Australia Zoo: Channel Your Inner Crocodile Hunter!

You can’t get a more quintessential Australian wildlife experience than visiting the Australia Zoo and seeing Steve Irwin’s legacy firsthand. The Australia Zoo, founded by the original Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, runs one of the largest wildlife conservation programs in the world. All money raised is put back into wildlife projects and conservation efforts around Australia. You can meet the animals and feel great about doing it, too!

Australia Zoo - Irwin Family with Koala
The Irwin Family cuddling a koala at the zoo

How to Get There

The Australia Zoo is located just north of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, which is about a 1-hour drive away. Getting to Brisbane is easy, with direct flight options from Los Angeles or Vancouver. Renting a car is simple in Australia, but if you prefer not to drive on the left side of the road, you can take a scheduled coach bus from Brisbane to the zoo.

Where to Stay

Stay in Brisbane for a few days and explore this up-and-coming city that perfectly blends outdoor adventure with cosmopolitan offerings. If you are traveling with family, Noosa or Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast is a great option. Find more inspiration on things to see and do nearby in our guide to Queensland.

What to See and Do at Australia Zoo

The zoo is your oyster! With a wide variety of experiences available, you can decide which animals you want to see up close, including a cheetah, wombat, koala, and more!

Bindi Irwin visiting at koala at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
Bindi Irwin visiting a koala at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Australia Zoo Highlights:

  1. Rent a golf cart so you can see as much as possible during your stay. This will help you navigate the grounds (particularly with little ones in tow).
  2. Go behind the scenes of Australia’s largest and busiest wildlife hospital with an exclusive tour. 100% of the proceeds of this experience go back into saving the lives of the animals you see in the hospital! Did you know the animal hospital is nearly the same size as the portion of the zoo accessible to the public? They take rare and hard-to-treat cases in an attempt to save injured, sick, and critically endangered animals.
  3. Do you prefer furry animals? Reptiles? Aussie animals? Sign up for a specific adventure based on your interests! You can feed an echidna, cuddle koalas, or get a photo with a Komodo Dragon—the dragon is adults only.
  4. Want the ultimate wildlife experience? Splurge on the Platinum package, including a personal photographer, multiple animal encounters (including big cats), and meals throughout the day. This tour can be completely customized to ensure you get the best experience!

Can I Meet the Irwins at the Australia Zoo?

Robert Irwin feeding a kangaroo at Australia Zoo
Robert Irwin feeding a kangaroo at Australia Zoo

The Irwin Family remains closely involved and hands-on at Australia Zoo, creating a personal touch for the visitors. So do keep your eyes peeled, as they have been known to make plenty of appearances.

Robert Irwin particularly loves showing up to help out at the daily Wildlife Warriors Show at the Crocoseum. Bindi Irwin is often found checking in on the animals at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, making sure they get plenty of attention and cuddles.


Are you ready to experience Australia Zoo for yourself? Give us a call today at (312) 951-8517 and let our luxury travel designers handcraft your trip to Australia