Major upgrade for Ipswich Nature Centre set to begin
Published on 29 January 2026
Major upgrades improving visitor experience at the Ipswich Nature Centre – South East Queensland’s only free zoo – are being delivered by Ipswich City Council.
Finance and Governance Committee Chair Councillor Paul Tully said council has endorsed a recommendation to award a tender for boardwalk improvements and construction of a new animal welfare facility at the Queens Park venue.
“As one of our city’s most cherished attractions, council is ensuring the Ipswich Nature Centre provides a wonderful experience to its 160,000 yearly visitors,” Cr Tully said.
“Parts of the timber boardwalk will be rebuilt with more durable composite material, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can view the centre’s exhibits.
“We are also improving the centre’s zoological capabilities with a new back-of-house facility supporting animal husbandry and improved biosecurity activities.
“This facility will ensure the centre’s staff can more easily nurture and care for the centre’s beloved animals. The design will also provide a window for the public to get a glimpse at this behind-the-scenes work as it is being undertaken.
“Council has endorsed a recommendation to award a tender for the delivery of these upgrades.
“These upgrades will ensure the Ipswich Nature Centre, which opened in 1936, can continue to delight visitors as a place to encounter some of Australia’s most iconic native animals, including snakes, quolls, wallabies, kangaroos, birds, lizards, turtles and dingos.”
Cr Tully said the tender contract would now be finalised with construction to begin in coming weeks and be completed over stages, with some disruptions to public access throughout the year until the expected completion of the project in December.
The expected disruptions are:
- March to late April: Closure of small section of the boardwalk near the Staff Centre (no impact to exhibits). This section will remain closed between March and December.
- Late April to July: Closure of the northern half of the centre. Entry via side gate at the southern end.
- July to December: Northern half reopened, with the minor boardwalk closure near the Staff Centre continuing to the end of construction.