Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is situated on 45 acres of luscious rainforest, near Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast. An easy hour's drive north of Brisbane, Australia Zoo, features over 1000 native, exotic and rescued animals - offering visitors a full day of wildlife action, fun and adventure.

Australia Zoo, originally named Beerwah Reptile Park, was started by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970 on 4 acres of land. From the very beginning, the Zoo's main aim was to 'promote conservation through education.' Bob and Lyn fast became known for their knowledge of native wildlife and over the years the zoo expanded. When Bob and Lyn retired they left the management of the zoo to Steve and Terri Irwin - who renamed the park Australia Zoo.

Steve and Terri became involved in a number of different zoological associations, which led to breeding programs and conservation efforts. Together they established the Australia Zoo Endangered Species Unit and Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Unit.

There is so much to do and see at Australia Zoo, be sure to allow the whole day to explore this fascinating world! Check out the new Tiger Temple, home to Australia Zoo's five majestic tigers or have an encounter of the cuddlier kind at the Koala Enclosure.

Be sure to catch the action at the Animal Planet Crocoseum. The 5000 seat Crocoseum showcases birds, snakes and at 12 o'clock everyday the famous 'Croc show'. Watch in anticipation as massive crocodiles launch themselves at the Croc Team or for a tamer experience hand feed Australia Zoo's Asian Elephants.

There are over a dozen shows to be enjoyed throughout the day at Australia Zoo, these feature an array of wildlife including otters, koalas, elephants and even camels! Or you can stroll around the park at your own pace checking out the native parrots, storks, cassowaries, lizards, tortoises, pythons, crocodiles, elephants, echidnas, cheetahs, wombats and more!

Australia Zoo has won an array of awards over the years including, more recently, Best Tourism Retailing Outlet, 2006 and Steve Irwin won the Special Award for Contribution to Australia Tourism: at the Australian Tourism Awards 2006.

Tragically, Steve Irwin passed away in September 2006 whilst filming a wildlife documentary. The extraordinary life Steve led is indicative of his love for all creatures and his endearing passion for wildlife and his family. Australia Zoo is a tribute to Steve's hard work, dedication and passion for protecting wildlife - and the Zoo will continue to grow in his honour.

Australia Zoo is open from 9am - 4:30pm, 7 days a week. Trains depart daily from Brisbane's Central Station to Beerwah Train Station, where Australia Zoo offers a free shuttle bus. There are also a number of day tours that operate from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Interstate trains are linked with Queensland through Brisbane's Roma Street Station.