Australia Zoo: A Wild Queensland Australia Road Trip Essential

If you are touring Queensland by car, Australia Zoo isn’t simply somewhere you visit if you happen to be passing through – it is a destination worth building into the itinerary. Located on Steve Irwin Way at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, around an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, this is one of those rare attractions that appeals equally to young families, couples, grandparents and anyone who has ever been fascinated by wildlife.

Like millions of Australians and others from around the world, I grew up watching Steve Irwin bound across my television screen with more enthusiasm than most of us could muster after three coffees. His passion was infectious, his personality was enormous, and his love for wildlife always felt genuine. Since then, I have watched Steve’s children, Bindi and Robert, grow up on television and, together with their mum Terri, continue his Wildlife Warrior legacy beautifully.

From a Small Reptile Park to an Australian Icon

Australia Zoo began in 1970 when Steve’s parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, opened the two-acre Beerwah Reptile Park. Steve took over its management in 1991 and, alongside Terri, gradually transformed it into Australia Zoo. Today, the property covers more than 700 acres, with around 110 acres open to visitors and more than 1,200 animals (opens in a new tab).

The zoo has retained the energy and conservation message that made Steve famous. You can explore African animals including giraffes, rhinos and zebras, see tigers, elephants and red pandas, meet iconic Australian species, wander through Roo Heaven and pat a koala in the Koala Walk Through. With such a large area to cover, allow a full day – this is not a quick lap before lunch.

One of the essential experiences is the Wildlife Warriors Show inside the Crocoseum. Expect free-flying birds, snakes and, of course, a crocodile demonstrating just how fast it can launch from the water. There are also keeper presentations and wildlife talks throughout the day, giving visitors plenty to enjoy beyond simply walking between habitats. Check the daily show schedule (opens in a new tab) when you arrive.

Get Closer to the Wildlife

For something truly memorable, Australia Zoo offers a selection of bookable animal encounters (opens in a new tab). Depending on availability, visitors may be able to meet lemurs, meerkats, red pandas, echidnas, giraffes, rhinos, koalas and other remarkable animals. These small-group experiences allow you to learn directly from the keepers and see individual animal personalities up close. They are particularly good for birthdays, anniversaries or giving the kids an experience they will talk about long after another plastic souvenir has disappeared under the bed.

Stay on the Wild Side

To turn a zoo visit into a genuine Queensland escape, book a stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge (opens in a new tab). Its beautifully designed, family-friendly cabins sit within native bushland and overlook wildlife habitats containing animals such as kangaroos, emus and koalas. Guests can relax beside The Billabong, a 25-metre infinity pool, and dine at Warrior Restaurant & Bar while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Australian bush. Some cabin options even overlook a pond habitat occupied by freshwater crocodiles and endangered Mary River turtles. It is comfortable, immersive and far more memorable than another night in a standard roadside motel.

Best Time to Visit and Pro Tips

The cooler, drier months from April to October are generally the most comfortable for exploring, although the zoo operates throughout the year. Weekdays outside Queensland school holidays are usually the best option for avoiding the biggest crowds.

Arrive when the gates open at 9am, wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle, and study the zoo map before setting off. Lock the main Crocoseum show into your plan first, then build the rest of the day around it. Pre-book animal encounters and accommodation because availability can be limited.

Australia Zoo combines family entertainment, genuine conservation work and the enduring spirit of Steve Irwin. For anyone driving through Queensland, it deserves a firm place on the must-stop-and-see list. And Crikey! (had to be done!) you may need more than one day!

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