Make the Most of Your Visit to the Australia Zoo:
Insider Tips from the Sunshine Coast
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Australia Zoo (the world-famous home of the Irwin family and “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin’s enduring wildlife legacy), we’ve got the true insider guide to making the most of your visit. More than just a zoo, it’s a full-day wildlife adventure filled with animal encounters, conservation education, and a big dose of “Crikey!” energy.
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Today’s insider tips come all the way from Australia, from our team member Aspen, a local there who knows the zoo inside and out. Here are her tips for making your visit the best it can be:
Where Is the Australia Zoo Located?
The Australia Zoo is located in Beerwah, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. You can visit as a day trip from Brisbane or Noosa, but if you have time, it’s worth staying nearby. The beach towns of Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and Caloundra are all within a 20-minute drive and make a perfect home base for exploring both the coast and the zoo.
Australia Zoo Tickets and Hours
- Single-day admission: $75 AUD for adults, $50 AUD for children (ages 3–14), and free for kids under 3
- Opening hours: The zoo opens at 9:00 a.m. daily
- Tip: Arrive as close to opening as possible to make the most of your visit and see the animals at their most active.
Best Way to Start Your Visit
Once you enter, head straight to Guest Services to buy a few bags of “Roo Food” ($3 AUD each). Then go directly to the kangaroo enclosure. Early morning is the best time to visit since the kangaroos are most eager to eat before 11 a.m. Later in the day, they’re often full and more likely to lounge in the shade.
Top Things to Do at the Australia Zoo
There’s plenty to see and do, so check the daily show schedule right when you arrive. Here are some of the best experiences and attractions not to miss:
- Tiger Show: Arrive 30–45 minutes early for a good seat, because it fills up fast!
- Croc Show: The zoo’s signature show at 1:15 p.m. in the Crocoseum. Get there at least 15 minutes early, as members of the Irwin family occasionally make an appearance.
- Koala Walk-Through: Find a keeper under the trees and you can pet a koala for free!
- Koala Encounter: For the ultimate experience, book the Koala Encounter; you’ll get to actually hold a koala, a moment you’ll never forget. (This is one of the few encounters that’s more than just sitting near an animal and feeding it!)
- Wombat Walks: Around 11 a.m., zookeepers take the wombats out for a stroll. Chat with them and meet Mini Bus, the legendary mother of the female wombats.
- Water Park: Bring swim gear for the kids! A mid-day splash is a great way to cool off.
- Wildlife Hospital: Visit the on-site Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where you can watch rescued animals being treated. Since opening, the hospital has cared for over 136,000 animals, continuing Steve Irwin’s conservation legacy.
Best Places to Eat at the Australia Zoo
When it’s time for a break, head to the Crikey Café near the Crocoseum for great coffee and quick bites like burgers, fries, and wraps. For something a bit fresher, the Grasslands Café has the best food overall, with salads and lighter fare.
Why the Australia Zoo Is Worth Visiting
Even if you’re someone who’s unsure about zoos, the Australia Zoo feels different. The enclosures are spacious, the animals look healthy and well cared for, and the focus on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation shines through. Many of the crocodiles were rescued by Steve Irwin himself, and every corner of the zoo honors his life’s work. It feels more like a wildlife sanctuary than a zoo, and that’s what makes it so special.
Before you leave, make sure to stop by the gift shop under the Crocoseum. It’s the largest one and has the widest selection of souvenirs and Irwin family memorabilia.
Where to Stay: Crocodile Hunter Lodge
For a luxury stay that keeps the adventure going, book a night at the Crocodile Hunter Lodge, the zoo’s boutique eco-accommodation. Your stay includes zoo admission and access to the award-winning Warrior Restaurant, which serves locally inspired Australian cuisine in a beautiful natural setting.
At the end of the day, visiting the Australia Zoo is an unforgettable experience for families, animal lovers, and anyone who grew up watching Steve Irwin. Whether you’re splashing in the water park, marveling at the crocodiles, hand-feeding kangaroos, or cuddling a koala, your day at this amazing place will capture the heart and spirit of Australian wildlife.
Thanks again to Aspen for sharing all of her Auzzie insider tips!
Ready for an unforgettable experience surrounded by wildlife? Reach out today and we’ll make sure it’s part of your epic Australian adventure.
Relax, we’ll take care of everything,
Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection
P.S. For more of our travel stories, tips and trends visit our blog.
