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Australia Zoo

Home > Brisbane > Zoos | Outdoor | Nature | Family | Animals and Wildlife

by Chrystal Byrne (subscribe)

Freelance writer living on Brisbane's north side. Studied creative industries - currently studying library and information services.

Published December 8th 2013

Home of the Crocodile Hunter

Australia Zoo: Home of the Crocodile Hunter, is one of Queensland's busiest and best tourist destinations; and one of the largest wildlife conservation facilities in the world. Australia Zoo is located on the appropriately named Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah; a town on the Sunshine Coast hinterland; amongst the celebrated rainforests, wet eucalypts and scenic nature reserves that populate the beautiful Sunshine Coast region.

Australia Zoo

Neubi the Owl with his keeper.

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Australia Zoo is home to a large variety of different animals; birds, mammals, marsupials, and of course, reptiles. Here you'll see native Australian animals; Dingoes, Echidnas, Kangaroos, Koalas, Possums, Tasmanian Devils and Wombats; South-East Asian animals; Red Pandas, Bengal and Sumatran Tigers, Asian Elephants; and even Cheetahs, Rhinoceros, Giraffe and Zebra from the plains of Africa, within the zoo's 24 acre Africa exhibit.

Chocolate Walking Tour

Craft Beer Walking Tour

Beginners' Night Photography Class

Brisbane Mums Group Meetup

Family Portrait Mini-Sessions

Brisbane Crochet Club

If you're feeling adventurous, Australia Zoo offers a selection of different animal experiences that will get you up close and personal with one (or more) of the zoo's amazing locals. From farmyard animals to tigers, there's sure to be something special for everyone. You can choose to participate in feeding sessions, have your photo taken or experience an 'animal encounter'.

Take a look at animal encounters HERE
View show times HERE

My partner and I with Sabu the Asian Elephant.

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Graham the Crocodile during the 12 noon Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors show.

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Australia Zoo is a great place to have a day of outdoor family fun. As well as the multitudes of different animals to see, pat, feed, photograph and learn about, Australia Zoo has its own eatery; small cafes; merchandise stores; a wildlife hospital; education centre; museum; and even a safari shuttle. The zoo is sectioned off into exhibits and areas; African Savannah Exhibit; Elephantasia; Tiger Temple; Wetlands; Roo Heaven; Crocoseum; and is incredibly large, so you'll definitely be wanting to keep track of your whereabouts using one of the visitors maps.

Browse Australia Zoo's interactive map HERE

Food & Beverages:

The Feeding Frenzy Food Court
Dingo Diner
Refreshments – Africa Savannah Exhibit – (Map reference F15)
Refreshments – Elephantasia – (Map reference F11)
Refreshments – Ponies – (Map reference J7)

Me patting Wendy the Wombat at Australia Zoo.

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Zoo tours are another option available to those who are seeking the absolute best from their day at Australia Zoo. With these tours you can choose to hang out with the Aussie Animals, make friends with numerous Ripper Reptiles or even take a tour through Australia Zoo's Wildlife Hospital as part of the very unique Conservation Crusaders experience. All tours can be booked by calling (07) 5436 2025 (International 61 7 5436 2025); and it is always better to pre-book so that you don't miss out on the day.

Take a look at the available zoo tours HERE

Albino Burmese Python.

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In Australia (and beyond), one cannot hear the term 'Australia Zoo' without immediately thinking of the iconic Steve Irwin; Australian wildlife expert, television personality, and conservationist. Stephen Robert "Steve" Irwin (22 February 1962 – 4 September 2006) – "The Crocodile Hunter" – achieved international fame and adoration from his hit television series The Crocodile Hunter, a wildlife documentary series. Steve also owned and operated Australia Zoo with his wife Terri, who now runs the zoo with their two children Bindi and Robert. Steve's enthusiastic presenting style, broad Australian accent, signature khaki shorts, and catchphrase "Crikey!" ensured that he was well loved and distinguished on an international level.

Australia Zoo began as Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park, established in 1970 by Steve's parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin. Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park spanned a mere two acres (in comparison to the huge 100 acres that Australia Zoo now covers) and was home to a variety of Lace Monitors, Tiger Snakes, Freshwater Crocodiles, Magpie Geese and Kangaroos. Speed through to the 1990s and Steve meets Terri, they marry; begin filming crocodile rescue missions; take over the Irwin family business, and the rest is history. Today Australia Zoo encompasses 1500 acres and employs over 500 staff.

Steve Irwin: compliments of Wikipedia.

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"Australia Zoo is a team of passionate conservationists working around-the-clock to deliver an animal experience like no other" (Australia Zoo). Operating hours are from 9am-5pm daily, with reduced hours on ANZAC Day. The zoo is closed on Christmas Day. In conjunction with local public transport companies, Australia Zoo runs zoo transfers from a variety of Sunshine Coast locations.

Australia Zoo: HOW TO GET HERE
Adopt an animal HERE

"Inject some excitement and inspire your students. At Australia Zoo you are bound to pick up on our contagious enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation" (Australia Zoo). Australia Zoo could be the destination of your child's next school excursion.

Check out conservation education programs HERE

Piglets at Australia Zoo.

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Australia Zoo offers gift vouchers, annual membership, and 2 day passes to help get you revisiting your favourite animals sooner.

Check out the admission prices HERE

Australia Zoo really is a great day out for the whole family, with so much to see and do that you really need to make a whole day of it. Help the Irwin family in your support of wildlife conservation and have fun doing it; visit Australia Zoo – where crocs rule.