May 2025
A trip to South-East Queensland just isn’t complete without checking out ‘the gem in the crown’ that is Australia Zoo. Situated among a lush landscape of flora in Beerwah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is a wildlife sanctuary, a theme park and family friendly mecca all rolled into one.
Founded by world renowned conservation crusader Steve Irwin, the conservation legacy continues with the Irwin family at the helm. There a Wildlife Hospital, daily educational wildlife shows, and such a vast range of wildlife and animal exhibits visitors may need to return a second day to experience everything the zoo has to offer.
With over 1,200 animals at Australia Zoo, there is a huge selection of animals to visit spanning a large footprint of area to cover. Fortunately there’s a complementary shuttle service that laps the park as well as tours on golf buggies you can purchase separately. It would be easier to list what animals aren’t here as there are so many animal exhibits. Some Australian native animals that call the zoo home, include kangaroos, echidnas, and quokkas to name a few. There’s an abundance of African animals including tigers, giraffes, zebras, elephants and red pandas. And of course there are crocodiles.
Get up close and personal with opportunities to hand-feed the giraffes, cuddle koalas, or get the perfect photo with a meerkat.
Educational shows run throughout the day. For show times download the Australia Zoo app. The Wildlife Warriors Show is a must see. It includes their flagship crocodile feeding demonstration in the Crocoseum and delivers the conservation message to audiences from near and afar.
Australia Zoo is thoughtfully designed to cater to families, ensuring a memorable visit for both children and adults. The zoo features multiple shaded playgrounds, a croc themed water splash park, and an enormous under cover jumping pillow.
To accommodate young visitors, the zoo provides pram hire services, designated pram parking areas and wide, stroller-friendly pathways. For those feeding a young child, or have a child sleeping in a pram, there is a designated family area adjacent to the main cafe overlooking the Crocoseum. It is truly impressive that parents with young children can still view a shows in the Crocoseum whilst their child catches a bit of much needed downtime.
Accessibility is a priority at Australia Zoo, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the experience comfortably. The zoo boasts wide, smooth pathways suitable for wheelchairs and prams, as well as ramps and lifts for easy access to various exhibits .
For added convenience, wheelchairs and motorised scooters are available for hire, and the zoo offers companion card discounts for carers . The friendly staff are always on hand to assist and ensure a seamless visit for everyone.
For those wishing to extend their wildlife adventure, the Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers luxurious accommodations amidst natural surroundings. Guests can stay in stylish cabins overlooking a billabong inhabited by freshwater crocodiles, with amenities including private plunge pools and complimentary zoo access.
Located just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Australia Zoo is easily accessible for a day trip or a weekend getaway. With its blend of wildlife encounters, family-friendly facilities, and commitment to conservation, it’s a destination that promises both fun and education for visitors of all ages.
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