Ipswich City Council Notice: Upgrade works are underway at Ipswich Nature Centre, with some temporary changes to trail access and animal enclosures.

For 80 years, locals and visitors have been able to see animals on this site, and the 21st century version is up there with the best of wildlife refuges. To make the cute and furry animals feel as at home as possible, there are lush landscaped gardens and exhibits that have been created to represent local bushland and flora communities.

A handsome rotunda built in 1891 is the entrance to the Centre, a gold coin donation is asked at the entry to help with the upkeep of the animals. From there, you stroll on shady walkways and enjoy the cute native residents including wombats, wallabies, emus, quolls, and a nocturnal bilby exhibit. A vibrant rainforest bird aviary is alive with colour and sound, and youngsters will have a ball in the barn that has chickens, goats and other farmyard friends.

Open Tuesday to Sunday (daily during school holidays), and near the Japanese-themed Nerima Gardens within Queens Park, the Ipswich Nature Centre is perfect family-friendly fun.

Entry conditions apply for the full terms of entry, visit the website.