Walking through the gates of Australia Zoo, I could feel the energy and passion that Steve Irwin brought to this place. While watching old videos of the Crocodile Hunter, I never imagined I'd be standing here at his famous zoo. What started as a humble reptile park by Steve's parents in 1970 has grown into something truly extraordinary.
The Crocoseum Experience
The highlight of my day? Without a doubt, the famous Wildlife Warriors Show at the Crocoseum! Pro tip: get there at least 15 minutes early to grab a good seat—I aimed for the middle section where you can see both the pool and the presentation area perfectly. My heart was racing as I watched the handlers demonstrate the incredible power and agility of the saltwater crocodiles. It's one thing to see these prehistoric creatures on TV, but witnessing their massive jaws snap shut just meters away from you? Absolutely mind-blowing!
The show isn't just about crocs though—the bird show segment had me ducking as beautiful macaws and cockatoos swooped overhead, showing off their natural behaviors. The snake demonstration was fascinating too, even for someone who usually gets squeamish around reptiles.
Around the World in One Day
I spent hours exploring the massive 1,000-acre property, and here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
African Savannah
The African Savannah was a surreal experience—watching giraffes gracefully stroll past while rhinos lounged in their mud baths. I timed my visit with the keeper talk and learned that the giraffes each have unique spot patterns, just like human fingerprints. The meerkats were absolutely adorable, standing at attention and keeping watch while their family members foraged for food.
Tiger Temple
At the Tiger Temple, I caught the tiger talk (happens at 2:30 PM), where I learned these magnificent big cats actually love swimming! Who knew? The Sumatran and Bengal tigers here have incredible personalities—I watched one playing with an enrichment toy like an oversized house cat. The viewing areas are designed so well that I got amazing photos without any fence lines in the way.
Roo Heaven
One of my favorite experiences was in the kangaroo enclosure. I bought some kangaroo food from the shop (only a few dollars) and spent almost an hour hand-feeding these gentle creatures. The wallabies were particularly friendly, and I even spotted a joey peeking out of its mother's pouch! Just remember to use the hand sanitizer stations provided.
Conservation in Action
The Wildlife Hospital visit was a real eye-opener. Through the viewing windows, I watched the veterinary team treating injured native wildlife. During my visit, they were caring for an injured koala and several birds affected by recent storms. It really drives home why wildlife conservation is so important. Did you know they treat over 10,000 animals annually? That’s incredible!
Insider Tips
- Timing: Plan to spend a full day here—I arrived at opening (9 AM) and still didn’t see everything by closing at 5 PM.
- Shows: Get a show schedule when you arrive and plan your day around them. The Wildlife Warriors Show at the Crocoseum is unmissable!
- Food: There are several food outlets, but I packed a lunch and used the picnic areas to save money. The Crikey Café does make a mean flat white though!
- Transport: I drove from Brisbane (about an hour), but there’s also a shuttle service from several Sunshine Coast locations.
- Photos: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens if you have one. The photo opportunities are endless!
Animal Encounters
If you can splurge a bit, the animal encounters are worth every penny. I booked the koala encounter in advance (they sell out quickly), and it was magical. There are also opportunities to meet wombats, feed elephants, and even get up close with rhinos. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and make sure both you and the animals are comfortable throughout the experience.
The Irwin family’s passion for wildlife is infectious—you can feel it everywhere you go in the zoo. Whether you're watching Robert channel his dad’s energy during the croc shows, or seeing Terri and Bindi’s conservation work in action, it's clear that Steve’s legacy lives on. I left with a camera full of photos, a gift shop bag full of souvenirs (couldn’t resist!), and most importantly, a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation. Crikey, what a day!
Additional Information
For tickets, opening hours, and latest updates, visit the official Australia Zoo website: https://australiazoo.com.au/
Opening Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
Location: Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519
Contact: +61 7 5436 2000
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active
Recommended Duration: Full day
Top Tips:
- Book animal encounters in advance
- Download the park map before your visit
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring sunscreen and a water bottle
- Consider an annual pass if you’re local—it pays for itself in just a few visits!
