 Mount Nebo Road, The Gap
Tip: Parking is currently limited so we plan our visits for a weekday or get there early if visiting on a weekend. Upgrades to parking and accessibility are happening very soon!
Your Uncke Ric would give you a big tick fof this.