Spend a full day exploring 40 hectares of native animals, thrilling shows, and conservation exhibits. Adult tickets start at AUD 79; open daily 9am-5pm. Rated 4.7/5 from 45,000+ Google reviews. Jump to map | Jump to prices | Jump to shows
Key Takeaways Before Your Visit
- Arrive early (9am) to catch the Crocoseum Wildlife Show at 10:30am sharp.
- Book tickets online to skip queues; it saves 30+ minutes.
- Wear closed shoes for Bindi’s Island lemur walkabout; sunscreen and a hat are essential in the Queensland sun.
- Combine with nearby Agoda or Booking.com stays in Beerwah for packages under AUD 250/night.
Founded by the legendary Steve Irwin in 1970, it carries his passion forward through daughter Bindi and son Robert’s daily shows. If you’re planning a Sunshine Coast trip, here’s everything you must know to make your day unforgettable, from exact animal encounters to show times and real visitor feedback I gathered firsthand.
Why Australia Zoo Tops Every Queensland Itinerary
When I first stepped through the gates, the roar of crocs and cheeky calls of cockatoos hit me immediately. Unlike standard zoos with concrete enclosures, Australia Zoo sprawls across natural habitats mimicking the Australian outback.
Spanning 40 hectares (about 100 acres), it houses everything from tree kangaroos to Tasmanian devils. What sets it apart? Hands-on encounters: I hand-fed a kangaroo in the Roo Heaven area, feeling its soft fur brush my palm while it nibbled eucalyptus.
Stats show 500,000 visitors annually flock here, drawn by the Irwin legacy. Pro tip from my visit: Download the free app for a self-guided audio tour narrated by Terri Irwin herself; it adds layers of backstory you won’t get elsewhere.
Personal Highlight: The Steve Irwin Story Lives On
“Crikey, what a legend,” I muttered, watching Robert Irwin wrestle a python during his 2pm show. The family shares personal tales daily, making conversation feel intimate.
I’ve seen families tearing up at the Bindi and Robert exhibit, where koalas lounge just like Steve cradled them on TV.
Unmissable Animals and Close-Up Encounters
Australia Zoo boasts 120+ species, all native or iconic Aussie wildlife. During my full-day visit, I prioritized these zones, spending 45 minutes per area to avoid rushing.
Here’s the in-depth breakdown with tips from my notebook.
Roo Heaven and Koala Encounter
Red kangaroos hop freely here. I paid AUD 49 extra for the koala cuddle (book ahead via the official site). Feel their claws grip gently; it’s surreal. Over 50 koalas rotate daily for welfare.
Crocodile Ponds and Feeding Times
Cassius, the world’s largest captive croc at 5.5m, lurks here. Feeding at 3pm: I watched a keeper dangle chicken from a pole, explaining jaw strength (3,700 psi). “Heart-pounding,” I noted in my journal.
Bindi’s Island: Lemurs and Tortoises
Walk among 20 ring-tailed lemurs. One jumped on my shoulder, sniffing my hat. Radiated tortoise enclosure nearby offers photo ops; they’re 100+ years old.
Africa Exhibit and Tiger Trek
Cheetahs sprint at 100 km/h in timed runs. Sumatran tigers prowl a 2-hectare habitat; I timed my visit for the 11am feeding.
Daily Wildlife Shows Schedule and Insider Tips
Shows are the zoo’s pulse, running on a tight schedule. I arrived 20 minutes early each time; seats fill fast in the 5,000-capacity Crocoseum.
Full timetable below, verified from official sources.
Colosseum Wildlife Show
10:30am & 3pm daily. Snakes, birds, crocs in action.” Robert’s python routine stole the show,” I wrote.
Birds of Prey Show
11am & 4pm. Wedge-tailed eagles soar overhead. Perfect for photos.
Wildlife Warriors Talk
1pm. Conservation chat by keepers. Learned rhinos need 50kg grass daily.
Ticket Prices and Booking Hacks
Prices updated January from australiazoo.com.au. I saved 15% bundling with TripAdvisor experiences.
Single-Day Pass
Adults: AUD 79 | Kids (3-14): AUD 49 | Under 3: Free | Concession: AUD 69
Multi-Day and Annual
2-Day: +AUD 49 | Annual: AUD 129 (unlimited visits). Book via GetYourGuide for guided options.
Operating Hours and Best Visit Timing
Daily Hours
9:00am – 5:00pm every day. Last entry 4pm. Closed Christmas Day.
My Timing Tip
Hit 9am opening. Full day needed; I left at 5pm exhausted but buzzing.
Interactive Map and Exact Directions
Australia Zoo sits at 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, QLD 4519. 1 hour north of Brisbane Airport. Free parking for 2,000 cars.
Get Directions | Phone: +61 7 5499 3688 | info@australiazoo.com.au
Pros, Cons and Honest Visitor Reviews
Pros from My Visit
- Immersive shows with Irwin family energy.
- Ethical conservation focus; no riding on elephants.
- Wheelchair accessible paths (90% coverage).
Cons to Consider
- Peak season queues (mid-Dec to Jan).
- Extra fees for encounters add up (AUD 30-100).
- Limited shade; pack water (AUD 4/bottle inside).
“Best day ever! Bindi’s lemurs were magical.” – Sarah T., Google Review (4.7/5 average from 45k+).
Nearby Stays and Bundles
Stay in Beerwah for 10-min drives. I booked via Booking.com (AUD 180/night) or Expedia. Agoda has zoo packages from AUD 220 including entry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australia Zoo
How long do you need at Australia Zoo?
Plan 6-8 hours for a full experience. I spent 7 hours covering shows, animals, and lunch. Arrive at the opening to fit everything.
Are Australia Zoo tickets worth the price?
Absolutely, at AUD 79. Unlimited shows and exhibits make it value-packed. Compared to TripAdvisor peers, it’s top-rated.
What animals are at Australia Zoo?
Kangaroos, koalas, crocs, tigers, lemurs, cheetahs, and more. Over 1,200 individuals in natural habitats.
Is Australia Zoo good for families?
Yes, kid-friendly with playgrounds, touch areas, and Bindi shows. “My 5-year-old was obsessed,” per parent reviews.
How to get to Australia Zoo from Brisbane?
Drive 1 hour via M1. Shuttles from Kayak partners are available. Use the map above.