A Day at Australia Zoo - An Unforgettable Wildlife Experience

Wander * Explore * Discover
Apr 18, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 22 hours ago

A Day at Australia Zoo - An Unforgettable Wildlife Experience

Spending a day at Australia Zoo feels like stepping into the legacy of the Crocodile Hunter himself. Set across 110 acres on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and home to more than 1,200 animals, this iconic zoo is still proudly owned and operated by the Irwin family. From wide open savannahs and themed habitats to powerful conservation messages woven through every encounter, our day at Australia Zoo was full of wonder, learning and genuine moments of connection with wildlife.

Australia Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and it offers live shows and keeper talks, where you can learn more about the animals and wildlife conservation.

👉 Click here for more information on the Australia Zoo website

First Stop - The Africa Savannah

After arriving and getting our bearings, we jumped straight onto the shuttle bus and headed for the Africa Savannah. This vast open-range area instantly sets the tone for the day, with giraffes, zebras and rhinos roaming across the landscape. Interpretive signs share fascinating insights into each species and their natural habitats, making it easy to linger and learn as you wander. Nearby, cheetahs and curious meerkats added even more life and movement to the savannah scene.

Exploring Bindi’s Island

Crossing the bridge to Bindi’s Island felt like entering a lush treetop world. We climbed up into the treehouse for a bird’s-eye view before slowing down to watch lemurs leap between branches. Echidnas ambled about below, and Aldabra tortoises moved steadily through their enclosure, reminding us that not every moment at the zoo needs to be fast-paced to be memorable.

Southeast Asia - Tigers, Red Pandas and Elephants

Continuing along the shaded paths brought us to the Southeast Asia precinct, where some of the zoo’s most captivating animals live. The Tiger Temple, designed like an ancient ruin, is home to majestic Sumatran tigers. Watching them pace and rest within their spacious enclosure was quietly mesmerising. Not far away, the red panda stole the show as it balanced and climbed along tree branches, delighting everyone who stopped to watch.

At Elephantasia, the Sumatran elephants command attention. Seeing these gentle giants in their beautifully themed environment was a highlight, and the keeper talks added valuable insight into the conservation efforts supporting this endangered species.

Australian Wildlife Encounters

No visit to Australia Zoo would be complete without meeting Australia’s own iconic animals. As we wandered through this section, we spotted koalas nestled in trees, kangaroos lazing in the sun, emus strutting along the paths and cassowaries and brolgas showcasing their prehistoric presence. One unexpected moment of joy came from watching a wombat casually strolling past, completely unfazed by the attention.

The Crocoseum: Wildlife Warriors in Action

At 1.15 pm, we joined the crowd at the Crocoseum for the Wildlife Warriors Show, one of the most powerful experiences of the day. Featuring birds, snakes and crocodiles, the show blends jaw-dropping animal behaviour with heartfelt messages about conservation and protecting wildlife. The passion and knowledge shared by the keepers made it clear just how central Steve Irwin’s legacy remains at Australia Zoo.

A Bite to Eat and Crocodile Watching

After the show, we grabbed a snack from Crikey Café and found a spot overlooking the crocodile pools. Watching the crocs being fed while enjoying a break was a great way to recharge before continuing our wander through the zoo.

Otters, Reptiles and a Touch of Fun

The Asian small-clawed otters were impossible to walk past, rolling and darting through the water with endless energy. Nearby, Robert’s Reptile House offered a fascinating look at snakes, frogs, lizards and other reptiles, all displayed with clear information that made the experience educational as well as engaging.

As we made our way through the final sections of the zoo, the playful dinosaur statues scattered throughout the grounds added a fun twist, and we couldn’t resist stopping for a few photos along the way.

Why Australia Zoo Is So Special

Australia Zoo is far more than a place to see animals. It’s an experience shaped by passion, conservation and a genuine desire to educate visitors while inspiring them to care about the natural world. Spending a day here reminded us why Steve Irwin’s message still resonates so strongly.

From open savannahs and immersive habitats to powerful wildlife shows, Australia Zoo delivers a day that’s exciting, meaningful and unforgettable.