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Australia Zoo timings & Best time to visit
- Open daily: 9am – 5pm, except on Christmas day (25th Dec).
- 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.
- For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, when crowds are lighter and lines are shorter. Weekends are busier with families and school groups. So, aim to arrive early to enjoy cooler weather and morning feeding sessions.
- April to September is ideal, when the weather is cooler and animals are more active. March to May and September to early November also offer pleasant conditions and fewer crowds. Try to avoid mid-December to late January, when school holidays and summer heat bring large crowds and longer waits.
Book your Australia Zoo tickets
Where is Australia Zoo located & how to get there
Location
How to get there
Parking
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.
- 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 on-site parking: Australia Zoo offers ample free parking on-site, just off Steve Irwin Way. It’s an easy and convenient option for guests arriving by car, with no need to worry about time limits or fees.
- Accessible parking: Designated parking bays are located close to the zoo’s main entrance for guests with a valid disability parking permit. These spots ensure easy access and a smoother arrival experience.
Top things to do at Australia Zoo
Walk-through zones
Stroll through Bindi’s Island to spot ring-tailed lemurs, or explore the African Savannah to see giraffes, rhinos, and zebras roaming in open spaces.
Animal shows
Don’t miss the Wildlife Warriors show at the Crocoseum, where saltwater crocs leap, birds soar, and zookeepers share conservation stories daily at 1:15 pm.
Wildlife encounters
Hand-feed kangaroos, get up close with giant tortoises, or snap a photo cuddling a koala for some of the most iconic wildlife experiences.
Zoo tours
Go beyond the enclosures with special experiences like the Platinum Zoo Adventure or join a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wildlife Hospital to see real animal rescues in action.
Dining
Snack on some dumplings at the Red Panda Dumpling House, enjoy sandwiches at Crikey Café, or treat the kids to ice cream from The Laughing Frog Lolly Shop.
Shopping & souvenirs
Pick up plush toys, Irwin family merch, or Aussie wildlife gifts at the Australiana and Crocoseum Boutique on your way out.
Know before you go to Australia Zoo
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Dining
Stay
Nearby
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Australia Zoo
Is visiting Australia Zoo worth it?
Absolutely! Australia Zoo isn’t just a zoo, it’s a full-on wildlife adventure. Founded by the Irwin family, it’s world-famous for conservation, hands-on encounters, and live croc shows. Whether you're traveling solo, with kids, or in a group, there’s something for everyone.
How long should I spend at Australia Zoo?
Plan for at least 5–6 hours to explore the major exhibits, catch the Wildlife Warriors show, and enjoy a few animal encounters. If you want to take it slow, grab lunch, and visit every corner, you could easily spend the whole day.
What animal encounters are offered at Australia Zoo?
From cuddling a koala to feeding kangaroos or walking with lemurs, there are dozens of up-close experiences. Some require pre-booking, so plan ahead!
Can I bring my own food into the zoo?
Yes, you can! Picnic areas are available throughout the zoo. Alternatively, there are several cafes and food outlets on-site offering hot meals, snacks, and drinks.
Are pets allowed inside the zoo?
No, pets are not allowed, except for certified assistance animals with proper documentation.
Is there a mobile app for navigating Australia Zoo?
There’s currently no dedicated app, but you’ll receive a zoo map upon entry. Pro tip: take a photo of the schedule board so you don’t miss any live shows or encounters.
Is there a dress code when visiting Australia Zoo?
No strict dress code, just dress smart. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and light layers are your best friends for a full zoo day.
Are there vegetarian or allergy-friendly food options inside the zoo?
Definitely. The cafes offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Still, it’s a good idea to ask staff if you have specific dietary needs.
