If you’re seeking a leisurely morning filled with wildlife and history, Alexandra Park Zoo in Bundaberg offers a delightful escape.
Established in 1911, it is one of Queensland’s oldest continuously operating zoological facilities. Nestled beside the Burnett River and shaded by mature fig trees, the zoo provides free entry, making it an accessible outing for all ages.
Over the years, the zoo has housed a variety of animals, from koalas and kangaroos to more exotic residents like gazelles and Rhesus monkeys. In fact, the park was once affectionately nicknamed “Monkey Park” by locals. While the original monkeys left in the 1960s, primates made a welcome return in 2015 with the arrival of cotton top tamarins Solita and her daughter Turbo from Perth Zoo.
Solita, originally born in the United States, had an extraordinary life and lived to the impressive age of 24, becoming Australia’s oldest cotton top tamarin before she passed away in 2023. Her daughter Turbo now shares her enclosure with Philippe, a young male from Canberra’s National Zoo. These tiny monkeys are part of an international breeding program aimed at saving the species, which is now critically endangered.
The zoo is home to other favourites including wallabies, emus, reptiles, spotted tailed quolls and a beautiful collection of native birds. Keep an eye out for the dingoes, you might just see them being walked around the park by their keepers, a daily ritual that both the dingoes and visitors seem to enjoy.
Located within Alexandra Park, a much loved green space in Bundaberg for more than a century, the zoo is just one part of a broader community hub.
The surrounding park is often filled with families enjoying weekend picnics, kids running through the playground, and locals using the walking tracks for their morning stroll. It is a popular place all year round.
The zoo also offers education programs for local schools, aligned with the Australian curriculum. Students can learn about native animals, habitats, and conservation in an up close and hands on way. For those wanting to get more involved, Alexandra Park Zoo also welcomes volunteers who assist with daily tasks and help enrich the experience for visitors and animals alike.
The layout of the zoo makes it easy to see everything at a relaxed pace, especially for families with young kids or those with limited mobility. Right next door is the Alexandra Park playground with plenty of open space, a shaded picnic area, and tables nestled under the fig trees.
From there, wander down the riverfront boardwalk. The walk follows the Burnett River and offers great spots for fishing, photography or simply sitting and watching the water go by. It is flat, accessible, and perfect for prams, scooters and wheelchairs too.
So next time you are in Bundaberg, take a turn off the main road and discover Alexandra Park Zoo. It is a quiet achiever, full of charm, history, and the kind of simple joy that is hard to beat.
