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Australia Zoo 101: Your guide to a wild day out

Australia Zoo, located in Beerwah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, spans over 750 acres and hosts more than 1,200 animals. A legacy of Steve Irwin, this world‑class zoo combines thrilling animal presentations with immersive wildlife experiences and...

Founded On

1970

Founded By

Bob & Lyn Irwin

About

Quick Information

ADDRESS

1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

Timings

09:00–17:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

700000

TICKETS

From AU$ 179

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Spanning 750 acres, Australia Zoo is among Australia’s largest private wildlife conservation parks.

It’s one of the only zoos in Australia where you can view Sumatran and Bengal tigers up close.

In 2023, Australia Zoo welcomed quokkas, known as the “world’s happiest animal”, as ambassadors for conservation

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Book your Australia Zoo tickets

From Brisbane: Australia Zoo Tickets with Transfers

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

9 hr

Transfers included

More details

from

AU$179

From Brisbane: Australia Zoo, Mooloolaba Beach & Surf Club Tour with Lunch & Drinks

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

11 hr

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

More details

from

AU$495

From Sunshine Coast: Australia Zoo Tickets with Transfers

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

9 hr

Transfers included

More details

from

AU$169

What is Australia Zoo?

Australia Zoo is the most iconic wildlife attraction on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Spanning over 700 acres, it’s home to more than 1,200 animals and open-air habitats, including the Tiger Temple and Bindi’s Island.

Founded by Steve Irwin and his family, the zoo lets you watch crocodiles launching out of the water in the world-famous Crocoseum, hand-feed kangaroos, and enjoy thrilling wildlife shows throughout the day. With a strong focus on conservation and animal welfare plus plenty of dining spots and family-friendly zones, Australia Zoo delivers a full day of wild adventure and unforgettable encounters.

The Irwin family story: Generations of conservation & care

1970: A humble start
Bob and Lyn Irwin opened Beerwah Reptile & Fauna Park to rescue and care for native wildlife.
1982–1990: Park expansion & Steve joins
The park doubled in size and became the Queensland Reptile & Fauna Park. Young Steve Irwin began catching and relocating wild crocodiles.
1992–1998: Global spotlight
Steve and Terri Iwin launched The Crocodile Hunter and renamed the park Australia Zoo in 1998.
1998–2006: Family & conservation growth
Bindi and Robert were born, and the Wildlife Hospital opened in 2004 in Lyn Irwin’s memory..
2006: Steve Irwin’s Passing
Steve Irwin passed away. Terri, Bindi, and Robert continued his mission and grew the zoo’s conservation impact.
2007–Present: The Legacy lives on
The Irwins expanded the zoo and launched global projects like Wildlife Warriors.

Conservation in action: Australia Zoo’s ongoing mission

Wildlife reserves

Australia Zoo protects over 450,000 acres across Queensland, including the 135,000-acre Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, home to rare species like the speartooth shark.

Wildlife hospital

Treating 10,000+ animals annually, the 24/7 on-site hospital provides free specialist care for injured wildlife like koalas, flying foxes, and turtles.

Breeding & recovery

The zoo runs active breeding programs for endangered species like the Sumatran tiger, Greater bilby, and Tasmanian devil, supporting recovery and reintroduction.

Global projects

Through Wildlife Warriors, Australia Zoo backs 17+ global conservation programs helping rhinos in Africa, tigers in Sumatra, and local croc conservation.

Education in action

Wildlife shows, animal encounters, and kids’ programs deliver on the mission of “Conservation Through Exciting Education”, inspiring future wildlife champions.

Inside Australia Zoo: Animals, zones & shows

Crocoseum

Watch crocs launch from the water, birds swoop overhead, and snakes slither in this 5,000-seat live wildlife show arena.

See all photos

Get closer: Shows & encounters you’ll remember

Irwin family member interacting with a lemur at Australia Zoo.

Leapin’ Lemurs Encounter

Board a barge to Lemur Island and hand-feed a troop of ring-tailed lemurs in their naturalistic habitat. Expect playful up-close interactions guided by expert zookeepers.

Cuddly Koala Encounter

Hold a koala under keeper supervision at scheduled times (e.g. 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:45 pm). The session includes a professional photo and keeper commentary.

Robert Irwin up close with Komodo Dragon in Australia Zoo

Colossal Komodo Encounter

Experience one of Queensland’s only Komodo dragon encounters. Stand close to the world’s largest lizard to observe its size, behavior, and conservation story in a safe and guided setting.

Wildlife Warriors Show

Australia Zoo’s signature show featuring saltwater crocodiles, slithering snakes, and soaring birds in a rip-snorting show that educates and entertains thousands daily.

Grace’s Bird Garden Feed Out

Join keeper Grace as she feeds a vibrant mix of 150+ birds like Rose-Crowned Fruit Doves and Bush Stone-Curlews, while highlighting their conservation needs.

Tortoises LIVE!

Watch Aldabra tortoises Jarvis and Igloo enjoy fruit and veggies, with insights from keepers about their origins, diet, and behavior, plus an optional photo opp.

Plan your visit to Australia Zoo

Opening hours

Getting there

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.

Australia Zoo is a world-renowned wildlife conservation park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, just under an hour from Brisbane and 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast. Spread across 700 acres, it features immersive habitats, live shows, and family-friendly attractions, all built on Steve Irwin’s legacy.

Address: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia. Find on Map.

Frequently asked questions about Australia Zoo

Is Australia Zoo suitable for kids and families?

Absolutely! With hands-on animal encounters, a zoo playground, and shows that keep kids entertained and educated, it’s a family favorite. Kids under 3 even enter for free!

What makes Australia Zoo different from other zoos?

It’s not just about observing animals, it’s about interacting with them. Guests can hand-feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, watch thrilling croc shows, and even book wildlife hospital tours. It’s personal, exciting, and conservation-driven.

What are some hidden gems within Australia Zoo?

The Wombat Walkthrough offers a rare chance to see these chunky charmers up close, especially during morning keeper walks. For a cooler escape, head into Robert’s Reptile House, home to over 20 fascinating reptile and frog species. It’s quiet, educational, and often blissfully uncrowded.

Can I visit the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital?

You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wildlife Hospital, where real-life veterinary heroes care for sick and injured animals. It's a unique way to see conservation in action—and feel good while you're at it.

What animals can I expect to see at Australia Zoo?

Expect everything from crocodiles and koalas to tigers, giraffes, rhinos, red pandas, lemurs, and even echidnas. It’s a world-class mix of Aussie natives and exotic species.

Are animal encounters included in the ticket price?

Basic entry gives you access to shows, exhibits, and wildlife zones, but one-on-one encounters (like patting a cheetah or feeding a giant tortoise) cost extra.

Is Australia Zoo suitable for elderly visitors?

Yes! The zoo is mostly flat and paved, with plenty of seating. Mobility scooters are available for hire too.