Australia Zoo

You will not be able to leave the Sunshine Coast until you have had a visit to the Australia Zoo. So I intended to visit the zoo on our final day on the Sunshine Coast. The zoo is the best place if you are interested in the real habitat of animals. Children are naturally curious and want to learn new things. One location where they can learn a lot about animals is the zoo. Children can witness several creatures in their natural habitat by going on a trip to the zoo. When my kids learned that we were going to a zoo, they became really happy.

The story behind Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. Their son Steve had helped his parents since childhood to care for crocodiles and reptiles and to maintain the growing number of animals in the zoo. In 1982 the park was renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and the area was doubled with the purchase of another 4 acres (1.6 ha). Steve and Terri changed the name of their now-growing wildlife park to Australia Zoo. As filming generated extra funds, Steve and Terri put all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits. Following Steve's accidental death from a stingray, Terri became the new owner of the zoo.

                                                             

Sections of the Australia Zoo

The zoo is divided into four main parts with colours.

• Pink (initial part of the zoo)
• Yellow (wetland area and Roo Heaven)
• Purple (walkthrough areas, bird area, reptile house
• Orange (Tiger Temple, Bindi'island and Africa)

Suggestions for visiting Australia Zoo

We entered the zoo after purchasing tickets, which cost $59 for adults and $35 for children. Because food items are expensive, I would advise bringing food and water instead of purchasing them there. Since most of the zoo is not shaded, wear sunscreen and bring hats. You must bring your children's strollers if you are going with them. There will be a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes. Check the weather forecast before leaving for the zoo. The weather on the Sunshine Coast is unpredictable. You must have an umbrella if there are rain chances. 

Beginning of the tour

The Asian small-clawed otter was the first creature we observed. It was lying on a log by an artificial lake.  The crocodiles were the next one. Children were thrilled to see them for the first time in real life. Kids were fascinated by their bulk, pointed fangs, and strong jaws.

There were many dinosaur' sculptures which were perfect for taking pictures. Kids enjoyed climbing on them.

Reptiles Cave

It was fascinating to watch snakes with diverse skin patterns. Corn snakes, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes, and Death Adder were contained behind glass. There were Morelia, Gila Monster, and tiny frogs (blue and yellow combination).

 

Kangaroo and Elephants

After seeing the birds section (Eclectus parrots, glossy ibises rainbow lorikeets ), we got the opportunity to meet Kangaroo. Meeting a Kangaroo was a wonderful experience for kids because it was their first time seeing up so close. They were so close that you could pat them. It began to rain all of a sudden. Luckily, we had umbrellas to cover ourselves. The sight of Kangaroos running in the raindrops was delightful.

Elephants were near the Southeast Asia entrance. They were freely moving on the grass.

The next one was Cheetah. Our close encounter with a Cheetah was a forgettable experience. 

As we were walking through the Zoo, we met Leapin' Lemurs and Turtle. You can go close to them and offer them food.

Bindi'island and Africa

It was great to see the giraffes strolling as we got closer to Bindi Island. You can get the opportunity to get close to them and feed them. But this encounter depends on the weather.

Australia Zoo Crikey Cafe

Following a prolonged walk, we were worn out. Consequently, We decided to rest and have coffee in the café. Café service was good. We took pictures and made videos. You can use the free shuttle service if you're tired of walking. It is operational all day long. Because of the greenery, trees, and sounds of animals, we almost feel as though we are in a real jungle.

Lemurs 

Ring-tailed lemurs in a cage designed to resemble their natural habitat were the next creatures we saw at Bindi's Island. They can be observed eating, jumping, and climbing. 

Kids play area

We discovered a children's play area as we were strolling around the zoo. Kids had fun playing on the swings and slides, and I got to relax.

We didn't have enough time to see the wildlife hospital and Wildlife Warrior Show, though. We were forced to return to Brisbane. That's why our tour came to an end.

Overall experience of Australia Zoo

It is not like a typical Zoo. From an educational and recreational standpoint, it's a great place to visit. We got a chance to learn new things about the animal kingdom. It is a great opportunity for kids to learn that animals are living beings.