New feature planned for David Fleay Wildlife Park

After one of the best Easter School holidays on record, crowds are being encouraged back to David Fleay Wildlife Park for Mother’s Day to take advantage of special entry prices for adults. 

Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef Dr Steven Miles said the park had this year received more than twice the number of Easter visitors than last year and more than three times the year previous. 

Dr Miles said the park had offered adults entry at kids prices over the Easter holidays to encourage families to visit, and the same offer would apply for Mother’s Day. 

“This is a location where families and school groups can have first-hand experience with wildlife that you will find in Queensland’s national parks, including bilbies which are most prevalent at Currawinya National Park,” he said. 

“Wildlife is a favourite attraction for families on holiday in Queensland, and a new amphitheatre to be built at the park will encourage even more visitors. 

“The amphitheatre will showcase interactive shows and events as well as provide an education space for school groups visiting the park, with construction scheduled for completion in August this year.

“This is one of a series of developments at the park aimed at encouraging people to get into Queensland’s national parks and experience our amazing landscapes and wildlife. 

“It is a growing attraction and represents the Government’s commitment to ecotourism in our state,” Dr Miles said. 

David Fleay Wildlife Park Ranger in Charge, Jacqui Seal, said the bilbies were a favourite during the holidays. 

“During Easter our park was full of people hoping to see the bilbies, or catch a glimpse of our platypus or one of our crocodiles, and I really hope that enthusiasm drives people to want to visit these animals’ natural habitats in national parks across Queensland,” she said. 

Ranger Jacqui said bilbies were slowly becoming endangered because of predators and habitat loss and change.

“It’s really encouraging to see young people take such an interest in them, and for me it is incredibly rewarding to educate people about this wonderful animal,” she said. 

“Seeing these animals, understanding where they live and what they eat really helps children connect with nature. 

“We want to give more families the opportunity to experience the incredible animals you can find in our national parks, so I really encourage kids to bring Mum along on the 10^th of May,” Ranger Jacqui said. 

ENDS 

Media contact: 3719 7335