If you’re after a date‑day that’s a little offbeat, animal‑filled and full of laughs, let me tell you about our recent escape to Wildlife HQ, complete with the cutest, most mischievous little critters you can imagine: meerkats.
Why We Chose Wildlife HQ for a Date-Day Out
- Address: +61428660671
- Tel: 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye QLD
- Web: Wildlife HQ
Just about 70 minutes north of Brisbane, tucked beside the iconic The Big Pineapple at Woombye, Wildlife HQ felt like the perfect break from the city. It’s home to over 200 native and exotic animals, from primates and sun bears to red pandas and… yes meerkats.
What really appealed was the chance to do something a little different together — not just wander through animal enclosures, but actually roll up our sleeves and get hands‑on with critters we usually only see behind glass. The “Meerkat Encounter” was calling our names.
The Meerkat Encounter — Absolutely Worth It
We booked the Meerkat Encounter (about $100 per person) when we grabbed our tickets online in advance of arriving. They have encounters at 10.15am, 11.15am and 12.15pm every day.
When it was our turn, a friendly keeper guided us into the meerkat habitat. Within seconds, the little critters were scuttling around, sniffing curious fingers, and then the real magic happened: they climbed on us. On our arms, even up on shoulders for a cheeky peek.
They were so confident and playful, sprinting around in bursts, rearing up, sniffing treats, and sometimes even inspecting our cameras. Honestly, it was hilarious and heartwarming all at once. We spent a good 10–15 minutes just standing or sitting, letting them explore us while we tried not to squeal with delight.
Get Out with Kids Tip: Bring a hat or wear clothes you don’t mind a little meerkat sniff-test on. And bring a camera or phone on selfie mode. You’ll want photos, because this is hands-down the most fun (and funniest) part of the day.
More Than Just Meerkats — The Rest of Wildlife HQ
Once we’re done being meerkat platforms, we wandered through the rest of the zoo. There are over 15 different animal encounters available, from lemurs and monkeys to more exotic species.
We loved that the zoo isn’t huge and overly overwhelming. It’s relaxed, shady, and feels intimate, perfect for a laid‑back, animal‑centric date rather than a full-day zoo slog. There are plenty of green, plenty of paths, and more than enough animals to keep things interesting.
We passed playful monkeys, inquisitive lemurs and even caught glimpses of exotic species that we weren’t expecting to see. There’s also a café on site, which is good for a quick coffee or snack if you need a little break mid‑walk.
What We Loved – And What to Know
- The intimacy of the zoo: it never felt crowded or overwhelming.
- Getting up close and personal with animals, especially the meerkats. It’s playful, tactile and just… fun.
- The variety: so many animals and experiences packed into one manageable outing.
- It is an easy drive from Brisbane, and lots of shade and relaxed paths — ideal for a comfortable day out.
- 9am – 4pm Mon – Sun (closed Christmas Day) with last entry 3pm
What to know / think about:
Entry + encounter does add up, so plan ahead for the extra $100‑per‑person if you want a “meet and greet.”
It’s more of a half‑day outing than a full-day zoo, so combine with a lunch stop or other Sunshine Coast adventure if you want to stretch the day.
If you or your partner are sensitive to animal enclosures or prefer minimal interference, some enclosures may feel more enclosed than wild.
Is This a Good Date-Day Idea?
Absolutely.
If you’re after an unusual, light-hearted, memorable date, where you can laugh, feed creatures and share something totally different in a beautiful setting, Wildlife HQ is a winner. The meerkat encounter alone made the trip for us, but the rest of the zoo plus the lush Sunshine Coast backdrop sealed it.
For animal lovers, curious city souls, or couples who prefer a little adventure with their date, this place is perfect. Worth the drive. Worth the spend. Worth the smiles.
