Australia Zoo - Beerwah - Queensland - Review
On her recent trip to Queensland, Kate took her little ones to Australia Zoo for the ultimate day out to see and interact with wonderful wildlife, see wildlife shows and have lots of fun along the way! Thank you to Australia Zoo for inviting us and thank you Kate for this wonderful review. x Catherine To follow Kate’s adventures, head to her page @kateflatman.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Australia Zoo - home of the Crocodile Hunter - on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland, is nestled on over 70 acres of natural Australian bushland. With over 1,200 gorgeous native and exotic animals, a line up of free wildlife shows daily, interactive animal encounters and an action-packed 24-hour Wildlife Hospital, there is never a dull moment at Australia Zoo.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
If you've ever wanted to cuddle a koala, walk alongside a cheeky cheetah, get up close to a gorgeous lemur, wrap a python around your shoulders or waddle with a wombat, then Australia Zoo is your ultimate destination.
Located just under an hour’s drive north of Brisbane or south of Noosa, there is no better place to spend a day with the entire family than at Australia Zoo. Here is a list of highlights from our recent visit:
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
The Crocoseum
A visit to The Crocoseum to watch the world famous Wildlife Warriors Show is a must! Held every day at 12pm, keepers and their amazing animals will take you on a slithering, swooping, jaw-snapping adventure of epic proportions. See giant snakes, colourful, soaring birds and the highlight; Steve Irwin's favourite animal in the entire world - the impressive saltwater crocodile.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Roo Heaven
Purchase some roo food for a couple of dollars and watch the enchantment on your children’s faces as they feed the friendly red and grey kangaroos as they laze about and roam around in their large outdoor enclosure.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Wildlife Hospital
Located at the rear of the main carpark, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital was opened in March 2004, inspired by the memory of Lyn Irwin (Steve’s Mum), who was a pioneer in wildlife care in Queensland. It was Steve Irwin's dream to build the world's largest wildlife hospital at Beerwah to honour his mother Lyn, and to provide a lifeline for nature's innocent victims - providing sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with leading-edge treatment and rehabilitation before eventual release back to the wild. The incredible team in the hospital have already treated more than 80,00 patients. By purchasing a $2 Sneak Peak donation, you can visit the Wildlife Hospital and see first hand the vital work that is taking place.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Pat A Koala
Admire our best known Aussie icon and visit Koala Walkthrough, where you can pat a cuddly koala or watch them snoozing or eating amongst the eucalyptus trees.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Tiger Temple
Home to the majestic Sumatrans and Bengal tigers, Tiger Temple provides an amazing opportunity for you to get up-close with these magnificent big cats. At 2.00pm daily, watch the popular Tiger Show and observe the tigers showcasing their impressive speed, agility and confidence both on land, and in water. If you’re lucky you might even see them swimming in the underwater viewing area - the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Be sure to arrive early for the show as seating is limited.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Kids Zoo
Have some farmyard fun at the Kids Zoo located adjacent to The Crocoseum. Little ones will love feeding and patting the super cute baby animals in their enclosures.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Bindi’s Island
Visit Bindi’s Island, a tropical island paradise that has ring-tailed lemurs free roaming amongst giant tortoises, colourful macaws, an alligator snapping turtle + Bindi’s three-storey treehouse, which offers sweeping views of Australia Zoo.
Roving Wildlife
The Wandering Wildlife team regularly roam around Australia Zoo with animals to meet. Get up close for a pat or to snap a photo with a possum, blue tongue, baby alligator, snake, koala or cockatoo to name a few.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Africa
Catch the FREE Safari Shuttle and explore the wide open plains of the 24-acre African savannah to see the only multi species exhibit in Queensland. Marvel at the gorgeous giraffe, rhino and zebra or meet one of the mischievous meerkat families.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Play Areas
If the kids need a break from the animals, there are several play spaces located within the zoo for them to run around. Outside The Crocoseum, kids will love the giant jumping pillow, tea cup ride and recently opened Laughing Frog Water Park. At Bindi’s Bootcamp Playground you will find a rock climbing wall and heaps of gooey, scaly, interactive games to play and challenges to complete. The poppets loved exploring the little shaded playground adjacent to the wombats and snakes too.
Photo credit: @busycitykids for @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Steve and Terri Irwin's vision has always been to make Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the entire world. With conservation projects on-going and expansion plans going full steam ahead (including ‘Camp Crocodile Hunter’ which will open in 2020 as part of Australia Zoo’s 50th anniversary celebrations), Australia Zoo is certainly delivering an animal experience like no other and keeping Steve's dreams and legacy alive.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Our tips:
Don’t forget your camera!
Be sure to make use of Steve's Safari Shuttle for internal transport, hosted by friendly and knowledgeable guides, it can help tired legs or respite from the sun/rain.
Allow at least four to six hours to explore Australia Zoo, depending on the age of your children. We were there for nearly eight hours with our nearly 5yo twins. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is open until 5.30pm so we visited for thirty minutes after the Zoo had closed at 5.00pm.
Check out the range of animal encounters, Zoo tours and studio photo opportunities that are available for an additional cost.
Do your homework before you arrive. Visit the Australia Zoo website and make a list of the animals, shows, exhibits, etc. that you wish to see. Alternatively download the Australia Zoo app onto your phone for exhibit information, as well as handy hints on how to book an encounter, which shows to catch, and where to eat lunch. It also has a really awesome day planner and show reminders to make sure you don't miss all the action.
Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all weather conditions with a hat, sunscreen and umbrella or rain poncho.
Bring snacks and a picnic or enjoy a bite to eat in the two-storey, 1500-seat Feeding Frenzy food court or Dingo Diner, as well as several kiosks and beverage and ice cream vendors though the Zoo grounds.
Keep hydrated and drink water. You can refill your water bottle at one of several drinking taps.
Ramps, pathways and enclosures are designed to be accessible by prams, wheelchairs and motorised scooters. Prams, tag-along wagons and lockers are also available for hire.
There are several parents nursing rooms + most toilet blocks have toddler seats in bathroom stalls.
Busy City Kids were invited to experience Australia Zoo for the purpose of a review. All opinions & feedback are genuine & truthful. Travel and food was self funded.