Allan Dixon's six epic Sunshine Coast animal encounters

Here’s six must-dos when chasing the wild side of life in the Sunshine Coast.

1. Horse riding on Noosa North Shore with Noosa Horses

Horse rides on the beach

This magnificent 60km stretch of beach winds from Noosa North Shore to Double Island Point. Explore it by 4WD or horseback - both will BLOW your mind! Also, check out Rainbow Beach Horse Rides in the Gympie region. 
Photo: Allan Dixon

2. Kiss a giraffe at Australia Zoo

Pucker up if you're super keen or go with the more traditional hand-fed method with the carrot and leaves :)

Photo: @daxon via #VisitSunshineCoast

Photo: Allan Dixon

3. Swim with a rescued seal at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Groucho is a legend in this part of the world. Hang out with him and his pals on an incredible behind-the-scenes experience. These beautiful seals were rescued from the wild, rehabilitated and unable to be released. The seal presentation is also not to be missed!

Smile! Photo: Allan Dixon

Photo: Allan Dixon

4. Double up with a macaw selfie

Selfies don’t get much more colourful than these South American beauties, who share an aviary with 300+ other exotic birds from around the world at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Tip: hide your jewellery and sunglasses.

Mccaw sandwich. Photo: Allan Dixon

Photo: Allan Dixon

5. Meet the ruler of the Australian sky

Have a regal eagle encounter at Australia Zoo. Meet more global and local favourites at Widlife HQ.

Big eagle. Photo: Allan Dixon

6. Kayak with a flock of black swans

The Pumicestone Passage is a pristine paradise for birds and dugongs who call the shallow waterways between Bribie Island and the mainland home. Get out on the water with Blue Water Kayak Tours and spot the resident black swans, with a side of Glass House Mountains views. 

Kayaking. Photo: Allan Dixon