Walk right into wonderful wildlife encounters at Walkabout Creek

It’s here that Education Ranger Kristen leads a team of Rangers passionate about giving visitors opportunities to be delighted and awed by the diversity and uniqueness of Queensland’s biodiversity.

Giving visitors unique insights to the incredible and important work of our Rangers across Queensland, Ranger Kristen says it’s the passion and knowledge of the extraordinary team of Rangers at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre that makes her job and the centre an amazing place to work and visit.

‘The centre is filled with people who are passionate about protecting our Queensland wildlife and are excited by their role in inspiring the next generation of conservation guardians to stand with our Rangers,’ she said.

‘Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is a well of knowledge and support.'

If you visit on the weekend or during school holidays, you’ll be in for an extra treat with a Ranger-led Wildlife Discovery Show—getting up close and personal with some remarkable wildlife ambassadors that call our protected areas home.

Ranger Kristen’s top tip for any visitor to the centre is to come ready with your questions.

‘Our Rangers absolutely love an opportunity to talk with our visitors about the wildlife ambassadors we work with and Queensland’s beautiful protected areas. We’re always looking for opportunities to educate visitors on how to coexist safety with our wildlife.’

We’ve recently teamed up with National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) to grow our Junior Ranger programs. Every school holiday is another great opportunity to bring kids closer to nature with some exciting new Junior Ranger programs to be offered weekly during school terms.

From an early age, Ranger Kristen always knew she wanted to work out in nature. Being in the right place at the right time with the right skills and the right experience, led her to her current role as Education Ranger at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

‘I remember being particularly inspired by an educational talk about the red panda when I was a kid and have always wanted to similarly inspire young people to be more environmentally conscious, and even get them thinking about pursuing a job protecting our beautify ecosystems,’ Ranger Kristen said.

‘I completed a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care and from there, got a role as a caretaker at a petting zoo, which combined my love of animals with my desire to inspire young people. A spontaneous application to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre to fill their Education Ranger role led to an interview where I fell in love with the centre and was lucky enough to join the team.’

Proud to be a part of the ‘Herbie badge’ wearing team

‘Wearing the ‘Herbie badge’ on my Ranger uniform makes me proud to be part of something great. It’s wonderful to see the respect and admiration the community have for the work Rangers do at the centre and across Queensland in our protected areas,’ Ranger Kristen said.

Experience the experience for yourself and plan a visit

So what are you waiting for? Open your eyes to the wonder of Queensland’s wildlife and protected areas, and have a chat with Ranger Kristen and her team while you’re there.

Book now to guarantee your visit.