Guide · Queensland day trips ·
Australia Zoo visit: tickets, timing and what to see
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Australia Zoo visit costs start at A$59 for an adult on a single day pass, and the gates are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day except Christmas Day. The zoo sits at 1638 Steve Irwin Way in Beerwah, about a 60 minute drive north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. Plan on a full day. There are shows from 10.00am to 3.30pm, and some animals go to bed at 4.30pm.
This guide covers prices, the show timetable, how to reach Beerwah without a car, and a simple plan for the day.
Sources for this section: Australia Zoo, How to get here and Admission prices.
Tickets and prices
The zoo lists these single day prices for general admission. They cover over 1,200 animals across a 110 acre site, including the African Savannah, the South-East Asia exhibit, Bindi's Island and the original part of the zoo.
| Ticket | 1 day | 2 day pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | A$59.00 | A$87.00 |
| Child (3 to 14 years) | A$35.00 | A$51.00 |
| Pension or student | A$47.00 | A$69.00 |
| Family 4 (2 adults, 2 children) | A$172.00 | A$258.00 |
| Family 5 (2 adults, 3 children) | A$189.00 | A$283.50 |
A two day pass costs A$28 more than one day for an adult. It suits families who want time for animal encounters and every show. If you live nearby and plan to return, the zoo also sells a 12 month annual pass at A$109 for an adult and A$69 for a child.
Sources for this section: Australia Zoo, Admission prices.
Show times
The zoo's daily timetable is the best way to shape your day. Times can change, so check the board at the entry or the zoo's show times page when you arrive. The main event is the Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum at 12.00pm. The zoo says it features giant snakes, soaring birds and the saltwater crocodile.
| Time | What is on |
|---|---|
| 10.00am | Kids story time, and tortoises live |
| 10.30am | Morning otters |
| 11.15am | Tiger keeper talk at Tiger Temple |
| 12.00pm | Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum |
| 1.30pm | Koalas live |
| 2.00pm | Tiger show at Tiger Temple |
| 2.30pm | Afternoon crocs live |
| 3.00pm | Birds of prey live |
| 3.30pm | Afternoon otters |
Seating at the tiger sessions is limited, so the zoo suggests getting there early. The afternoon croc feeding moves to a different enclosure each day. Listen for announcements or ask at the Information Desk.
Sources for this section: Australia Zoo, Show times.
Getting there from Brisbane and beyond
By car, take the Bruce Highway north and leave at the Steve Irwin Way exit. The zoo says to expect about 60 minutes from Brisbane. From the south, the zoo is on the right, 3 km past Beerwah. From the north, it is on the left about 5 km past Landsborough.
If you do not drive, you have three main options:
- Train and coach: Queensland Rail runs a seven day service between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Beerwah. The zoo's courtesy coach meets most trains at Beerwah Rail Station. If the coach is not there, call the zoo on (07) 5436 2000 and one will be sent during opening hours.
- Day tour: The Croc Express leaves the Gold Coast at about 7.30am and Brisbane Transit Centre at about 9.00am. It reaches the zoo around 10.15am and leaves at 4.00pm. Another operator, Croc Tours, offers small group trips from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
- Fly in: Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore is a 30 minute drive away. Brisbane airports are about an hour away.
Check the Translink site or call 13 12 30 for train times before you go.
Sources for this section: Australia Zoo, How to get here.
Animal encounters and extras
Entry does not include the hands-on encounters, which are booked and paid for separately. The zoo's price list in July 2019 included these examples.
- Giraffe, A$39
- Koalas, A$49
- Dingo, A$49
- Wombat encounter, A$49
- Red pandas, A$79
- Tiger walk, A$150
Kids can try the Kid Zoo for A$19. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital tour runs at 2.30pm and 3.30pm for A$19 for adults and A$9 for children. The zoo also lists a Zoo Keeper for a Day program for children aged 4 to 15 in school holidays, from A$69 to A$99.
Budget for these on top of your ticket. A family of four with one encounter can pass A$200 before food.
Sources for this section: Australia Zoo, Admission prices.
A simple plan for the day
Arrive by 9.30am if you can. Walk the African Savannah and the tigers first, while the paths are quiet. Take a seat in the Crocoseum a little before noon for the 12.00pm show, then eat lunch and see the koalas at 1.30pm. After the tiger show at 2.00pm, you can fit in the croc feeding at 2.30pm and the birds of prey at 3.00pm.
The zoo started as the Beerwah Reptile Park and grew under the Irwin family into a wildlife conservation park. Bindi Irwin turned 21 on 24 July. The zoo says annual pass holders can join its monthly events, including Bindi and Robert's birthdays, and the events calendar lists what is on.
If you plan to see everything, including a hospital tour, pick the two day pass instead of rushing. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen, since much of the walk is in the open.
Sources for this section: Australia Zoo, The Irwins and Show times; Australia Zoo, Home page.
Sources
- Australia Zoo, Admission prices: australiazoo.com.au
- Australia Zoo, Show times: australiazoo.com.au
- Australia Zoo, How to get here: australiazoo.com.au
- Australia Zoo, The Irwins: australiazoo.com.au
- Australia Zoo, Home page: australiazoo.com.au