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Follow in Steve Irwin’s footsteps at the zoo he and Terri built—once a small reptile park, now a global wildlife haven where every show and exhibit continues his mission to protect wildlife.
Experience the best of Australia Zoo
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Australia Zoo tickets: Wildlife encounters, live shows & conservation
Spanning over 1,000 acres of lush habitat, Australia Zoo is the ultimate wildlife adventure on Sunshine Coast. Founded by Steve Irwin and his family, this award-winning zoo invites you to interact with over 1,200 animals in immersive, open-air habitats.
From catching crocodile shows at the Crocoseum and exploring global habitats like Africa and Southeast Asia to seeing koalas, giraffes, and wombats up close, it’s a full day of learning and hands-on fun for guests of all ages.
Ready to plan your visit? Scroll down to explore ticket options, must-see attractions inside the zoo, and tips on how to make the most of your time at Australia Zoo.
Your guide to Australia Zoo tickets
- Top 6 reasons to tick Dreamworld off your bucket list
- Explore your Australia Zoo ticket options
- Brisbane vs Sunshine Coast: Compare your travel options to Australia Zoo
- Step into the wild: Australia Zoo’s animal habitats
- Get closer than ever: Animal encounters at Australia Zoo
- Your checklist for Australia Zoo
- Your Australia Zoo playbook
- Australia Zoo tickets FAQs
6 reasons to visit Australia Zoo, the Crocodile Hunter’s legacy
Celebrate Steve Irwin’s legacy
Plan a day trip from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast
Reach the zoo in just an hour from Brisbane or 30 mins from Sunshine Coast, with hotel transfers that make the visit seamless.
Visit the Crocoseum
Watch saltwater crocodiles leap out of water at the famous Wildlife Warriors Show. This arena also has live birds, snakes, and conservation demos.
Meet your favourite animals
Feed giraffes,koalas, and join zookeepers for wildlife talks across immersive habitats.
See the Wildlife Hospital
Watch vets treat rescued wildlife at one of the largest animal hospitals in the world. Visitor tours directly support care for koalas, echidnas, sea turtles, and more.
Explore vast, open-air animal habitats
Wander through zones that mirror wild landscapes—from the African savannah to Southeast Asia’s lush jungles.
Find the right Australia Zoo ticket for your day out
Entry ticket + round-trip transfers
- Price: Starting from AU$184
- Duration: 9-11 hours
- What's included: Entry to Australia Zoo, 6 hours of self-guided exploration, round-trip hotel transfers from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast, and an English-speaking driver-guide.
- Perfect for: Visitors staying in Brisbane or Sunshine Coast who want a convenient, all-in-one day trip to the world-famous zoo.
Whether you're in Brisbane or Sunshine Coast, this ticket gets you to Australia Zoo hassle-free, so you can focus on crocs, koalas, and a full day of wildlife fun.
Recommended experience
- From Sunshine Coast: Australia Zoo Tickets with Hotel Transfers
- 2-Day Pass: Dreamworld Gold Coast + SkyPoint Observation Deck Tickets
Entry ticket + combo experience
- Price: Starting from AU$540
- Duration: 10-11 hours
- What's included: Entry to Australia Zoo, 6 hours of self-guided exploration, free time at Mooloolaba Beach, round-trip hotel transfers from Brisbane, and an English-speaking driver-guide.
- Perfect for: Visitors staying in Brisbane who want to combine wildlife adventures with a relaxing beach visit—all in one day.
From close encounters with crocs to coastal strolls by the sea, this combo lets you experience the best of both worlds, Australia Zoo and beautiful Mooloolaba Beach with hassle-free transport taken care of.
Recommended experience
- Australia Zoo, Mooloolaba Beach & Surf Club Tour with Lunch & Drinks
Brisbane or Sunshine Coast? Pick your path to Australia Zoo
From Brisbane to Australia Zoo
- Price: Starting from AU$195
- Duration: 9-11 hours
- Pros & cons: Early pickup maximizes zoo time. The journey is long (approx. 90 mins each way), but door-to-door transfers ensure a comfortable and stress-free day.
From Sunshine Coast to Australia Zoo
- Price: Starting from AU$184
- Duration: 9–10 hours
- Pros & cons: Shorter travel time (approx. 30 mins each way) means you’ll have a more relaxed zoo visit. It’s slightly more affordable than the Brisbane option, but availability may be limited to select Sunshine Coast areas.
Take a closer look at Australia Zoo’s habitats
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Crocoseum
Steve Irwin’s one-of-a-kind arena featuring clear-water ponds for close-up views of crocodiles. The Wildlife Warriors Show combines crocs, snakes, and birds in a thrilling, educational experience.
Cheetah Grasslands
This 2.5‑acre state-of-the-art habitat mimics open African savannahs, complete with grassy plains and natural waterways. It gives these lightning-fast cats room to run and visitors a rare chance to see them in action.
The Tiger Temple
Stylized like Angkor Wat, this zone is the Southern Hemisphere’s only big-cat exhibit with underwater viewing where you can watch Sumatran tigers swim.
Elephantasia
Covering 12 acres, this zone is Australia’s largest Sumatran elephant enclosure. Visitors enjoy tropical landscapes, a splash pool, and daily conservation talks designed to support elephant welfare and awareness.
Grace’s Bird Garden
Once the Rainforest Aviary, this zone now houses over 170 colorful birds across a walk-through, tropical environment.
Bindi’s Island
Built around a grand ficus tree, Bindi’s Island is a three-level adventure hub with free-roaming lemurs, giant tortoises, macaws, and more.
Meet the wildlife: Animal encounters at Australia Zoo
Leapin’ Lemurs Encounter
Board a barge to Lemur Island and meet a troop of ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat. These playful primates may even take treats from your hands, all while you learn about their behaviour and conservation.
Plan your visit to Australia Zoo
- Open daily: 9am – 5pm, except on Christmas day (25th Dec).
- Best time: Visit between April and September for cooler weather and active animals, especially in the mornings. Weekdays are quieter with shorter lines, while weekends are busier but more vibrant.
- Tip: Aim to arrive before 11:30 AM to catch the animals at their most active, morning feedings, and prime seats at the midday Crocoseum show. Most wildlife exhibits wind down by 4:30pm, though shops and dining stay open until 5pm.
- By bus: Catch a Sunshine Coast/Berkeley Vale Translink bus or Sunbus to Beerwah, then transfer to the free Australia Zoo shuttle that meets buses at the park entrance.
- By car: A quick 5‑minute drive from Beerwah and approximately 60 minutes from Brisbane or 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast via Bruce Highway with free parking at Steve Irwin Way.
- By train: Take a Queensland Rail train to Beerwah Station, then hop on the free Australia Zoo courtesy shuttle (must be pre-booked).
- By transfers: Hassle-free pickup and return available from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast hotels through transfer packages.
- Free & accessible parking: Complimentary on-site parking along Steve Irwin Way with clearly marked disabled spaces near the entrance.
- Equipment hire: Reserve prams ($30/day), pull-along wagons ($35/day), manual wheelchairs ($35/day – $30 concession), or mobility scooters ($70/day – $65 concession) with a refundable security deposit at Guest Services.
- Lockers & storage: Secure small, medium, and large lockers available near the entrance. Hire from AU$5 (4 hrs) up to AU$15 (full day).
- Park map & show schedule: Grab a printed map and daily feeding/show schedule at entry or download the digital version to plan your route.
- Wheelchair & scooter access: Wide pathways, ramps, elevator access to key zones (e.g., Crocoseum & Crikey Café), and shuttle services are wheelchair-friendly.
- Service animals: Certified assistance/guide dogs are welcome with 72‑hour notice to accommodate biosecurity and animal safety.
- Changing places & parents’ rooms: Multiple nursing rooms and changing places f are available, including private mother’s rooms and adult-change amenities.
- Rest zones: Shaded seating, playground areas, and the Laughing Frog water park provide rest stops for families.
- Supervise your kids: The zoo spans 100+ acres with free-roaming kangaroos and walk-through enclosures. Keep children close, especially in open zones.
- Outside food & drinks allowed: Guests may bring their own food (no glass, alcohol, or plastic straws). Enjoy a picnic in shaded areas or choose from the zoo’s cafes.
- Smoke only in marked zones: Smoking and vaping are prohibited outside designated areas. Check your zoo map for locations.
- Follow enclosure rules: Don’t feed animals unless food is purchased on-site, sanitize hands after interactions, and always stay behind barriers, especially near crocodile zones and wildlife presentations.
- Check show schedules early: Animal encounters and live shows run at set times. Plan ahead using the zoo map or daily schedule to catch your must-sees.
Australia Zoo is Australia’s most iconic wildlife park, home to over 1,200 animals across sprawling, themed habitats. Enter via the main entrance and easily explore all major zones, wildlife encounters, conservation exhibits, and family-friendly facilities.
- Crikey Café: Near the Crocoseum, this central eatery dishes up woodfired pizzas, gourmet burgers, sushi, and fresh salads in a shaded, open-air setting.
- Grasslands Café: Overlooking the African Savannah, munch on cheetah bread shibobos and piri piri wraps while enjoying views of giraffes and rhinos.
- Red Panda Dumpling House: Located near Tiger Temple, this peaceful spot serves up piping-hot dumplings and Asian-inspired bites in a lush bamboo backdrop.
- The Laughing Frog Lolly Shop: By the Laughing Frog Water Park, it’s a sweet tooth’s dream with over 300 lollies, mega milkshakes, scooped ice cream, and fairy floss.
Luxury hotels
Mid-range hotels
Budget hotels
- SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast: Just 25 minutes away in Mooloolaba, this family-friendly aquarium features ocean tunnels, shark encounters, and touch pools.
- The Ginger Factory: Located 30 minutes north in Yandina, enjoy ginger tastings, rainforest train rides, and family attractions at this quirky heritage destination.
- Glass House Mountains Lookout: Only 17 minutes from the zoo, this scenic spot offers views of ancient volcanic peaks, ideal for a quick hike or picnic.
- Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World: Around 20 minutes away in the hinterland, explore lush gardens and get up close with exotic birds in a rainforest setting.
Your Australia Zoo visiting guide
- Bring your heat pack: The Queensland sun can get intense. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle as shade can be limited in parts of the zoo.
- Download the map first: Signage is patchy. Use the digital map for walking routes, show times, and “you are here” markers.
- Break the zoo into zones: It’s a 700-acre zoo. Plan by section to avoid backtracking and tired little feet.
- Ride, don’t hike: Hop on the shuttle (especially to the African Savannah). It’s a long, hot walk otherwise.
- Pack lunch or snacks: Food can be pricey and average. Bringing your own is cheaper, tastier, and kid-approved.
- Time your shows right: The Crocoseum fills fast. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for the best seats and shady spots.
Frequently asked questions about Australia Zoo tickets
Your entry covers access to all zoo habitats, daily wildlife shows, the splash play area for kids, and a sneak peek at the Wildlife Hospital through a glass panel.
Yes. You can bundle your general admission with unique experiences like “Zoo Keeper for a Day” or “Wildlife Hospital sneak peeks”.
To see everything at a relaxed pace, plan to spend at least 5–6 hours. With kids, you’ll want the full day.
No. The encounters are a separate booking, but totally worth it. Imagine patting a wombat, feeding giraffes, or even holding a koala.
Yes, just make sure to get your hand stamped before exiting.
Pets are not allowed, but certified assistance animals are permitted under certain guidelines. Call ahead to arrange.
Yes! From croc feeding to birds of prey in flight, the zoo’s live shows are a highlight and run throughout the day.
Yes, there is a gift shop filled with wildlife plush toys, books, shirts, and souvenirs. It’s located near the main entrance/exit.
It’s a behind-glass viewing zone into the real vet clinic where injured animals are treated and included in the general admission ticket.
Australia Zoo is owned and operated by the Irwin family, continuing Steve Irwin’s legacy of wildlife conservation and education. You might even spot Terri, Bindi, or Robert during special zoo events.
Most are, but some animal zones or experiences may be rotated for maintenance or animal rest days. Always check the zoo schedule.
