Wildlife Encounters and Animal Hospital Guided Tours at Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is on the Steve Irwin Way at Beerwah on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. It is approximately 60 minutes drive from Brisbane Airport and 45 minutes from Maroochy Airport. You can also reach the zoo by train to Beerwah Train Station where you can be picked up by the zoo bus. Australia Zoo also has a courtesy coach that has a long list of pick up points through out the Sunshine Coast, however bookings are essential. No matter how you decide to travel there make sure you plan to arrive early as there is so much to see and do.

Open 9am till 5pm 7 days a week excluding Christmas Day

Australia Zoo is the home of the Crocodile Hunter. This world class zoo is a must see for any traveler. I am fortunate to live just up the road from the zoo , so whenever we have interstate or overseas visitors this is always a favorite spot to take them. The zoo is famous for a number of reasons one being the charismatic Irwin family, their friendly staff and volunteers. Another, being the zoo's contributions to conservation. But I believe people enjoy going there because both children and adults have such an exciting and entertaining fun filled day at an affordable price. Adults $58, Pensioners $46, Children 3-14 $34 under 3 yrs FREE, family/group bookings are discounted. These prices are effective until March 2011 (check online after this date for current prices) You can purchase tickets at the entry gates or book online.

One day may not be enough time to see everything the Zoo and Wildlife Hospital has to offer so you can purchase a 2 day Wildlife Pass which gives you the second day at half price. Crikey that's a good deal.

On every visit I have found the park to be extremely clean and tidy ( the animal enclosures as well) even at the end of the day.

The Zoo covers almost one hundred acres so plan your day to start early as there is so much to see and do. You can plan to see the Zoo at your own pace or enjoy the benefits of a guided tour either way you will have lots of opportunity for some fantastic photos, so don't forget your camera!!. Kids can hear all about the adventures of Bindi Irwin at Story Time and visit the Kids Petting Zoo. The Wildlife Warrior Show is on at various times during the day at the 5,000 seat Animal Planet Crocoseum, so too are "feeding the animals" including feeding the crocs so listen out for announcements during the day. You can snuggle a Koala, feed an Asian Elephant, walk beside a Bengal Tiger, walk a Tassie Devil, even wrap a snake around your body.

Professional photos with many of the wildlife can be taken by staff for purchase at the end of your day if you wish.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is located in a separate building with five tours running daily but because the main zoo will have you enthralled all day you may need to set aside another day for this. The behind the scenes guided tour of this state of the art hospital, the largest wildlife hospital in the world, will allow you to observe the vets at work saving our precious wildlife.

NOTE: Bookings are essential

Most important thing to wear would be comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat as the sun is quite hot even in winter, maybe some sunscreen for those who burn easily. Don't forget you camera and/or video recorder. Food and drinks can be purchased at various foodcourts and kiosks around the Zoo, however you might prefer to bring your own lunch and snacks to enjoy on the beautiful grounds.

You might like to stay the night or even for a few weeks to take advantage of other tourist attractions, beautiful scenery and pristine beaches on the Sunny Coast. Here are a few ideas;

The Beerwah Motel

The Beerwah Motor Lodge

The Beerwah Hideaway

The Glasshouse Mountains Holiday Village

The Landsborough Pines Caravan Park