School holidays are almost upon us again, and if taking the kids to Australia Zoo is on your agenda, a little bit of preparation and planning can help you make the most of your day at this expansive zoo, with over 1200 animals to see!
Here are our suggested tips and schedule for your Australia Zoo trip:
Pre-Visit Preparation
- Opening Hours: Australia Zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance to save time.
- Map: Download the zoo map from the Australia Zoo website and familiarise yourself with the layout.
Suggested Schedule
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Arrival and Entry
- Arrive early to find parking and be ready at the entrance by opening time.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Entry and Orientation
- Enter the zoo and grab a physical map if needed.
- Head straight to the Information Desk to confirm showtimes and feeding sessions.
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM: African Safari
- Start your day by visiting the African Safari to see the giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.
- Enjoy the early morning when the animals are more active.
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Show (Crocoseum)
- Make your way to the Crocoseum for the 11:00 AM Wildlife Warriors Show.
- Arrive a bit early to get good seats.
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Wildlife Warriors Show
- Watch the exciting show featuring crocodiles and other wildlife.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: South-East Asia Precinct
- Explore the South-East Asia Precinct to see the Sumatran tigers, red pandas, and other exotic animals.
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Head to one of the dining areas, such as Crikey Café, for lunch.
- Take a quick break to rest and refuel.
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Australia Exhibit
- Visit the Australia Exhibit to see koalas, kangaroos, and wombats.
- Participate in the Koala Cuddle session if available.
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM: Bindi’s Island
- Explore Bindi’s Island, featuring ring-tailed lemurs and Aldabra tortoises.
- Enjoy the treehouse and the playground for a brief respite.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Birds of Prey Show
- Head back to the Crocoseum for the Birds of Prey Show.
- This typically runs around this time, but check the exact schedule on arrival.
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Africa & Tiger Walk
- If you missed anything in the African Safari or want to revisit, now is a good time.
- Walk through the Tiger Temple for another look at these magnificent creatures.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Wildlife Hospital Tour
- Take a guided tour of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to see the conservation efforts in action.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping and Final Photos
- Visit the gift shop to pick up souvenirs.
- Take any final photos around the zoo before closing time.
Tips
- Hydration: Stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle.
- Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
- Timing: Pay close attention to showtimes and feeding sessions to avoid missing any key experiences.
We hope these tips help you maximise your visit and have a fun & memorable day at Australia Zoo.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE HERE and check out our other Sunshine Coast experiences to make the most of your visit to this beautiful part of our sunshine state.
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