The Ultimate Australia Zoo Review - Opening Times, Tickets & Prices

Last Updated on 8th December 2022

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Australia Zoo tickets and admissions Steve Irwin Zoo

Australia Zoo is up there with some of the most iconic things to do in Australia. Owned by the Irwin family (originally opened by Steve’s parents) and made hugely popular by the late Steve Irwin and his wife Terri’s documentary series ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, the Australia Zoo is a top attraction in Queensland that’s set upon over 1000 acres of land.

At first, I was pretty apprehensive about visiting the zoo as I’ve heard about so many zoo policies around the world and how they’re immensely unethical and treat the animals so poorly.

However, after doing a bit of research and then finally seeing the zoo for myself, I can safely say that my mind is firmly changed; at least with regards to Australia Zoo, I can’t really comment on any others!

I’m so excited to share my ultimate Australia Zoo review with you guys (mainly for the adorable photos throughout!) and to show you exactly why Australia Zoo is a must-see attraction!

Can you see all of Australia Zoo in one day?

The fantastic attraction on the Sunshine Coast of Australia is pretty substantial but it can be seen in just one day, especially if you arrive early and spend the full day there.

Australia Zoo map

The zoo is a pretty huge place, so you can download a copy of the extensive Australia Zoo map to see where all the top sights, attractions and exhibits are!

Download the Australia Zoo Map here!

Australia Zoo ticket prices

Unfortunately, ticket entry prices at the Zoo are pretty steep and it’s definitely not a budget-friendly thing to do in Australia. However, it is an extraordinary experience and in my opinion, it’s definitely worth the money!

Adult – $59.95
Child (3-14 years old) – $39.95
Family of 4 (2 adult + 2 child) – $172.00
Pensioner – $47.00
Student – $47.00

Australia Zoo opening hours

Australia Zoo is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm apart from Christmas Day which means that regardless of the time of year you visit Australia, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to see the Zoo!

Animals – ultimate Australia Zoo review

There are over 1,200 animals residing at Australia Zoo so you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to seeing them all!

My personal favourites are the koalas (I even held one which was such a crazy amazing experience!), kangaroos and crocodiles!

There’s an immense variety of mammals, birds and reptiles at the Zoo including tigers, rhinos, parrots, cranes, turtles and pythons. It was absolutely fascinating to watch them in their unique habitats and I found myself falling in love with so many of them; something that’s quite a bold statement for me to make as I never used to be an animal person at all.

Check out some of the incredible pictures I got below!

Exhibits at Australia Zoo

The Zoo is home to so many incredible exhibits that are available at various times of the day. While we were there, we watched a show at the Crocoseum (see below) which was fascinating, albeit slightly terrifying!

My personal favourite exhibits and attractions were the Crocoseum and Africa!

The Crocoseum

Steve Irwin was most famously known for his passionate obsession with all things crocodile and alligator so it’s no wonder that the Zoo is home to a plethora of snappy crocs!

He worked meticulously hard over the course of 11 months with a team who created the idyllic environment for showing off the crocodiles in clear water so that the audience can see how they behave and hunt.

It’s a fascinating show and exhibit to watch; not only do you have the trainers working with a giant croc, but you’ll also get to see dozens of exotic birds and parrots flying around the crowd too!

Bindi’s Island

Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bindi, plays a huge part at the Zoo and even has her own island which is home to numerous animals including cheeky lemurs, snakes, macaws and tortoises!

It’s a lovely part of the Australia Zoo and made for a great addition when it opened in 2014.

Bindi’s Treehouse

Also residing on Bindi’s Island is the iconic treehouse that was inspired by the TV show ‘Bindi the Jungle Girl’ which you can climb up and admire the beautiful views of the Zoo from the top.

Africa

The Africa exhibit at Australia Zoo is home to a smattering of zebras, giraffes and rhinos. The aim with creating the open-range exhibit was to replicate the lush plains of the Savannah and I think Steve Irwin captured it beautifully.

The animals are free to roam around in a vast open space where they can interact with each other if they choose, or simply mind their own business.

Tiger Temple

Home to majestic Bengal and Sumatran tigers, the Tiger Temple provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close (but not too close!) and personal to the magnificent beasts.

While I think they’re truly beautiful creatures, I am a little apprehensive about keeping them in a zoo as there have been reports in the past of them attacking trainers. I think it’d be better if they were kept out in the wild where they can’t hurt anyone!

Conservation at Australia Zoo

One thing that really makes the Zoo stand out is all the hard work and dedication to animal conservation that goes on behind the scenes.

There’s also an animal hospital which is one of the largest and busiest in the world and a campaign called ‘Wildlife Warriors’ that encourages people to support the protection of injured and endangered wildlife.

Overall, I think the Australia Zoo is a fab day out when you’re in Queensland and providing that you’re mindful and respectful of the wildlife, it’s a great place to see animals that are being well looked after and cared for!

Pin for later – Australia Zoo review

Have you ever been to Australia Zoo? Is it somewhere that you’d like to go one day after reading my ultimate Australia Zoo review? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter at @imjustagirl_16.