Wild life Encounters

Free for all! The pelican feeding frenzy on the Gold Coast is way wilder than Black Friday—imagine dozens of giant birds diving, squawking, and jostling for snacks, with seagulls and ibises crashing the party like uninvited shoppers. It’s chaos, charm, and pure wildlife magic, all rolled into one unmissable show! The daily free pelican feeding at Charis Seafoods isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s a window into Gold Coast’s laid-back soul. Unlike polished, pricey attractions (think dolphin feeding on Moreton Island with strict schedules and entry fees), this spot feels like a peek into local life. Fishermen chat, kids gasp, and pelicans rule the roost—here’s everything you need to know to join the fun: 📍 Why You Can’t Miss It Free & Fabulous 🆓 Charis Seafoods, a beloved local seafood joint, turns their daily fish scraps (think leftover heads, bones, and bits too small for human plates) into a five-star feast for pelicans. No tickets, no catches—just front-row seats to nature’s most entertaining buffet. Watch as these prehistoric-looking birds (some with wingspans wider than a human’s arm span!) flap, squawk, and even “argue” over the best scraps. It’s raw, unscripted, and 100% free. Timing is Everything ⏰ Mark your watch: feeding starts sharp at 1:30 PM daily. Show up at 1:15 PM, and you’ll get prime seating—plus, you’ll witness the “pre-show” as pelicans start gathering, gliding in from the nearby Broadwater like guests arriving early to a party. Latecomers? You’ll still see the action, but you might be jostling for space behind a sea of phone cameras. Wild, Wonderful Chaos 🐦 This isn’t a “cute and calm” animal encounter—it’s a wildlife rave. Pelicans are the main stars, but seagulls (sneaky little thieves!) and Egyptian ibises (with their quirky curved bills) crash the scene, darting in to steal scraps. Staff keep things safe with traffic cones, creating a buffer zone so you can snap photos without getting too close to flapping wings or overzealous birds. Pro tip: Listen for the pelicans’ low, guttural grunts—they’re basically arguing over who gets the next fish! 🚗 How to Get There Address: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador QLD 4215 (in Labrador, a chill neighborhood north of the glitzy Surfers Paradise). By Car: From Surfers Paradise, hop on the Gold Coast Highway north—it’s a 20-minute drive, and there’s free street parking along Marine Parade (arrive early to snag a spot!). By Bus: Public transport? Easy! Catch buses 704 or 705 from Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach—they drop you at Marine Parade stop, and it’s just a 2-minute stroll to the seafood shop. Keep an eye out for the crowd of people (and the occasional pelican loitering) to know you’re close. 🍴 Eat Like a Local While You Watch Stomach growling? Charis Seafoods isn’t just for feeding pelicans—their seafood is legendary. Grab a crispy fish and chips (flaky barramundi with golden fries, a Queensland classic), shuck fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon, or go big with their “Mixed Seafood Platter”: plump Australian king prawns, buttery garlic scallops, and fried calamari, all piled high. Word to the wise: Seagulls here are brazen. They’ll dive-bomb your fries if you’re not looking, so keep your food close (or eat inside the shaded seating area if you’re worried about airborne thieves). Pro move: Grab a picnic table with a view of the feeding zone—you’ll chow down while the pelicans do the same. This isn’t just a “thing to do”—it’s a Gold Coast memory in the making. Imagine laughing as a seagull snatches a chip mid-air, snapping a photo of a pelican with a fish scrap hanging from its bill, and leaving with a full belly (yours, not the birds’). Free, fun, and full of heart—this is the Gold Coast at its best. #AustraliaTravel #GoldCoast #PelicanFeeding #FreeFun #WildlifeEncounters #SeafoodLovers