Australia Zoo Something for everyone

The iconic Australia Zoo is an easy 20 minute Drive via the Historic township of Landsborough. It is easily reached from where ever you are staying in Maleny. With a world-famous attraction so close, it’s a natural place to visit during your time on the Sunshine Coast.

History

In 1970 Bob and Lyn Irwin (Steve’s parents), opened a 2 acre wildlife park, called Beewah Reptile Park. The park was home to native animals like Freshwater Crocodiles, Kangaroos, and reptiles. Lyn was passionate about caring for injured animals, so wildlife rescue and rehabilitation was part of the park’s DNA from the very start.

Young Steve also showed a passion for snakes and crocodiles from an early age. Before his eighteenth birthday he had been involved in the Capture and relocation of hundreds of crocodiles. Also by the 1980’s the park had doubled in size and was known as the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park.

Steve took over running the Park in 1991, when he was 29 years old. He and Terri were married in 1992. They filmed their first crocodile rescue together and released it as the start of The Crocodile Hunter series. As the popularity of the series grew, so did the Zoo. And it took on a bigger name…Australia Zoo.

In all, Steve and Terri made more than 300 Crocodile Hunter shows, along with many others. Steve’s profile overseas, especially in America grew rapidly and he appeared on some of America’s most watched TV shows.

Steve honored in Hollywood

Profits from the Crocodile Hunter and product sales were poured into developing Australia Zoo.

Not only that, but unknown to most they quietly amassed large parcels of land for conservation.

Over 150,000 acres were locked away as permanent wildlife sanctuaries.

Sadly, the Irwin family, wildlife conservation and Australia Zoo lost Steve in 2006 after he was struck by a Stingray barb in a freak encounter.

Steve was awarded a Star on Hollywood’s walk of fame after his death.

Bindy and Robert were born in 1998 and 2003 while the zoo focused on expanding it’s animal population. They also created large, natural habitats for the animals to live in.

As well as investments into Conservation, they funded the on-site Wildlife Hospital which opened in 2004. Steve dedicated the hospital to his mum, Lyn, who had died 4 years earlier.

Since Steve’s passing, Terri, Bindi, Robert and the dedicated team at Australia Zoo have continued the work in honor of the Wildlife Warrior. His children are building their own international profiles and continuing with Steve’s mission of “Conservation through Exciting Education”.

The excitement of Australia Zoo today.

The original 2 acre wildlife park is now a 700 acre property, with over 110 acres open to the public currently. It is also home to the Crocoseum which Steve designed to be the world’s largest wildlife Stadium.

There are more than 1200 animals, housed in enriching and “natural” conditions. And Australia Zoo attracts over 700,000 visitors each year. It is clearly one of Australia’s most important tourist attractions, and it’s biggest private conservation organisation .

The Animals

The most famous inhabitants are still the massive Crocodiles.

Held daily, the  Wildlife Warrior Show in the 5500 seat Crocoseum, is where family members and staff hand feed these amazing animals.  At the same time, free flight Macaws, Black Cockatoos and Eagles fly around the stadium.

In addition to Crocks there are many other animals to enjoy, including:

Many Australian natives such as:

And exotic animals including:

all animal images Courtesy of Australia Zoo.

You can view and read about all the species they have on the Australia Zoo website.

Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

One of the worlds largest animal hospitals. More than 9000 animals pass through these doors each year.

Your can get a 30 minute tour as part of your ticket purchase, which helps support the work here.

The Zoo itself covers 100% of the admin costs of this facility, but public support is needed to help with the care and rehabilitation of the animals.

With all running costs covered, all Donations to go directly to caring for native animals. If you would like to help, you can make a donation to the Wildlife Warriors here.

Wildlife Rescue

Nestled in the grounds near the Hospital is the Wildlife Rescue team.

These teams conduct rescues throughout South East Queensland. Their 24 hour hotline is 1300 369 652.

The Animal ambulances are on the road 7 days per week.

They rescue birds, flying foxes, land animals and marine animals caught in nets etc.

Again this operation runs on Donations and there are a number of ways you can help.

How long do I need at Australia Zoo

You can get around to see many of the animals in a few hours. But for most people it is at least a 1 day visit. Especially if you want to catch the Wildlife Warrior Show at 1.15 each afternoon. Many spread this out over two days and there are ticket packages to suit.

Australia Zoo Tickets

You can pre-purchase tickets and packages which remain valid for three years.

There are one day and two day tickets.

Different rates apply for Adults, Students and concession holders. And come with and without Hospital tours.

Families can save with packages for 4 and 5 person families.

For the cost of about two tickets, you can also buy yourself an Annual Pass.

A lucky few each day can get personal time with Tigers, Wombats, Meerkats, Giraffes etc. Additional fees apply. Bookings for these Animal Encounters are only made on the day by calling 07 5436 2002.

Tours are also available. Like tickets to Bird World tours in Maleny, these sell out well in advance so book early if you would like a guide to take you around Australia Zoo.