Looking for a fun day out with the kids these school holidays? Why not take them to one of Queensland's most iconic attractions, Australia Zoo? It is a great day out for the whole family and it's educational.
Get close to a croc at the Wildlife Warrior Show
On arrival make sure you take the visitor guide and map, it will be needed to plan the day. The main thing that sets Australia Zoo apart from other wildlife parks is the daily presentations where you can learn a little more about the animals. The highlight has to be the Wildlife Warriors show in the huge arena of the Croccosuem. This presentation showcases many of the animals found at the zoo; including birds, snakes and of course the stars of the show, the crocodiles. Yes, it is a little cheesy, (think budgerigars flying around to the sounds of ACDC and the crocs being introduced like they are on the X Factor). However, it is great fun and the keeper's enthusiasm is catching. If you are lucky you will get a day when the Irwin family is doing the presentation. Watching Bindi and Bob carry on Steve Irwin's legacy is wonderful and may inspire your little wildlife warriors to a career with animals.
The crocs are the stars of the show here
Other shows throughout the day include crocs, birds of prey and otters live. These presentations take place at the animal enclosures. Here keepers talk about the animals while giving them a bit of a feed. These shows are much more low key than Wildlife Warriors, giving a chance to learn a little more and the opportunity to ask questions.
When not at the shows take the time to explore the different habits. It's a big place so for those not wanting to walk between enclosures there is a hop on hop off shuttle that stops at all the main points. The zoo is home to many species, there are Australian natives with dingoes, wombats, koalas and kangaroos. The walk through the kangaroo enclosure is a great place to get up and personal with a roo or two. Feed can be purchased from vending machines.
Pat a koala or feed a kangaroo
The wetlands habitat is home to some beautiful birds, including the jabiru and brolga. It is a pleasant walk through this area, it almost feels more like a botanic garden than a zoo in places. Continuing on from the wetlands make your way to the Tiger Temple, where you can watch the gorgeous Sumatran Tiger at play (or asleep). Further along the path you will come to the Africa habitat. With the feel of a safari park here you can see the giraffe, zebra and rhino. You will also see one of the zoo's newest additions, Winston the baby rhino. You may also catch sight of the keepers taking one of the cheetahs for a walk.
See one of the zoos new additions
Australia Zoo is about an hour's drive from Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. There are also bus companies that have entrance and transport packages that depart from Roma St. You can also catch the train to Beerwah station where a free coach meets most services. If you are already at the Sunshine Coast there is a bus that picks up from several locations or the local Sunbus service.
Admission is $59 for adults, $35 for children with family rates are available. It is worthwhile doing some homework before you leave home. Some associations like the RACQ offer discount tickets. More information on how to get there, prices and school holiday activities can be found on the
Australia Zoo website.
Let the kids go wild these school holidays with a trip to Australia Zoo, it is a great day out that the whole family will enjoy.
