How to get the most out of a day at Australia Zoo

Just an hour from Brisbane and spread out over 1000 forested hectares at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is the animal kingdom when it comes to the biggest and the best in the world.

Started by the late, great crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, and run by his wife Terri and kids Bindi and Bob; it’s not only its family pedigree that make this place so special. Australia Zoo has a huge heart when it comes to animal conservation too. It’s the most interactive conservation destination on the planet, and home to the busiest wildlife hospital of its kind in the world. 

How do you get to Australia Zoo?

Where is Australia Zoo you ask? Located in Beerwah on Steve Irwin Way, you can access the family friendly attraction from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. From Brisbane it is approximately a 60-minute drive along the Bruce Highway. If you're driving from the Gold Coast allow two hours travel time. 

Australia Zoo is also accessible by train, The Queensland Rail (QR) Citytrain has a seven-day service that operates between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Beerwah. When you arrive at the Beerwah train station the Australia Zoo courtesy bus should be there to meet you, but if not, simply call the Zoo and a bus will be sent out during their opening hours. Once you arrive at the Zoo get set for a full day of family fun.

9am: Dive in croc first

Animal interactions begin before you even enter the gates of Australia Zoo. Be sure to start your day with the obligatory photo of the larger-than-life Crocodile Hunter in the carpark, and then make your way in. Hire a pram if you have little kids, or consider a double buggy for a fun way to see the zoo without too much walking. Australia Zoo is also wheelchair-friendly, with wide, smooth paths, low fences and glass viewing walls, and accessible bathrooms.

Crocodiles naturally still like to come first around here, so pay them their apex predator dues and head over to see them first. Make a mental note to come back at 1:15pm, when they join the Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum, alongside birds and snakes. This is one show you don’t want to miss and is considered the zoo’s best.

9.30am: Go on an African safari

Jump on board the free Africa Safari Shuttle to meet creatures big and small. Make Bindi's Island your first stop, where you can meet meerkats and lemurs and explore the three-storey treehouse. From the top, you’ll nab the best views over the park for spotting giraffes, zebras and rhinos across the way in the Africa precinct. Keep your eyes peeled for cheetahs while you make your way there for a closer look. 

11am: Tiger time 

From here it gets even wilder, with Sumatran and Bengal tigers close by in the South-East Asian themed Tiger Temple. If you’re lucky, the big cats might go for a swim - there's even an underwater viewing enclosure to watch the action. Stick around to watch them splash and play.

If you're 15 years or older, you can even sign up for a morning walk with a tiger. You'll have to get here at 8.30am, but its an incredible up-close encounter with a critically endangered animal you're unlikely to ever see in the wild - and all proceeds go to Australia Zoo's conservation efforts.

12pm: Have an Aussie animal encounter

A walk through the wetlands will introduce you to more Aussie friends. There's wetland birds, emus, brolgas and jabirus - as well as wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas to introduce yourself to. Purchase some roo food at the Australia Zoo Information Desk beforehand and you're likely to be a favourite visitor. 

1pm: Watch the Wildlife Warriors Show

The biggest show of the day begins at 1.15pm, and it's a must-see.

Spend the next hour not daring to blink in case you miss any of the feeding, flying and slithering going on. Saltwater crocs, birds and snakes take centre stage at the Crocoseum for the Wildlife Warriors Show and it’s here you may also see the Irwins doing their thing.

The Cafe is close by, so afterwards grab yourself some lunch at the Feeding Frenzy Food Court, which has recently made the switch to compostable packaging for all its food. The family-first folk at Australia Zoo are happy for you to bring your own food, if you prefer to DIY.

This would also be a great time to check-in to the Crocodile Hunter Museum under the cafe. Keep some tissues on hand, as it’s quite possible you’ll tear up at the memorial to the Aussie treasure that was Steve Irwin.

2.30pm: Meet our marsupials

The action isn't over after the big show. Take your time for some koala spotting as you wander through the Koala Walkthrough, and see who you can spot munching on eucalypts above. Keep strolling and you'll pass by red kangaroos, birds of prey and right to the wombat sanctuary. 

You might want to loop back around for the 3pm Koala live show, where you can learn about our Aussie icon and find out how we can help these little tree-huggers in the wild.

As you make your way back towards the entry, treat yourself to a sweet afternoon fix with a stop in at the Laughing Frog Lolly shop, where all lollies are palm oil-free. The kids’ playground is opposite with a waterpark for cooling off, and afterwards, visit the dingoes, Tasmanian devils, turtles, cassowaries and binturongs nearby.

4pm: Take a peak at the Wildlife Hospital

You’re probably a little tired by now, but there’s one special place that is not to missed: Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital, just outside the park. 

Tickets can be purchased with a “sneak peek” of the hospital included for a $2 donation. And it’s here that some of the zoo’s best work is being done - having treated well over 100,000 native Aussie animals so far. See the vets tend to their patients from a special viewing area, and learn what your small donation could do for a sick or injured animal.

Interested in a closer look? Longer behind-the-scenes tours run several times throughout the day, with advance purchase tickets available online.

Get even closer

Get up close to your favourites in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with one of Australia Zoo’s animal encounters. From cute and cuddly, to strong and stealth-like – all your favourites are here.

Want to see more of the Zoo and meet a few in person? There are dozens of encounters to choose from that take you behind the scenes (these change, so be sure to check Australia Zoo’s website for current opportunities).

Fancy being a zoo keeper for a day? Want to take a tiger cub or a wombat for a walk? Cuddle a koala, or get up close and personal with a rhino or cheetah? There’s a VIP experience to suit everyone – and an ultimate full day Platinum VIP Tour if you truly can’t decide.

There's so much to experience at Australia Zoo: we'll see you soon.