What is Australia Zoo?
Australia Zoo, at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, is the zoo made famous by Steve Irwin, "the Crocodile Hunter", and still run by the Irwin family. It's big (you'll walk several kilometres) and focuses on Australian wildlife, especially crocodiles, koalas and kangaroos, alongside tigers, elephants, cheetahs and African savannah animals.
The highlight for most visitors is the Wildlife Warriors show in the 5,000-seat Crocoseum, with crocodile feeding, free-flying birds and conservation stories.
Ticket prices
Prices change, so check the zoo's ticket page. Online tickets save time at the gate. Companion Card holders and some service groups get discounts.
Two-day tickets and annual passes
The zoo is big enough for two days. Two-day tickets and annual passes often cost little more than a single visit, so compare before buying.
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How busy is Australia Zoo?
- Queensland school holidays (late June-July, late September-early October, December-January and Easter) are the busiest periods.
- Weekends are much busier than weekdays.
- Summer (December-February) is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
- Weekdays in term time are the quietest.
How to beat the crowds
- Arrive at 9 am and head to the koalas and crocodiles first.
- Book animal encounters online before you go: they're limited.
- Find a show seat 20-30 minutes early. The Crocoseum is big, but the best seats go first.
- Eat early (11 am) or late (2 pm) to avoid the food court rush.
- Do Africa and Asia (tigers, elephants) after the show, when families are resting.
Highlights
- The Crocoseum and the Wildlife Warriors show.
- Koalas: see them up close in several habitats, with paid koala encounters and photo experiences sold as extras.
- Kangaroo Walkabout: walk among and hand-feed kangaroos.
- Tiger Temple and the Africa precinct with giraffes, rhinos and cheetahs.
- The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, with viewing windows.
Getting there
There's free parking at the zoo. If you're taking the train, check the shuttle times before you leave.
Practical tips
- Sun: hats, sunscreen and water. Queensland sun is strong year-round.
- Walking: it's a large site. Wear comfortable shoes. Prams and wheelchairs can be hired.
- Food: several cafés. You can bring a picnic.
- Rain: most areas are open-air, so check the forecast.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving at 11:45 am and missing good show seats.
- Leaving encounter bookings until the day.
- Visiting on a school holiday Saturday without arriving at opening.
- Missing the train shuttle back.
Animal encounters: are they worth it?
Encounters are the zoo's premium extras: small groups get close to animals with a keeper, sometimes with a photo. They're limited, priced per person, and often sell out in school holidays. Popular options usually include koalas, cheetahs, red pandas, rhinos and tigers (where offered). Book online before your visit and check the age and height rules for each.
If you're on a budget, you can see almost everything for free from the paths, and the Kangaroo Walkabout lets everyone hand-feed kangaroos (food is sold on site).
Plans by visitor type
Families with young children
Hire a pram or wagon, arrive at 9 am, and plan rest stops. The playgrounds and splash areas help on hot days.
Steve Irwin fans
Don't miss the Crocoseum, the croc enclosures and the wildlife hospital, which continues his conservation work.
Limited mobility
Paths are mostly sealed but the site is large and hilly in places. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired. Ask about shortcuts.
Is Australia Zoo worth it?
Yes, especially for families and anyone who grew up watching Steve Irwin. It's one of Australia's best wildlife parks, with a great show and a working wildlife hospital. Plan a full day and arrive early.
Pair it with
- The Glass House Mountains lookout, 10 minutes away.
- Mooloolaba and Noosa beaches on the Sunshine Coast.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, if you want a second, smaller wildlife park.
Check today's crowd forecast for Australia Zoo.
FAQs
How much is Australia Zoo?
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About A$77 for adults and about A$234 for a family of 4. Under 3s are free.
What time is the Australia Zoo show?
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The Wildlife Warriors show is in the Crocoseum around midday. Check the daily schedule on arrival.
What are Australia Zoo's opening hours?
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Daily 9 am-5 pm.
How do I get to Australia Zoo from Brisbane?
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About 1 hour by car, or take the train to Beerwah and the zoo's courtesy shuttle.
How long do you need at Australia Zoo?
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A full day. Many visitors buy a two-day ticket.
What's the best time to visit Australia Zoo?
Heading to Australia Zoo?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
