Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo traces its origins to a small reptile park opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970. When Steve and Terri Irwin took over management in 1991, they turned it into a conservation powerhouse, and the globally syndicated television series The Crocodile Hunter (1996-2004) made it a household name across more than 130 countries. Steve's death in 2006 prompted an outpouring of tributes worldwide, yet the zoo has grown enormously in the decades since, attracting approximately 700,000 visitors each year and cementing its place as Queensland's most celebrated wildlife destination.\n\nThe centrepiece of any visit is the Crocoseum - a 5,000-seat outdoor stadium where saltwater crocodiles lunge from the water, birds of prey sweep overhead and wildlife presenters showcase Australia's most awe-inspiring animals in a live show held daily at 1:15 pm. Beyond the Crocoseum, highlights include the Tiger Temple with its underwater viewing area, the 12-acre Elephantasia elephant habitat inspired by Asian jungle landscapes, and a Rainforest Aviary home to around 150 bird species. The African Safari precinct replicates a Serengeti setting with giraffes, rhinos and zebras roaming a sweeping open exhibit.\n\nConservation is the zoo's core mission rather than a marketing slogan. The on-site Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treats up to 10,000 native animals every year - from koalas injured by cars to sea turtles entangled in fishing gear - and visitors can take a Wildlife Hospital Sneak Peek as part of their admission. The hospital is widely regarded as one of the busiest wildlife rehabilitation centres in the Southern Hemisphere and provides hands-on training for veterinary students and wildlife carers.\n\nEvery general admission ticket includes the Crocoseum live show, conservation shows throughout the day, a free shuttle bus tour of the grounds, access to a splash park and multiple children's play areas, and the Wildlife Hospital Sneak Peek. Adult tickets are priced from $76.95, with children aged 3-14 at $51.95 and concession holders at $66.95. The zoo opens daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is closed on Christmas Day. On-site dining, gift shops and the Crocodile Hunter Lodge accommodation are also available for those who want to extend the experience overnight.\n\nAustralia Zoo sits on the traditional Country of the Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi) people, who have lived on and cared for these Sunshine Coast lands for tens of thousands of years. The zoo is accessible from Brisbane in roughly one hour via the Bruce Bruce Highway north, and from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) in approximately 30 minutes by car - making it a comfortable day trip from either direction. The entire site is wheelchair accessible, with lift and ramp access to key facilities, wheelchair and motorised scooter hire available on site, and dedicated accessible seating at the Crocoseum.