Travelers looking for a taste of authentic Australian farm life often find themselves drawn to Paradise Country, a popular attraction on the Gold Coast. While it’s not a sprawling wildlife park or a high-adrenaline theme park, it offers a focused glimpse into Aussie farm traditions, animal encounters, and family-friendly entertainment. With a modest price tag of $39 per person and a full year to visit, it promises good value for those seeking a laid-back day out filled with adorable animals and lively shows.
From cuddling koalas to watching sheep herding demonstrations, there are several highlights that make this experience appealing. We particularly like the chance to see kangaroos and koalas close up, the engaging live shows, and the opportunity to learn some traditional Aussie skills like damper making and boomerang throwing. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the overall ratings suggest not everyone feels the experience meets their expectations, especially regarding animal welfare and entertainment quality. This makes it a good pick for families or travelers eager for a genuine, educational, farm-based day, but perhaps less suitable if you’re after a more immersive wildlife encounter or a high-energy theme park.
Key Points
- Authentic Aussie farm activities including damper making and sheep herding demonstrations.
- Close animal encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and meerkats.
- Live shows that showcase traditional farm skills and Aussie culture.
- Family-friendly environment perfect for children under 8.
- Affordable entry with a year-long validity for flexible visiting.
- Animal welfare concerns highlighted by a visitor who found the experience loud and possibly stressful for animals.
What to Expect at Paradise Country
When you arrive at Paradise Country, you’ll quickly notice the focus on Australian farm life. Located just 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 45 minutes south of Brisbane, the site is easily accessible for most travelers. The general admission ticket, priced at $39, grants entry to all shows and presentations, making it a budget-friendly option for a full day of entertainment.
The Animal Encounters
One of the main drawcards here is the chance to get up-close to iconic Aussie animals. The sanctuary provides opportunities to cuddle a koala (an experience many visitors find adorable and memorable), feed kangaroos, and observe meerkats who have recently joined the animal family. The reviews indicate that guests appreciate these moments: “You’ll love the views of the kangaroos and the chance to pet the koalas,” one visitor shared.
However, a reviewer from Germany expressed concern about animal welfare, noting that “the koalas and kangaroos had to endure everything, and I thought it was animal cruelty,” especially citing the loud live music, which made her feel the animals might not be comfortable. This is an important consideration if you’re sensitive to animal welfare issues or prefer experiences where animals are treated with strict care.
Live Shows and Demonstrations
The live shows are a highlight for many visitors. The traditional sheep herding demonstration, where stockmen and their dogs expertly round up sheep, often impresses with the skill and coordination involved. We loved the authenticity of seeing this classic part of Aussie farm life in action, and the show often includes a demonstration of how to crack a stockman’s whip or showcase trusty farm horses.
A unique aspect is the damper-making session, where guides explain this traditional bread cooked over coals—an authentic taste of Australian heritage. These demonstrations are lively, educational, and often humorous, especially with guides who are knowledgeable and personable.
The New Additions: Meerkats and Shaun the Sheep
Adding to the farm’s appeal are the playful meerkats, who captivate children and adults alike. Their cheeky antics bring a lively energy to the park. Also, Shaun the Sheep has made his Australian debut, spreading “sheepish shenanigans” and adding a comic element to the experience. Reviewers note these attractions are well-received, especially by younger visitors.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Visitor Tips
The tour includes general admission and all scheduled shows/presentations, but note that food, drinks, and animal encounters aren’t included. So, if you’re planning to spend a full day, consider bringing snacks or planning to purchase food on-site (although food and coolers aren’t permitted inside the park).
Transportation is straightforward—Paradise Country is located on Production Drive, easily reachable by car or taxi. The park operates year-round with flexible starting times, but check availability in advance as times may vary.
One aspect worth noting is the size of the group. As the experience is primarily self-guided with scheduled shows, it’s suitable for both small groups and families. The reviews note that the atmosphere is family-friendly but might not appeal to those seeking a more natural or less commercialized environment.
Does It Offer Good Value?
At $39 for a full year of access, the ticket price is quite reasonable, especially for families or those wanting to revisit. All the shows and presentations are included, which adds to the overall value. However, the experience can feel somewhat staged or commercialized, and the animal welfare concerns raised by some reviewers suggest you should approach with an open mind—appreciating the educational and entertainment aspects while remaining mindful of the animals’ treatment.
Summary of the Experience
In essence, Paradise Country offers a well-rounded introduction to authentic Aussie farm life in a controlled, family-friendly environment. The opportunity to see traditional skills in action, interact with iconic Australian animals, and enjoy engaging shows makes it a good choice for visitors with young children or those eager to learn about rural Australia in a relaxed setting. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want a fun, affordable, and accessible experience without the need for extensive planning or long travel.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is ideal for families with kids under 8 who enjoy animals and live demonstrations. It suits those seeking a light, educational day out that combines entertainment and culture. If you’re after a more natural or wildlife-focused experience, you might find it a bit staged. The affordable price and year-long validity make it a flexible option if you want to visit at a relaxed pace.
However, if you’re concerned about animal welfare, it’s worth noting that some visitors expressed reservations about the treatment of animals or the loud environment, which could impact your enjoyment. Overall, it’s a good introduction to Australian farm traditions with plenty of charm and fun for a day on the Gold Coast.
FAQ
Is the ticket valid for multiple visits?
Yes, the ticket costs $39 and remains valid for 365 days, allowing you to visit at any time within that period, making it flexible if you want to explore on different days.
Are all shows included in the admission price?
Yes, all shows and presentations are included, so you won’t need to pay extra to see sheep herding, damper making, or other demonstrations.
Can I cuddle a koala?
Yes, the experience includes the chance to cuddle a koala, which many visitors find adorable and memorable. Be aware that animal welfare concerns are raised by some visitors, so consider this when planning.
What animals can I expect to see?
You’ll see kangaroos, koalas, meerkats, and farm animals. The meerkats and Shaun the Sheep add a playful element to the farm’s animal lineup.
Is Paradise Country suitable for young children?
Yes, the experience is especially popular with children under 8, thanks to the interactive animal encounters and lively shows.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You should bring snacks or plan to purchase food on-site, but note that coolers and outside food aren’t permitted inside.
How do I get there?
The park is located on Production Drive, Oxenford QLD 4210, about 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 45 minutes south of Brisbane. It’s accessible by car or taxi.
Is there parking available?
While not explicitly mentioned, most theme parks and attractions in this area offer parking, and it’s likely available at Paradise Country.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, and depending on the season, a hat and sunscreen are advisable. Expect to be outside for much of the experience.
In summary, Paradise Country offers an affordable, family-friendly look into Australian farm life with engaging animal encounters and lively demonstrations. While some concerns about animal welfare are worth keeping in mind, the experience delivers authentic cultural insight, making it a worthwhile addition to your Queensland itinerary if you’re traveling with children or love hands-on farm activities.
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