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Your Ultimate Australia Zoo Travel Guide
Did you know that Australia Zoo, home to the legendary “Crocodile Man”, Steve Irwin, began in 1970 as a modest wildlife park founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin?
Today, the zoo has transformed into a globally recognised conservation haven. Here, you can explore the fascinating world of Australian wildlife, from cuddly koalas to awe-inspiring crocodiles, and witness firsthand the dedication to wildlife preservation.
Want to know how to contribute to protecting the planet’s diverse ecosystems? Continue reading to discover more about this iconic destination and hop on an unforgettable journey into the wild.
Australia Zoo: Then and Now
Back in 1970, Bob and Lyn Irwin set up this little wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast.
But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t always the stretched-out conservation wonderland you see today. Australia Zoo started small, with just a few acres of land and a passion for wildlife.
Now, let me tell you about the man himself – Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. He was the heart and soul of Australia Zoo, living and breathing wildlife conservation.
Steve’s infectious enthusiasm for all things wild turned this humble park into an international icon. His dedication to protecting animals and educating people about wildlife has been evident from the get-go.
Fast forward to today, Australia Zoo has bloomed into a full-blown wildlife right in the heart of Brisbane. It’s like a safari adventure right in the city!
Here, you can stroll through lush habitats, get up close and personal with cuddly koalas, and even come face-to-face with some toothy crocs if you dare.
But here’s the best part: Australia Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals – it’s a hub for conservation and education. Every visit supports their mission to save endangered species and habitats, carrying on Steve’s legacy in the most meaningful way possible.
So, whether you’re a wildlife fanatic or just looking for an epic adventure, Australia Zoo has something for everyone. Get ready to be amazed, inspired, and maybe even a little bit wild.
How to Go to Australia Zoo
Getting into Australia Zoo is a breeze with a variety of transportation options available, such as driving, ride-sharing services, taxis, public transport, and city tours.
If you’re driving, simply hop on the Bruce Highway and follow the signs to Steve Irwin Way in Beerwah. It’s about a 60-minute drive from Brisbane, and you’ll find the zoo on your left—about 5 kilometres past Landsborough.
For those of you taking the train, Queensland Rail’s Citytrain runs a seven-day service between the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Beerwah. Once you arrive at Beerwah Rail Station, transfer to Australia Zoo’s courtesy coach, which typically meets most trains.
If you prefer a hassle-free day tour, you’re in luck! You can book a guided transfer directly to Australia Zoo from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or the Gold Coast.
Options like the Croc Express offer return hotel transfers and provide an air-conditioned, luxury coach or coaster for a comfortable journey.
For those looking for a more personalised experience, Croc Tours, a locally owned business, offers small group tours departing daily from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
With guaranteed five hours at Australia Zoo and a visit to the Glass House Mountains Lookout, it’s a fantastic way to explore the area.
So, whether you’re driving, taking the train, or opting for a guided tour, getting to Australia Zoo is easy and convenient. Plan your journey and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife adventure!
The Best Time to Go to Australia Zoo
The best time to visit Australia Zoo is when you’re ready for an adventure filled with wildlife wonders!
But if you’re looking to beat the crowds, weekdays are generally quieter compared to weekends, offering you more space to explore and fewer lines for attractions.
As for seasons, Australia’s mild climate means you can enjoy the zoo year-round. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures, aim for Spring (September to November) or Autumn (March to May).
Now, if you and your family are planning to visit during school holidays or public holidays like Easter, or Australia Day, expect the zoo to be filled with excitement!
It’s a fantastic atmosphere, but keep in mind it might be a bit busier than usual.
For wildlife enthusiasts seeking unique experiences, keep an eye out for special events and animal encounters scheduled throughout the year.
From feeding sessions to behind-the-scenes tours, there’s always something happening to make your visit extra special.
So, whether you’re aiming for a peaceful weekday stroll or craving the lively atmosphere of a holiday visit, there’s never a dull moment at one of Australia’s best leisure parks. Pick a time that suits your style and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Australian wildlife!
Things to Know about Australia Zoo
Here are a few things to know about Australia Zoo before you go:
- Entrance Fee: Be sure to check the current admission prices before your visit. Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and families, so it’s worth exploring your options in advance.
Here are some general admission ticket prices:
| 0 – 2 years old | Free |
| Adults | $59 |
| Child | $35 |
| Pensioner | $47 |
| Student | $47 |
- Park Schedule: Australia Zoo is open Mondays to Sundays, from 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. They’re open 364 days a year, and is only closed on Christmas Day (December 25).
You can be admitted in the park until 3 in the afternoon and still enjoy a full day’s access. Moreover, can visit the gift shops and food outlets until 5 in the afternoon.
Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time exploring the exhibits, attending wildlife shows, and enjoying interactive experiences.
- Parking Slots: While Australia Zoo offers ample free parking space, it’s always a good idea to arrive early, especially during peak times and holidays, to secure a convenient spot for your vehicle.
- Getting Around: If you’re in need of prams, scooters, or wheelchairs for your Australia Zoo adventure, the Croc Lair Gift Shop at the entrance has got you covered!
Give them a ring to pre-book your gear. You can load prams, pull-along carts, and wheelchairs onto the shuttles for your convenience, but scooters need to be transported separately.
Here’s the lowdown on prices:
| Pram, pull-along cart, wheelchair | $20 |
| Mobility scooter | $65 |
Keep in mind that the mobility scooter has a maximum weight limit of 135kg, and the driver needs to be at least 18 years old.
Oh, and a heads up: bikes, scooters, and shoes with wheels are a no-go on the zoo grounds!
- Restrooms: Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the zoo for your comfort and convenience. Familiarise yourself with their locations on the park map to avoid unnecessary detours during your visit.
- Animal Encounters: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in special animal encounters and feeding sessions. Check the schedule upon arrival to see what experiences are available during your visit and plan accordingly.
- Dining Options: Australia Zoo offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual cafes to kiosks serving snacks and refreshments.
Consider bringing along some snacks and staying hydrated throughout the day to keep your energy levels up as you explore.
- Wildlife Conservation: Take the time to learn about Australia Zoo’s conservation efforts and how your visit supports their mission to protect wildlife and their habitats.
You may also consider making a donation or purchasing merchandise to contribute to their conservation initiatives.
By keeping these key points in mind, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience exploring the wonders of Australian wildlife at Australia Zoo. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Australia Zoo Reminders
Now that we know more about Australia Zoo, let’s get to know some important reminders for your visit:
- Pick up a map to plan your day and make the most of your time exploring the zoo’s attractions and exhibits.
- Head straight for your must-see exhibits first to beat the crowds that tend to gather later in the day.
- Download the Australia Zoo app on iOS and Android to access show schedules, plan your day in advance, and even take a virtual tour to learn more about the zoo’s offerings.
- Dress appropriately for the outdoors with weather-appropriate clothing, hats, sunscreen, and even an umbrella for protection from the elements.
- Cool off at the Laughing Frog Waterpark, where you can splash around and enjoy the refreshing water features.
- Keep toys like drones, balls, and frisbees at home to ensure the safety of both the animals and other guests.
- Remember to bring any necessary medications and sanitary products, or purchase them at the gift shops located within the zoo.
- Consider renting lockers to securely store your belongings, so you can explore the zoo hands-free and without worry. Here are the locker rental fees:
| Small locker | $5 for 4 hours$8 for the entire day |
| Medium locker | $8 for 4 hours$12 for the entire day |
| Large locker | $10 for 4 hours$15 for the entire day |
With these reminders in mind, you’re all set for an amazing day of adventure and discovery at Australia Zoo!
Activities in Australia Zoo
When you’re in Australia Zoo, get ready to hop on a wild adventure filled with unforgettable attractions! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the main highlights:
Animal Encounters
Here, you’ll get a chance to meet some furry and feathery friends. Let’s get to know them:
- Leapin’ Lemurs Encounter: Hop on the barge to Lemur Island and meet our charming ring-tailed lemurs up close. They might even snack right out of your hand!
- Rascally Red Panda Encounter: Experience the softness of red pandas as you get up close to these Himalayan beauties.
- Colossal Komodo Encounter: Hang out with the mighty Komodo dragon, the largest lizard species on the planet.
- Naughty Wombat Encounter: Get cosy with these native marsupials and learn about their unique backward-facing pouches.
- Mischievous Meerkats Encounter: Meet Australia Zoo’s playful meerkat mob and soak in their big personalities.
- Quite Cute Quokka Encounter: Prepare for joy overload as you feed and pose with the world’s happiest animals, the quokkas.
- Regal Eagle Encounter: Come face-to-face with Australia’s apex aerial predator, the wedge-tailed eagle.
- Cuddly Koala Encounter: Snuggle up with Australia’s beloved koalas and learn all about their lives.
- Giant Giraffe Snapshot: Feed one of the zoo’s majestic giraffes and be amazed at their towering height.
- Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter: Lunchtime gets exciting with the zoo’s Asian small-clawed otters. Help feed them their favorite treats!
- Ripper Rhinos Encounter: Meet Australia Zoo’s magnificent rhinos and learn about their critical conservation status.
- You Beaut Binturong Encounter: Discover the adorable world of binturongs, complete with their unique popcorn scent.
- By Jingo Dingo Encounter: Get acquainted with Australia’s friendly dingoes and learn why they howl like wolves.
- Totally Tortoise Encounter: Here, you can also meet the Aldabra tortoise, the second-largest land tortoise in the world.
- Spiky Little Echidna Encounter: Get up close with Australia’s iconic echidnas and feed them by hand.
- Feed Our Kangaroos and Wallabies: Pat and feed the zoo’s adorable kangaroos and wallabies as they roam freely.
Zoo Keeper for a Day
Ever dreamt of being a zookeeper for a day? Well, At Australia Zoo, that dream can become a reality!
Picture yourself assisting with the care of rhinos, giraffes, or even the adorable binturongs.
With their Zoo Keeper for a Day program, every season brings new adventures and surprises, so you never know who you might meet or what tasks you’ll be tackling!
After a busy morning of hands-on experiences and animal care duties, budding zookeepers get to kick back and refuel with a specially provided lunch. It’s the perfect way to recharge those energy levels for more zoo adventures!
Habitats and Attractions
At Australia Zoo, get ready to immerse yourself in habitats meticulously crafted to bring you up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating animals. Let’s take a peek at what’s in store:
- Africa at Australia Zoo: Step into Steve’s vision of an African Safari Park, where animals roam freely in vast open plains and interactive enclosures, just like in the wild.
- Cheetah Grasslands: Witness the majestic cheetahs roam in their 2.5-acre grassland paradise, complete with natural waterways for them to explore.
- Crikey! Kids Corner: Keep your little ones entertained at the epic Crikey! Kids Corner while you relax in the picture-perfect picnic area.
- Crocodile Environmental Park: Dive into the heart of Steve’s vision with the Crocodile Environmental Park, where rescued crocs find sanctuary in a replica of Queensland’s billabongs.
- Elephantasia: Experience the wonder of our Sumatran elephants in their state-of-the-art habitat, opened to visitors in December 2021.
- Grace’s Bird Garden: Explore Grace’s Bird Garden, home to over 170 birds from 19 different species, offering a lush haven for our feathered friends.
- The Laughing Frog Lolly Shop and Water Park: Enjoy a splash at the Laughing Frog Lolly Shop and Water Park, adorned with spectacular wildlife sculptures designed by the zoo’s very own artists!
- The Tiger Temple: Be amazed at the architectural wonder of the Tiger Temple, modeled after Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and featuring the southern hemisphere’s only underwater viewing of tigers.
- The World-Famous Crocoseum: Dive into Steve’s dream brought to life at the Crocoseum, where you can witness crocodiles in their natural habitat, just as Steve envisioned.
With habitats designed to thrill and inspire, Australia Zoo offers an unforgettable journey into the wild world of Steve Irwin’s imagination.
Conservation Shows
If you’re craving more animal action, Australia Zoo’s got you covered with daily conservation shows that’ll leave you awe-inspired. Check out what’s on:
- Grace’s Bird Garden Feed Out: Join them as their zookeepers feed some of our most beautiful birds, including the Rose-Crowned Fruit Dove and Bush Stone-Curlew, while learning about our conservation efforts.
- Tortoises LIVE!: Watch the gentle giants, Jarvis and Igloo, enjoy their favorite fruits and veggies while you soak up fascinating facts about Aldabra tortoises.
- Tigers LIVE!: You can also witness the majestic big cats up close and learn about our conservation efforts at the Tiger Temple.
- Africa Keeper Talk: Dive into the wonders of African wildlife with expert zookeepers sharing tales about giraffes, rhinos, meerkats, and zebras.
- Reptiles LIVE: Get up close with a variety of reptiles, from snakes to pythons, and learn about their importance in the ecosystem.
- Elephants LIVE!: Experience the playful nature of our Sumatran elephants and discover more about their conservation.
- Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors Show: Brace yourself for a thrilling adventure with giant snakes, soaring birds, and Steve Irwin’s favorite – the saltwater crocodile!
- Koalas LIVE!: Learn fascinating facts about koalas and their unique behaviors, including why they sleep so much!
- Birds Of Prey LIVE!: Marvel at the majesty of wedge-tailed eagles, brahminy kites, barking owls, and blue-winged kookaburras while learning about their hunting techniques.
- Echidna Feed: Watch their spiky little friends enjoy their meal and discover interesting facts about Australia’s native mammals.
- Otters LIVE!: Be entertained by the zoo’s playful Asian small-clawed otters, Daisy & Percival, as they skip and dance in their aquatic home.
Where to eat in Australia Zoo
If you’re in Australia Zoo and feeling famished after a day of marveling with the animals, let’s explore some nearby dining options to satisfy those hunger pangs!
Crikey! Cafe
Media credit: @foodibank
Contact Details: +61 7 5436 2000
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Found within the zoo grounds, Crikey! Their handcrafted tables were even made by Steve Irwin, adding a special touch.
Here, you can enjoy classic Australian fare like meat pies, sausage rolls, and fish and chips, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
This cafe also caters to dietary needs, offering vegetarian options and accommodating allergies. Here, you can also enjoy classic Aussie fare like meat pies and fish and chips, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
Warrior Restaurant & Bar
Contact Details: +61 7 5436 2310
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
If you’re exploring Australia Zoo, make sure to swing by the Warrior Restaurant & Bar, found inside the newly constructed Crocodile Hunter Lodge.
Here, you can grab your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and enjoy the restaurant’s use of native flavors and the freshest Australian produce, including locally sourced ingredients from the Sunshine Coast and nearby areas.
Where to stay near Australia Zoo
If you’re planning a visit to Australia Zoo and need a place to stay nearby, you’re in luck! There are several accommodation options near the zoo, ensuring you’re well-rested and ready for a wild adventure.
Let’s check out some recommendations!
Beerwah Motor Lodge
Media credit: @andrewpowellmp
Address: 6 Graham Dr, Landsborough, QLD 4550, Australia
Conveniently located just 2 minutes away from Australia Zoo, Beerwah Motor Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodation for you and the entire family.
With spacious rooms, friendly staff, and easy access to local amenities, it’s a great place to unwind after a day of wildlife exploration.
Glass House Mountains Ecolodge
Address: 198 Barrs Rd, Glass House Mountains QLD 4518, Australia
Located just an 11-minute drive from Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Ecolodge offers eco-friendly accommodations surrounded by the stunning mountains.
With comfortable rooms, breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains, and a focus on sustainability, it’s a great base for exploring the Sunshine Coast region.
