Planning a trip to Australia Zoo and wondering how best to go about it? Check out my itinerary of what I did during my day trip visit to Australia Zoo. I also provide some tips on how to make the most out of your Australia Zoo adventure.
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- Intro
- Getting There
- My Australia Zoo Priorities Shaped My Day
- Recommended Zoo Route
- Exhibits I Missed
- Australia Zoo Itinerary
- 9:15-10 AM: Arrival & Check-in (#1)
- 10-10:30 AM: Animal Encounter: Quite Cute Quokka (#2)
- 10:30-11:45 AM: Grey Kangaroo & Wallaby Feeding (#2)
- 11:45 AM-12:15 PM: Sumatra Elephants & Red Pandas (South East Asia #3)
- 12:15 PM-1 PM: Koalas, Wombats & Birds (#6)
- 1-2 PM: Lunch at Crikey Cafe & Crocoseum (#7)
- 2-2:30 PM: Irwin’s Turtle, Dingos, Tasmanian Devil & Ice Cream Break (#8)
- 2:30-3 PM: Souvenir Shopping
- 3 PM: Depart Australia Zoo & Head Back to Brisbane
- Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
- My Favorite Moments
- Final Words
Check Out
Intro
Australia Zoo is known as The Home of the Crocodile Hunter and famously founded by the legendary Steven Irwin and his family. If you’re like me and grew up watching the show Crocodile Hunter then visiting Australia Zoo is a must visit when in Queensland, Australia. Not only that, but Australia Zoo’s mission in animal care and wildlife conservation makes it one of the best ethical zoos out there.
I spent a day visiting Australia Zoo and I put together an itinerary of how to go through the zoo, prioritizing animals native to Australia. Don’t forget to check my tips out too!
Getting There
I started my day in Brisbane and booked a small-group day trip “tour”, which included round-trip transport and entry tickets. It was incredibly convenient—no transfers, no stress, just an air-conditioned ride directly to the zoo. To find out more information on this, check out my
Best Way to Get From Brisbane to Australia Zoo.
Book the exact transportation tour I took here or click “Book Now” in the widget below:
This transportation picked us up at 7:30 AM and we were at Australia Zoo by 9:15 AM.
Entering Australia Zoo • photos by Jeanie A
My Australia Zoo Priorities Shaped My Day
Since I booked the Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane transport “tour”, I only had 6 hours to enjoy the zoo before the shuttle picks us up and brings us back to Brisbane. So I had to make the most of my 6 hours by prioritizing the animals I wanted to see.
To me, since I was in Australia, I wanted to prioritize seeing Australian native species that I was interested in the most. So I prioritized seeing animals such as the Quokka, Koala, and Kangaroo to name a few. This itinerary does prioritize seeing these native Australian species so if you are interested in doing the same, then this Australia Zoo itinerary is perfect for you!
As I go through my itinerary, I’ll be crossing off the animals on my Australia-native animals checklist below:
| Australia-Native Animals Checklist |
|---|
| Kangaroo |
| Koala |
| Wallaby |
| Wombat |
| Tasmanian Devil |
| Quokka |
| Dingo |
| Echidna |
| Irwin’s Turtle |
I want to note that the above list does not contain ALL the Australian animals that the Australia Zoo is home to. This is only a shortened list of animals I personally wanted to see. Below is a comprehensive list of all the native Australian species you can find at Australia Zoo (from the Australia Zoo website):
- Freshwater Crocodile
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Irwin’s Turtle
- Tasmanian Devil
- Dingo
- Cassowary
- Roo Heaven
- Quokkas
- Short-Beaked Echidna
- Wetlands
- Emu
- Koalas
- Red Kangaroo
- Common Wombat
- Birds of Prey
- Robert’s Reptile House
- Wildlife Warriors Show!
- Wildlife Hospital
Recommended Zoo Route
Our guide also shared a recommended route to go about the zoo so that we could see everything before the 3 PM pick-up. However, we had booked the Quite Cute Quokka animal encounter so our day was a bit modified where we were not able to follow the recommended route completely, but I was ok with that.
Since our day was a bit modified and I prioritized Australian animals, this itinerary follows the route:
#1 → #2 → #3 → #6 → #7 → #8
Recommended zoo route to make the most of your 6 hours • photo by Jeanie A
Exhibits I Missed
As a note, because we had the animal encounter, we were not able to get to #4 & #5 on the map above, and are therefore not in this Australia Zoo itinerary. BUT I was okay with this since I had visited national parks in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana on safari and saw animals in the wild there.
Also, we were not able to visit the Animal Hospital due to our animal encounter. The transportation tour actually goes there first before going to the Australia Zoo entrance, but since our animal encounter was at 10 AM, we were dropped at the zoo entrance and could not go with the rest of the tour group to the Animal Hospital. As much as I would have wanted to see this, I was also okay skipping seeing it since I volunteer for wildlife care centers where I see vets and vet techs care for wildlife.
That being said, I understand that not everyone has the experiences I have, so if you want to see the African animals and/or the Animal Hospital at Australia Zoo, then you can certainly do so! If you did not book an animal encounter, then you can definitely stop by both! If you book an animal encounter, then you will just need to prioritize them in your day at the zoo.
Australia Zoo Itinerary
9:15-10 AM: Arrival & Check-in (#1)
The shuttle dropped us off right in front of the Australia Zoo entrance, and our guide came with us to the entrance, had us skip the line, and enter the Zoo with no waiting! He then brought us to the Zoo map where he showed us where to go to check-in for our animal encounter. Then he went back to the shuttle to bring the rest of the group to the Animal Hospital.
10-10:30 AM: Animal Encounter: Quite Cute Quokka (#2)
Of course, if you are not interested in adding an animal encounter, then you can skip adding this to your Australia Zoo itinerary. But I definitely was and chose to do the “Quite Cute Quokka” encounter.
This was the highlight of my day! I booked it online in advance to guarantee I could do it on my Australia Zoo visit. We got to hand feed and hang out with the quokkas during a private encounter. Not only that, but I learned so much about them and their behaviors from the knowledgeable zookeepers, and got some awesome photos with these cuties. You can read more about my experience on Australia Zoo Animal Encounters: My Experience and Tips for Booking Yours.
The Quokka enclosure also has an echidna living harmoniously with them. To our surprise, the echidna came out during our animal encounter!
Quokkas • photos by Jeanie A
| Australia-Native Animals Checklist |
|---|
| Kangaroo |
| Koala |
| Wallaby |
| Wombat |
| Tasmanian Devil |
| ✔ Quokka |
| Dingo |
| ✔ Echidna |
| Irwin’s Turtle |
10:30-11:45 AM: Grey Kangaroo & Wallaby Feeding (#2)
After our Quokka animal encounter, we went back to the Guest Services desk to return closed-toe shoes I borrowed, and to also buy some Roo Food. We then went back to the Kangaroo and Wallaby walkabout area and began our search for Kangaroos and Wallabies willing to eat food from us.
Almost all the kangaroos we saw were lying down and relaxing, so I calmly went up to them to feed them their roo food. They all ate the food willingly, and some were okay getting petted as well!
The wallabies on the other hand were way more skittish. We were not able to hand feed them but instead, we just laud out food on a piece of bark for them to eat.
Kangaroos & Wallabies • photos by Jeanie A
| Australia-Native Animals Checklist |
|---|
| ✔ Kangaroo |
| Koala |
| ✔ Wallaby |
| Wombat |
| Tasmanian Devil |
| ✔ Quokka |
| Dingo |
| ✔ Echidna |
| Irwin’s Turtle |
11:45 AM-12:15 PM: Sumatra Elephants & Red Pandas (South East Asia #3)
Then we headed to the South East Asia exhibits to see the Sumatra Elephants and Red Pandas. These are not native to Australia, but I just love Red Pandas and how goofy they are, so I just had to visit them! And they did not disappoint lol. One Red Panda was literally hanging out in the tree having fun.
Sumatra Elephant & Red Panda • photos by Jeanie A
12:15 PM-1 PM: Koalas, Wombats & Birds (#6)
Then we backtracked just a bit so that we can go through the Koala Walkthrough! To my surprise, there was a line to be able to take pictures with and pet a koala! We waited a bit to pet the cute koala and snap some photos. There’s also a zookeeper supervising the interaction and is also there to answer any questions you may have, or take photos of you and your group if you request it.
We stopped by the wombat enclosure where one was roaming around and even dig some digging, and another one was napping. So cute.
Koalas & Wombat • photos by Jeanie A
| Australia-Native Animals Checklist |
|---|
| ✔ Kangaroo |
| ✔ Wallaby |
| ✔ Wallaby |
| ✔ Wombat |
| Tasmanian Devil |
| ✔ Quokka |
| Dingo |
| ✔ Echidna |
| Irwin’s Turtle |
1-2 PM: Lunch at Crikey Cafe & Crocoseum (#7)
Then we had lunch at the Crikey Cafe which conveniently has a view over the Crocoseum! The Crocoseum show starts at 1:15 PM so if you want a spot sitting directly towards the Crocoseum, I do recommend getting to the cafe pretty early. We were not able to so we didn’t get to eat and watch, but we were able to catch some of it by standing behind some people. If you want to actually sit in the Crocoseum, then you can head there before or after eating.
2-2:30 PM: Irwin’s Turtle, Dingos, Tasmanian Devil & Ice Cream Break (#8)
After lunch, we headed to the last area for the last animals I was set out to see! We saw Irwin’s turtle which was famously discovered by Steve Irwin himself! Such a great legacy and I had learned recently that Australia Zoo was able to successfully breed this turtle, a great step forward for its conservation.
Then we headed to the Tasmanian Devil and Dingo enclosure nearby and got to check off the last of my native Australian animals checklist. We also stopped to get some very much needed ice cream. Super refreshing on a hot day.
Irwin’s Turtle & Dingo • photos by Jeanie A
| Australia-Native Animals Checklist |
|---|
| ✔ Kangaroo |
| ✔ Koala |
| ✔ Wallaby |
| ✔ Wombat |
| ✔ Tasmanian Devil |
| ✔ Quokka |
| ✔ Dingo |
| ✔ Echidna |
| ✔ Irwin’s Turtle |
2:30-3 PM: Souvenir Shopping
To end our time at Australia Zoo, I HAD to buy souvenirs! There are actually two souvenir shops. One that is closer to the Guest Services, which also has Robert Irwin’s amazing photograph gallery. The other is much much larger and I wish I knew it existed because we found out about it a bit late and rushed going through it. SO! If you’re into buying memorabilia on your Australia Zoo visit, be sure to leave enough time to visit both souvenir shops.
Souvenirs • photos by Jeanie A
3 PM: Depart Australia Zoo & Head Back to Brisbane
The we headed back to the Australia Zoo entrance where we found our shuttle waiting for everyone. We left promptly at 3 PM and relaxed and napped on the way back to Brisbane. What an amazing day spent at Australia Zoo!
Honorable Mention animals • photos by Jeanie A
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Book Animal Encounters in Advance
To guarantee a spot and go on your desired date/time, then I recommend booking in advance. Some animal encounters can sell out quickly and they seem to open booking a month or two ahead. I actually “stalked” the animal encounter booking calendar to make sure I get the encounter I wanted on the date I needed. I was only in town for a couple days so it was imperative I book it on the day I could visit.
Because I had requirements, I actually reached out to Australia Zoo via their online Contact Form to let them know I wanted to book the encounter on a specific date. Booking was not yet available at the time I reached out, but they kindly put me on a waiting list and then contacted me to let me know the encounter was available to book. Awesome service!
2. Check Showtimes in Advance
The Crocoseum show and conservation talks are some of the best parts of the day. Plan your Australia Zoo itinerary around these so you don’t miss the ones you want to see.
Below is a list of Conservation Show times, up to date as the time of writing (from the Australia Zoo website):
- 9:30am – Grace’s Bird Garden Feed Out
- 10:00am – Tortoises LIVE!
- 11:00am – Tigers LIVE!
- 11:30am – Reptiles LIVE!
- 11:30am – Africa Keeper Talk
- 12:00pm – Elephants LIVE!
- 1:15pm – Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors Show
- 3:00pm – Koalas LIVE!
- 3:00pm – Birds Of Prey LIVE!
- 3:00pm – Echidna Feed Out
- 3:30pm – Otters LIVE!
3. Arrive Early
To maximize your time spent at the zoo, arrive early. The Zoo opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM.
4. Watch the Clock
When you’re having fun, time definitely goes by super fast. So to make the most of your visit, plan your day prioritizing the animals, encounters, and shows you really want to see.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes & Sunscreen
You will be walking a lot when at a zoo, so be sure to wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. Not only that, but the Australian sun is strong, so wear sunscreen to protect yourself from its harmful rays.
6. Bring a Personal Fan
It is hot in this part of Australia, so to keep cool while exploring the zoo, bring a personal fan so you can cool down whenever you need a little breeze.
RELATED: Chill Out: 5 Must-Have Items to Keep You Cool
7. Bring Your Camera
This goes without saying, but bring a camera!! Of course your camera phone will do just fine, but if you have a fancy camera or even an action camera, you can take some really amazing photos. I brought my Sony camera and was so glad that I did, and was able to practice taking wildlife photographs.
My Favorite Moments
- Hanging out with, learning about, and hand-feeding the adorable happiest animal in the world, the Quokka!
- Feeding the laidback Kangaroos and skittish Wallabies
- Petting a super soft Koala
- Seeing Steve Irwin’s legacy everywhere – from murals to conservation messaging. The Irwin family’s dedication to wildlife protection is clear, inspiring, and deeply moving.
Final Words
Australia Zoo is a place where conservation meets adventure. There’s so much to see and do where one day really might feel like enough. However with a little planning, you can cover the highlights and have some unforgettable experiences along the way. If you’re in Queensland, I hope you add visiting the iconic Australia Zoo into your itinerary and witness Steve Irwin’s legacy in action. Bon Voyage!
Have you been to Australia Zoo?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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