Steve Irwin's Dream, Now a World-Class Wildlife Destination
Australia Zoo is far more than just a zoo — it's a living monument to conservation, education, and the legacy of one of Australia's most beloved figures. Founded in 1970 by Bob and Lyn Irwin as a modest two-acre reptile park in Beerwah, the facility was transformed by their son Steve Irwin and his wife Terri into one of the most visited wildlife attractions on the planet. Today, it's run by the next generation: Bindi Irwin serves as CEO, with her brother Robert also playing a key management role.
Spanning over 750 acres of bushland (110 acres open to the public), the zoo is home to more than 1,200 animals representing species from Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. At its heart is the Crocoseum — a 5,000-seat arena where daily Wildlife Warriors shows feature crocodile feedings, birds of prey, and reptile encounters that continue the family's philosophy of conservation through exciting education.
Visitors walk through four kangaroo and wallaby enclosures where hand-feeding is encouraged, explore the African Savannah with giraffes, rhinos and zebras roaming a Serengeti-style landscape, and visit the magnificent Tiger Temple modelled after Cambodia's Angkor Wat. The Elephantasia exhibit houses a small herd of Sumatran elephants in the largest elephant enclosure in Australia.
Every dollar spent at Australia Zoo supports conservation projects worldwide through the Wildlife Warriors foundation — from protecting Sumatran tigers and African cheetahs to rehabilitating injured Australian wildlife at the on-site Wildlife Hospital, which treats up to 10,000 animals per year.
Explore World-Class Animal Habitats
From native Australian wildlife to Africa and Southeast Asia — every exhibit is designed to replicate natural habitats while enabling unforgettable up-close encounters.
Must-See
The Crocoseum
The heart and soul of Australia Zoo. This 5,000-seat arena hosts daily Wildlife Warriors shows featuring giant saltwater crocodiles in crystal-clear pools, birds of prey, and snake demonstrations. Steve Irwin's dream brought to life — and the number one reason visitors come.
Australian
Roo Heaven & Koala Encounters
Walk through four open enclosures to hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and visit koalas. Staff are often present with koalas for patting opportunities. This is the closest you'll get to Australia's most iconic animals anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.
Africa
African Savannah
A multi-species replica of the Serengeti ecosystem where giraffes, southern white rhinos, and plains zebras roam together. Cheetahs and meerkats occupy adjacent exhibits. Queensland bottle trees stand in for African baobabs in this stunning landscape.
Southeast Asia
Tiger Temple
Built to resemble Cambodia's Angkor Wat, this stunning exhibit houses Sumatran tigers with 80 metres of lush habitat, swimming pools, and the southern hemisphere's only underwater tiger viewing area. An architectural masterpiece and conservation showcase.
Southeast Asia
Elephantasia
Australia's largest elephant enclosure — a 12-acre tropical oasis home to four Sumatran elephants. With wading pools, fountains and tropical gardens, this state-of-the-art habitat opened fully in 2021. Catch the daily Elephants LIVE keeper talk at midday.
Family Favourite
Bindi's Island
A three-storey treehouse built around a replica fig tree, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the zoo. Walk alongside ring-tailed lemurs in this interactive exhibit — named after Bindi Irwin and inspired by her childhood treehouse from Bindi The Jungle Girl.
Australian
Grace's Bird Garden
Formerly the Rainforest Aviary, this lush walk-through garden is home to over 170 birds from 19+ species. Renamed in honour of Bindi's daughter, it's a peaceful refuge filled with native lorikeets, cockatoos, and the enchanting Rose-crowned Fruit Dove.
Conservation
Wildlife Hospital
A fully operational 1,300-square-metre facility with two operating theatres treating up to 10,000 injured native animals per year. Visitors can view the Sneak Peek area (included with admission) to see the team in action — a powerful window into real conservation work.
Conservation Shows & Keeper Talks
Every day is packed with live shows and keeper presentations included with your admission. Times are subject to change — check the daily schedule on arrival.
Grace's Bird Garden Feed Out
Watch keepers feed the aviary's beautiful (and shy) birds. Learn about native species conservation, including the Rose-crowned Fruit Dove.
Tortoises LIVE!
Meet some of the zoo's oldest residents. Learn about tortoise species, their lifespans, and global conservation challenges.
Reptiles LIVE
Giant pythons, exotic lizards, tortoises and occasionally a venomous snake — up close with the zoo's keepers. Photo opportunities available after the show.
Elephants LIVE!
Join keepers at Elephantasia to meet the Sumatran elephants. Watch them demonstrate their dexterous trunks and playful personalities.
Wildlife Warriors Show
The main event in the Crocoseum. Crocodile feeding, birds of prey swooping overhead, and reptile demonstrations. An unmissable spectacle — arrive early for the best seats.
Roving Animal Team
Keepers walk the grounds throughout the day with alligators, birds, snakes and lizards. Impromptu photo opportunities pop up all over the park.
A Day at Australia Zoo
Everything You Need to Know
Essential planning details for your day at Queensland's most iconic wildlife attraction.
Opening Hours
Open daily 9am–5pm, 364 days a year. Closed only on Christmas Day (25 December). Some animals go to bed at 4:30pm, so plan accordingly. Shows run throughout the day — check the schedule board at entry.
Ticket Prices
Adults $74.95, children (3–14) $46.95, students/seniors discounted. Family pass (2A+2C) from ~$217.95. Under 3s free. Birthday kids (3–14) enter free within 7 days of their birthday. Tickets from the official site have no expiry date.
Getting There
1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519. About 1 hour north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway, 30 mins from Sunshine Coast Airport. Free parking. Free shuttle from Beerwah train station. Bus/coach tours available from Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Food & Drink
Multiple venues including the 1,500-seat Crikey! Café, Grasslands Café, and food vending stands. You can bring your own food (no glass, alcohol or plastic straws). Water bottle refill stations throughout the zoo.
Getting Around
Steve's Safari Shuttle runs a bitumen circuit around the park. Electric shuttles serve the Africa/Asia exhibits. Wheelchair, pram and mobility scooter hire available at Admissions ($70/day for scooters). Expect to walk 6–8km over a full day.
Premium Experiences
VIP and behind-the-scenes tours available at extra cost, including the Platinum Adventure with exclusive animal encounters. Crikey! Clubhouse available for private hire. Animal adoption programs also offered.
🌿 Insider Tips for Your Visit
Arrive at 9am Sharp Head to Roo Heaven first to feed the kangaroos before the crowds build. Then plan your day around the show schedule.
Plan a Full Day The zoo covers a huge area — you'll walk 6-8km. Allow at least 4–6 hours to see everything comfortably, and longer if you want to catch multiple shows.
Sun Protection is Essential Much of the zoo is outdoors with limited shade in some areas. Hats, sunscreen and water bottles are must-haves. Refill stations are available throughout.
Don't Miss the Crocoseum The afternoon Wildlife Warriors Show is the highlight. Arrive 15–20 minutes early for good seats in the 5,000-seat arena.
Bring Your Own Food Unlike many parks, Australia Zoo allows BYO food (no glass, alcohol or plastic straws). Pack a lunch to save money and eat in the shaded picnic areas.
Kids' Birthday Freebie Children aged 3–14 get free entry within 7 days of their birthday. Bring a birth certificate or passport as proof — a brilliant saving for families.
Combine Australia Zoo with a Guided Tour
Don't want to drive? Several tour operators offer return transport from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast — combined with expert local commentary and convenient pickup/drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia Zoo is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, 364 days a year. It is closed only on Christmas Day (25 December). Note that some animals retire to their night quarters at 4:30pm, so it's best to arrive early to maximise your experience.
Adult tickets are $74.95 (or $72.95 without the Wildlife Hospital Sneak Peek). Children (3–14) are $46.95. A family pass for 2 adults and 2 children is approximately $217.95. Students and seniors receive discounted rates with valid ID. Children under 3 enter free. Annual passes are also available, and you can upgrade a day ticket to an annual pass for $89 before leaving the park.
Yes! Unlike many theme parks, Australia Zoo welcomes guests to bring their own food and drinks. The only restrictions are no glass containers, no alcoholic beverages, and no plastic straws. There are also multiple on-site dining options including cafés and food stands.
Absolutely. The zoo has multiple playgrounds, a jumping pillow, and the Laughing Frog Waterpark for kids. Prams are welcome on all paths, and pram hire is available at Admissions. The gentle kangaroo and koala encounters are perfect for young children, and the shows are designed to be engaging for all ages.
You can take the train from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Beerwah station, where a free complimentary shuttle runs to the zoo. Day tour operators like JP Tours and Croc Tours also provide round-trip coach services from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and various Sunshine Coast locations. Some ticket packages include return transport.
Yes, Australia Zoo offers free on-site parking for all visitors. The zoo is located at 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah — easily accessible via the Bruce Highway, approximately one hour north of Brisbane.
Photography is encouraged throughout the zoo. The roving animal team walks the grounds with various animals for impromptu photo opportunities. Professional photos are available for purchase after certain shows and encounters. Tripods and professional equipment may require prior permission.
Rain, hail or shine — Australia Zoo is open and all regular activities run as normal. Many exhibits have covered viewing areas. Umbrellas and rain ponchos are available for purchase on-site. Some animals are actually more active in cooler, rainy weather, making it a surprisingly good time to visit.
Explore More on the Sunshine Coast
Australia Zoo sits at the gateway to the Glass House Mountains and the wider Sunshine Coast. Combine your visit with nearby attractions for an unforgettable trip.
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