WELCOME TO LYELL DEER SANCTUARY
Lyell Deer Sanctuary is home to a small herd of deer, a motley crew of red, fallow, rusa and chital deer who have been rescued from the wild. Yes, deer are in Australia! It is estimated that there are between 1 and 2 million deer across all states and territories, and they are considered a feral pest. Wildlife and animal rescue organisations will not take feral animals, so it is our mission to rescue orphaned, injured and displaced deer from around Australia, providing health care, desexing, food and security for them to live out their lives in peace.
We are passionate about rescuing and providing a safe haven for deer, and we offer visitors the unique opportunity to get close and interact with these beautiful animals.
We hope to create a space where humans and animals come together in joy, curiosity, and adventure, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, and inspiring visitors to become lovers of wildlife and the environment.
Plan Your Visit
This peaceful little hideaway in the beautiful Samford Valley, around thirty minutes north of Brisbane, is a popular destination for adults and children alike, offering education, serenity, and a truly unique experience.
Want to visit us? Find our opening hours, admission price and guidelines for visitors here.
For upcoming special opening hours and our Christmas events, click here
About Us
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We are NOT a zoo or 'farm experience'; we are a small, family-run animal rescue service opening up our property to share the beauty and magic, and a taste of animal sanctuary life.
Along with the deer, we also have goats, cows, chickens, guinea pigs, guinea fowl, peacocks and cats! We have over 50 rescue animals currently living at the Sanctuary.
You can visit us and cuddle, sit with and hand-feed the deer and many other animals, and your support helps us continue to rescue and care for the deer.
