Know a kid who wants to be a Ranger?

Parks Connect

We’ve joined forces with National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) in an exciting new collaborative program in Southeast Queensland—Parks Connect. We’ve developed a range of hands-on events and opportunities for kids and families to connect and learn more about national parks and the fauna and flora they protect as well as entice future Rangers-in-the-making with the Junior Ranger and Ranger Cadet programs.

Parks Connect Junior Ranger Program

Encourage your little ‘wild child’ to get outside, connect with nature, and care for Queensland’s environment while enjoying fun, hands-on and creative activities.

The Parks Connect Junior Ranger Program operates out of our Gateway Visitor Centres—David Fleay Wildlife Park (Burleigh Heads) and Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (The Gap/Enoggera Reservoir) or select national parks. Choose from a range of events, including up-close encounters with Queensland’s unique native wildlife, valuable nature learnings, and creative nature-based tasks that will inspire an ongoing love for conserving Australia’s flora, fauna and wild habitats.

Take your kids on an unforgettably wild adventure by signing them up to Junior Ranger events for kids aged 5–7, 8–12 and 12–14 years.

Parks Connect Cadet Ranger Program

Know a teen aged 13–18 years eager to work in wildlife conservation and national park management? The Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program might be just the thing to help dreams become reality.

Working collaboratively from within national parks or our Gateway Visitor Centres, you’ll discover how to use camera traps, mapping, acoustic monitoring and environmental surveys to detect and report threatened species. Develop real-world skills in these cumulative 1.5–2hr sessions to set yourself on a pathway for a rewarding career in biodiversity management.

School holiday fun

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure next school holidays at one of our Gateway Visitor Centres Junior Ranger programs. Bringing school-aged kids closer to nature, Junior Rangers will enjoy an action-packed program, featuring hands-on activities about conservation and wildlife.

Spots are limited, so make sure you pre-purchase your kid’s Junior Ranger tickets online.

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Junior Rangers get the chance to get up-close with Queensland’s wildlife at Walkabout Creek while parents can enjoy the peace and quiet this bushland oasis has on offer.

‘The Junior Ranger programs are such a fantastic way to engage with the local community, and it is so inspiring to see young people with such passion and care towards our natural world. Sometimes I'm blown away with how much knowledge these kids have at such a young age, and it gives me a lot of hope for the future,’ Walkabout Creek Ranger Kristen said.

David Fleay Wildlife Park

A select few can become a Junior Ranger for a day and learn about caring for native animals; go behind the scenes and help feed some of the furry, scaly or feathered residents; or muck about in the muddy mangroves searching for super-cool marine life. Junior Rangers will learn all about unique wildlife, such as the platypus, bridled nailtail wallaby, koala, cassowary and more.

Remember – not all the fun is just for the kids! Why not check out the holiday program and join a Wild Encounter or VIP Ranger Guided tour.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre

If you’re planning on visiting Mon Repos during school holidays, be sure to book your child into the Mon Repos Junior Ranger program to explore the conservation park and all its wild features. Immersed in the program, children will become turtley awesome researchers as they learn all about marine turtles.

Purchase your tickets at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.

Get connected with ProtectED

If you can’t make it to one of our Junior Ranger programs in Southeast Queensland, fear not as we’ve got something for everyone. Learn more about Queensland National Parks through our new, freely downloadable activities and education resources—ProtectED.

Through activities, games and colour in sheets, discover and learn all about the incredible ecosystems, amazing wildlife and cultural connections protected within Queensland National Parks.

Get connected with ProtectED.