Australia Zoo in Beerwah is open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day, and welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Most animals begin settling in for the evening at 4:30 PM, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to make the most of your visit. Single adult tickets are AUD $76.95, while child tickets (ages 3–14) are AUD $51.95. Concession and pensioner tickets are AUD $66.95, and family passes start from AUD $229.25 for two adults and two children.
#1 Australia Zoo Ticket Prices (correct at the time of printing but subject to change)
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Ticket Type |
Prices |
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Single Tickets |
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Adult One adult entry only, includes entry into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH) Sneak Peek |
$76.95 |
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Child One child (3 – 14 years) entry only, includes AZWH Sneak Peek. Must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children under 3 years are admitted free! |
$51.95 |
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Concession One student entry only, includes entry into the AZWH Sneak Peek. Must present valid student ID. |
$66.95 |
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Pensioner One pension entry only, includes entry into the AZWH Sneak Peek. Must present valid government pension/ID. |
$66.95 |
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| Click HERE to purchase your Australia Zoo single ticket/s. | ||
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Family Passes |
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Family of 4 Pass Valid for 2 adults and 2 children (3-14 years), includes entry into the AZWH Sneak Peek. |
$229.25 |
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Family of 5 Pass Valid for 2 adults and 3 children (3-14 years), includes entry into the AZWH Sneak Peek. |
$274.40 |
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| Click HERE to purchase your Australia Zoo family pass. | ||
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Annual Passes
Adult Annual Pass
Child Annual Pass Valid for children (3-14 years).
Click HERE to purchase your Australia Zoo annual pass. |
$199
$149 |
All of these ticket types include:
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Sneak Peek ($2)
- Conservation shows throughout the day
- Free shuttle/bus tour
- Splash Park access
- Access to multiple children’s play areas including jumping pillow
#2 Add the Wildlife Hospital Sneak Peek Or Book a Full Tour
Stop in at the amazing Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for a sneak peek and see some of our incredible vets and nurses at work from behind the glass of our dedicated viewing area. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital opened in 2004, inspired by the wonderful work of Steve’s mum, Lyn Irwin, who was a pioneer in wildlife care. Please note that surgical procedures may be taking place during your visit. As this is a working hospital there will be times when the vet team are working in areas that may not be viewable from the sneak peek area.
Cost: $2 per person
Time: All day
Open Daily 9.00am – 5.00pm
Bedtime for some of the animals is 4:30pm.
What You’ll See on the Wildlife Hospital Tour
The hospital receives over 7,000 animals annually, according to Australia Zoo, and plays a direct role in the survival of native species affected by habitat loss, vehicle strikes, and human conflict. The veterinary team works on fractures, performs surgery on wombats and echidnas, and rehabilitates orphaned joeys. You walk through the same facility where this work happens, past recovery enclosures, X-ray rooms, and surgical suites with a guide explaining current cases. It is not a polished exhibit. It is a working hospital, and that is precisely what makes it worth seeing.
#3 Australia Zoo Opens at 9 AM – Plan Your Arrival
The zoo opens at 9 AM every day except Christmas Day. Last entry is at 3 PM and closing time is 5 PM, but key animal enclosures begin closing at 4:30 PM as animals are moved off display for the evening.
Arriving early matters. During peak seasons and school holidays, parking can take 15 to 20 minutes. The most popular exhibits, crocodile shows, koala encounters, and the Crocoseum, draw crowds by mid-morning. Grab a map at the gate or download it from the official website beforehand, and head straight for your priority animals before queues build.
If you arrive after 2 PM, you will miss most of the live shows and the earlier animal encounters. Allow 6 to 7 hours for a complete visit.
#4 Don’t Miss the Daily Live Shows – Plan Around These Times
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Time |
What’s On |
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| 9.00am | Zoo Opens |
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9.30am |
Grace’s Bird Garden Feed Out |
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10.00am |
Tortoises LIVE |
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11.00am |
Tigers LIVE |
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12.00pm |
Elephants LIVE |
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1.15pm |
Wildlife Warriors Show |
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3.00pm |
Koalas LIVE |
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3.00pm |
Birds of Prey LIVE |
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3.00pm |
Echidna Feed |
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3.30pm |
Otters LIVE |
Note: Schedules are subject to change, so best to check when you arrive.
Hand-Feed the Kangaroos
Buy a bag of feed pellets from the Info Desk or any gift shop, expect to pay around $3 per bag. The pale yellow pellets are small and dry, and the kangaroos will crowd the bag before you have finished reaching in. Red and grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, rock wallabies, and red-necked wallabies all roam the open area and are comfortable with close contact, hand-feeding, patting, and photos are all part of the experience. It is one of the most tactile things you can do at the zoo and works particularly well with young children.
Photo Sessions with Native Wildlife
Studio photos (6″ x 8″) are available near the Info Desk. Time slots can change so double check when you arrive.
- Koalas: 10:45 AM, 12:30 PM, or 2:00 PM
- Snakes: 12:45 PM
Photos can be printed on-site or downloaded to your device.
#5 Book Animal Encounters in Advance for a Premium Experience
One-on-one animal encounters are some of the most memorable parts of an Australia Zoo visit, and slots fill quickly, particularly on weekends and during school holidays. Book online through the Australia Zoo website or call +61 7 5436 2000 to secure your preferred time and animal.
Best for: Families with older children, couples, and anyone who wants a hands-on wildlife experience beyond the standard exhibits.
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Encounter |
Time |
Price |
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Rascally Red Panda Encounter |
9 AM |
$134pp |
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Mischievous Meerkats Encounter |
10 AM & 12:30 PM |
$134pp |
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Regal Eagle Encounter |
10 AM |
$54pp |
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Cuddly Koala Encounter |
10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:00 PM |
$134pp |
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Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter |
10:45 AM |
$124pp |
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Giant Giraffe Snapshot |
10:45 AM, 12:15 PM & 3:15 PM |
$79 (up to 5 people) |
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Ripper Rhinos Encounter |
11 AM |
$134pp |
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Totally Tortoise Encounter |
12:30 AM |
$59pp |
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You Beaut Binturong Encounter |
12 PM |
$69pp |
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Naughty Wombat Encounter |
9:30 AM |
$69pp |
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Spiky Little Echidna Encounter |
2:30 PM |
$59pp |
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By Jingo Dingo Encounter |
12:30 PM |
$109pp |
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Colossal Komodo Encounter |
9:30 AM (Saturday/Tuesday) |
$144 |
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Leapin’ Lemurs Encounter |
9 AM |
$134pp |
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Quite Cute Quokka Encounter |
10 AM (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) |
$134pp |
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Feed Our Kangaroos and Wallabies |
ALL DAY |
$3 per bag of food |
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Cassowary Encounter |
11:15 AM |
$109pp |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Emergency service personnel discounts may apply with proper identification. Booking at least a day in advance is strongly recommended.
#6 Pack Sun Protection, Swimmers, and a Day Bag – The Zoo Is Outdoors
Australia Zoo is almost entirely open-air across 700 acres. Sun exposure is significant even on overcast days. Bring a hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and sunglasses. A light rain jacket is worthwhile as Sunshine Coast weather can shift quickly, especially in summer and autumn.
Pack swimmers and a towel if you plan to use the Laughing Frog Waterpark. The water-dumping frog sculpture is a reliable crowd-pleaser for younger children and an effective way to cool down during a hot afternoon.
Do not bring drones, balls, or frisbees as they pose safety risks to animals and guests. Basic supplies including sunscreen, medications, sanitary products, and hats are available at the gift shops if you forget something.
Lockers are available for hire at the Croc Lair Gift Shop.
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Small: $5.00 for 4 hours or $8.00 for the entire day
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Medium: $8.00 for 4 hours or $12.00 for the entire day
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Large: $10.00 for 4 hours or $15.00 for the entire day.
#7 Bring a Picnic or Eat at the Zoo’s Food Outlets
The zoo has numerous shaded picnic spots with playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds. You are welcome to bring your own food however leave glass, straws, and alcohol at home for safety reasons.
If you prefer to buy meals, several food venues operate on-site:
- Crikey Cafe: burgers, pizzas, salads, and vegetarian and gluten-free options
- The Laughing Frog Lolly Shop: over 300 lolly varieties and specialty ice-cream flavours
- Drink and confectionery machines: available across the grounds
The zoo does not offer halal-certified meals, but guests are welcome to bring their own food. Vegetarian options are available at Crikey Cafe.
#8 Hire Equipment if You Need Mobility Assistance
Prams, scooters, and wheelchairs can be hired at the Croc Lair Gift Shop at the entrance. Pre-booking is available by calling +61 7 5436 2000. Equipment is available all day.
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Pram, pull-along cart or wheelchair: $20
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Mobility scooter: $65.00
The mobility scooter has a maximum weight capacity of 135 kg and the driver must be at least 18 years old. Skateboards, inline skates, push scooters, and bikes are not permitted on zoo grounds
#9 Understand the Irwin Family Legacy And Why It Matters
Australia Zoo was founded in 1970 as the Beerwah Reptile Park by Bob and Lyn Irwin, according to the zoo’s published history [SOURCE: Australia Zoo official website]. Steve Irwin grew up among the animals and developed a focus on crocodile conservation, eventually volunteering for the East Coast Crocodile Management Program and relocating more than 100 crocodiles.
In 1992, Steve married Terri, and their honeymoon included a crocodile rescue that became part of the first documentary episodes. Hundreds of episodes followed, bringing Australian wildlife to audiences across more than 130 countries. When Bob and Lyn retired, the family renamed the park Australia Zoo to reflect its growing scope. Steve died in 2006. Terri, Bindi, and Robert have continued the conservation work through Australia Zoo and the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide organisation.
Understanding this history changes how the zoo feels. The enclosures, the hospital, and the daily shows are not separate attractions, they are part of a continuous effort that has been running for more than 50 years.
Support Conservation Beyond Your Ticket
The zoo directs ticket revenue and additional contributions toward conservation projects across Australia and globally. Ways to contribute further:
- Donate to Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, the organisation Steve and Terri Irwin founded
- Purchase merchandise from the gift shops, a portion of proceeds supports conservation projects
- Enrol in the Adopt-an-Animal Program to contribute to an individual animal’s care
- Share information about native wildlife protection with your network
Insider Tips for a Smooth Visit
Good to know: Arriving at 8:45 AM lets you secure parking before the rush and puts you first through the gates when they open at 9 AM. The morning shows and encounters are less crowded, and animals tend to be more active earlier in the day.
Use the Australia Zoo app (iOS and Android) to check show times, book encounters, and plan your route. A downloadable map is also available on the official website https://www.australiazoo.com.au.
Practical tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as 700 acres covers a lot of ground
- Dress in layers, as temperature varies through the day
- Water fountains are available throughout the zoo, or purchase bottled water at the cafes
- Consider a family pass if visiting with two adults and two or three children – the per-person saving is meaningful
If you are planning to stay on the Sunshine Coast for the trip, Sunshine Coast Getaways offers a broad portfolio of self-contained apartments in Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, and Maroochydore, most close to the beach and within easy driving distance of Beerwah for a day at the zoo.
FAQs – Australia Zoo Tickets and Visit Planning
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks to Australia Zoo?
A: Yes, picnic food is welcome in the designated picnic areas throughout the zoo. Glass containers, straws, and alcohol are not permitted on the grounds. If you prefer to buy meals on-site, Crikey Cafe serves burgers, pizzas, salads, and vegetarian and gluten-free options. The Laughing Frog Lolly Shop has ice cream and confectionery. The zoo does not offer halal-certified meals, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Q: Do Australia Zoo tickets expire?
A: Tickets are valid for several years from the date of purchase and do not expire quickly, so there is flexibility if your plans change. Check the terms and conditions at the time of booking, as policies can be updated.
Q: Is Australia Zoo wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire at the Croc Lair Gift Shop near the entrance. Call +61 7 5436 2000 to pre-book. The zoo has accessible pathways, accessible restrooms, and shaded seating throughout. The mobility scooter has a 135 kg weight limit and requires the operator to be at least 18 years old.
Q: What time should I arrive at Australia Zoo to see the most?
A: Arrive by 9 AM when the zoo opens. Animals are most active in the morning, the first shows start at 9:30 AM, and popular encounters book out early in the day. Last entry is at 3 PM and key enclosures begin closing at 4:30 PM, so arriving late significantly limits what you can see. Allow 6 to 7 hours for a full visit.
Q: How do I book animal encounters at Australia Zoo?
A: Book online through the Australia Zoo website at australiazoo.com.au or call +61 7 5436 2000. Encounters sell out quickly on weekends and during school holidays, so booking at least one day in advance is strongly recommended. Prices range from $54 per person for the Regal Eagle encounter to $144 per person for the Colossal Komodo, which runs on Saturdays and Tuesdays only. (Times & pricing are subject to change, check latest updates with the Zoo directly)
Q: Is there parking at Australia Zoo, and does it cost anything?
A: Yes, parking is available on-site at no additional charge. During peak periods and school holidays, the car park can fill quickly and it may take 15 to 20 minutes from entry to reach the gates. Arriving before 9 AM is the most reliable way to avoid delays. Accessibility parking is available near the entrance.
For more ideas on what to do during your Sunshine Coast visit, see the things to do on the Sunshine Coast guide and the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast.
(Pricing, times and attractions mentioned are correct at the time of publishing, however as they are subject to change it is highly recommended that you check against the written information when you arrive at the Park.)
