Australia Zoo Opening Hours | Best Times & Duration

Australia Zoo

Open daily from 9am – 5pm, except Christmas Day. Most animals retire by 4:3 pm, when exhibits start closing.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	09:00–17:00
Tuesday (Today)	09:00–17:00
Wednesday	09:00–17:00
Thursday	09:00–17:00
Friday	09:00–17:00
Saturday	09:00–17:00
Sunday	09:00–17:00

Early morning entry is key, enter by 9am to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Animal shows follow a set schedule (e.g., 9:30am – Grace’s Bird Garden; 11am – Tigers). Check the zoo map or app for precise timings.
Most animal exhibits close around 4:30 pm, so aim to visit these before then.

Best time to visit the Australia Zoo

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays (especially outside school holidays): Most peaceful option, shorter queues for Crocoseum, habitats, and food outlets.

Weekends & public holidays: Busier, especially between 11 am–2 pm due to peak showtimes. Arrive early to get ahead of crowds.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Peak season vs low season

Peak Season (December–January, April, and September School Holidays): Australia Zoo is at its liveliest during summer and school holiday periods. Expect large crowds, high ticket demand, and Queensland’s characteristic hot, humid weather. Attractions like the Crocoseum and dining venues are often packed between 11 am–2 pm, so early arrival is key.

Low Season (March–May & August–November): Autumn and spring offer a more relaxed zoo experience with fewer visitors and comfortable, mild temperatures. These months are ideal for catching more animal talks, enjoying unhurried encounters, and taking full advantage of water play areas, shaded zones, and keeper demonstrations.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long do I spend at Australia Zoo?

A visit to Australia Zoo can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on your interests and pace.

If you're visiting with kids or want to enjoy the animal shows, wildlife encounters, and zones like Bindi’s Island or Elephantsia, expect to spend around 6–7 hours.

If you just want to catch the Crocoseum show, visit key animals, and explore the major zones, you can cover the essentials in 4–5 hours. Arriving early helps avoid the crowds.

Planning to attend every live show, explore every zone (including Africa and the Wildlife Hospital), and maybe fit in a paid animal encounter? Set aside a full day (7–8 hours) to do it all at a relaxed pace.

Frequently asked questions about Australia Zoo opening hours

Is Australia Zoo open on public holidays?

Australia Zoo is open 364 days a year and only closes on Christmas Day. It’s a perfect holiday activity for families and travelers alike.

Are seasonal hours different in summer vs. winter?

Core hours (9am – 5pm) stay consistent year-round. However, daylight hours may influence animal activity and visitor flow, with summer mornings being slightly busier.

When is the best time of day to visit Australia Zoo?

Mornings are golden. Arriving at 9am gives you a chance to catch early animal feedings, enjoy cooler weather, and grab the best seats for the Wildlife Warriors show at noon.

Is the zoo open during rainy weather?

Yes, the zoo stays open rain or shine. Some outdoor shows might adjust timing depending on severe weather, but indoor exhibits and animal enclosures remain open.

Is there a time limit on how long I can stay in the zoo?

Once you're inside, you're welcome to stay until closing at 5pm. Take your time soaking in the experience.

Can I leave and re-enter on the same day?

Yes! You can re-enter. Just let a staff member know before exiting so they can give you a hand stamp for re-entry.

Are there early access or after-hours experiences available?

Yes, there are VIP behind-the-scenes experiences that may begin before 9am or run after 5pm. These must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.