The Ipswich Nature Centre’s commitment to exceptional visitor experiences has been recognised after it was named in the annual list of Best of Queensland Experiences.
The state-wide Best of Queensland Experiences program identifies and recognises experiences that best bring the Queensland story to life and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich City Council is committed to caring for wildlife and supporting a range of tourism experiences.
“As the only free native wildlife experience of its kind in south-east Queensland, the Ipswich Nature Centre is one of the premiere attractions for our two million annual visitors,” Mayor Harding said.
The Ipswich Nature Centre aims to continuously improve as a destination for visitors with new experiences such as Animal Encounters which includes a personal encounter with the animals at the centre and a walking tour with one of the zookeepers.
Since the tours commenced in January 2019, more than 1,000 visitors have taken part in the tours during school holidays with a further 800 people taking part from school, scouts, seniors and other groups.
Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Economic and Industry Development Committee Councillor Nicole Jonic said the Ipswich Nature Centre was back bigger and better after being closed at various periods over the past year after it was forced to close to visitors during the coronavirus restrictions and then again when a wild flying fox colony moved in.
“The centre is operating as normal again and it is looking its best with a lot of maintenance on the boardwalk and gardens now completed,” Cr Jonic said.
“Not only does the centre bring visitors from other regions, it has been a destination of choice for Ipswich families for more than 80 years.
“The newest resident on display is a majestic wedge-tailed eagle named Mirrigin, who was rehabilitated at the Ipswich Nature Centre after she was shot out of the sky in 2017.
“The chance to see one of Australia’s largest raptors up close is not to be missed.”
A proposed $10 million Queens Park Nature Centre and Discovery Hub Masterplan has been drawn up by council to ensure the Ipswich Nature Centre keeps pace with the growing needs of the Ipswich community.
The plan aligns with council’s strategic priorities, which recognises that the protection and preservation of the natural environment is a key part in creating a sustainable and liveable community.
The Best of Queensland program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations and reflects industry best practice.
It has been developed in partnership with the state’s Regional Tourism Organisations, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
Fast Facts about the Ipswich Nature Centre
- The only free zoo in SEQ located within one hour of over 1.3 million people
- Above 140,000 visitations per year
- Oldest council-owned zoo in Queensland – operating since 1936
- More than 185 different native animals and birds on display representing over 43 species
- Zoo and Aquarium Association Accredited Zoo
- A member of the International Bilby Breeding Program
- Number 1 tourist experience in Ipswich on TripAdvisor
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner
The Ipswich Nature Centre is located at Goleby Avenue in Queens Park and is open six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 4pm
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