Over 1,200 animals across 110 acres of world-class habitats. From the legendary Crocoseum to the African Savannah and Tiger Temple — experience Steve Irwin's enduring legacy on the Sunshine Coast.
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 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.
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 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 — the number one reason visitors come.
Australian
Walk through four open enclosures to hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and visit koalas. Staff are often present with koalas for patting opportunities. The closest you'll get to Australia's most iconic animals anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.
Africa
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
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
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
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 from Bindi The Jungle Girl.
Australian
A lush walk-through garden home to over 170 birds from 19+ species. Named in honour of Bindi's daughter, it's a peaceful refuge filled with native lorikeets, cockatoos, and the enchanting Rose-crowned Fruit Dove.
A fully operational 1,300m² 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) — a powerful window into real conservation work.
Every day is packed with live shows and keeper presentations included with your admission. Times subject to change — check the daily schedule board on arrival.
Watch keepers feed the aviary's beautiful birds. Learn about native species conservation, including the Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and rare cockatoos.
Meet some of the zoo's oldest residents. Learn about tortoise species, their extraordinary lifespans, and global conservation challenges.
Giant pythons, exotic lizards, and occasionally a venomous snake — up close with the zoo's keepers. Photo opportunities after the show.
Join keepers at Elephantasia to meet the Sumatran elephants and watch them demonstrate their dexterous trunks and playful personalities.
The main event in the Crocoseum. Crocodile feeding, birds of prey swooping overhead, reptile demonstrations. Arrive 15 minutes early for good seats.
Keepers walk the grounds throughout the day with alligators, birds, snakes and lizards. Impromptu photo opportunities pop up all over the park.
Essential planning details for your day at Queensland's most iconic wildlife attraction.
Open daily 9am–5pm, 364 days a year. Closed only on Christmas Day (25 December). Some animals go to bed at 4:30pm — plan accordingly. Shows run throughout the day; check the schedule board at entry.
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. Annual upgrades available for $89 before leaving.
1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519. About 1 hour north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. Free parking. Free shuttle from Beerwah train station. Coach tours available from Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
You can bring your own food (no glass, alcohol or plastic straws) — a rare perk among major attractions. Multiple on-site venues including Crikey! Café (1,500 seats), Grasslands Café, and food vending stands throughout.
Steve's Safari Shuttle runs a circuit around the park. Electric shuttles serve the Africa/Asia exhibits. Wheelchair, pram and mobility scooter hire at Admissions ($70/day for scooters). Expect to walk 6–8km over a full day.
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 on offer for conservation supporters.
Arrive at 9am SharpHead to Roo Heaven first to feed the kangaroos before crowds build, then plan your day around the show schedule to hit every must-see.
Plan a Full DayThe zoo covers a huge area — expect to walk 6–8km. Allow at least 4–6 hours to see everything comfortably, longer to catch multiple shows.
Sun Protection is EssentialMuch of the zoo is outdoors with limited shade in places. Hats, sunscreen and water bottles are must-haves. Refill stations are available throughout.
Don't Miss the CrocoseumThe afternoon Wildlife Warriors Show is the highlight. Arrive 15–20 minutes early for good seats — the 5,000-seat arena fills quickly during holidays.
Bring Your Own LunchUnlike most big attractions, Australia Zoo allows BYO food (no glass, alcohol or straws). Pack a picnic and eat in the shaded areas to save significantly.
Kids' Birthday FreebieChildren 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 celebrating.
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 hotel pickup and drop-off.
Australia Zoo is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, 364 days a year. 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. 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 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 throughout the zoo.
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.
Take the train from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Beerwah station, where a free complimentary shuttle runs to the zoo. Day tour operators 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 on-site. Some animals are actually more active in cooler, rainy weather, making it a surprisingly good time to visit.
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.
Book your Australia Zoo tickets and experience Steve Irwin's legacy of conservation through exciting education. Open daily, rain or shine.
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