Whether you’re travelling with the family or just have an affinity with animals, Australia Zoo is an excellent way to enhance your next holiday at Noosa Pacific Resort. Located about an hour’s drive south in the lush and fertile farming community of Beerwah, the Irwin family have created an oasis for animals and animal lovers alike on over 110 acres. For visitors, this incredible complex is not just about getting a look at live creatures; it’s about understanding how these animals live, their unique characteristics and the critical challenges they face. Yes, even the crocs!
With pictures of the original Croc Hunter everywhere, Steve Irwin’s passion and enthusiasm for Australian wildlife is writ large throughout this enormous zoo. With expansive enclosures showcasing everything from kangaroos to koalas, snakes and birds, roving staff holding animals for up close encounters and photo opportunities, and entertaining shows featuring crocodiles, tigers, parrots and more, you certainly won’t be bored. And of course, you may even spot an Irwin in the flesh, which is almost more exciting than watching a 4m croc be hand fed, or a meerkat poke its head up out at you. Be prepared; this is not your usual zoo experience.
Getting up close and personal with the animals is exactly the point of a visit here. Steve Irwin once said, ‘When people touch an animal, the animal touches their heart. And instantly, we’ve won them over to the conservation of that species.’ Before you visit, make sure you book into one of the animal encounters on offer, guaranteed to provide memories of a lifetime and a new perspective on the animals we share this planet with. During school holidays, there ‘s even the opportunity for children to get involved with the ‘Zookeeper for a day’ program.
Whilst it’s called ‘Australia Zoo’ with a definite homage to native fauna in place, there are also dedicated exhibits to big Asian cats, the incredible diversity of Madagascar and the big (and small) game of Africa. There are always lots of highly educated and passionate staff on hand to field questions as well as lots of places to refuel for the next exciting and informative exhibit. Set in beautiful, well-tended grounds, a trip to Australia Zoo is a full day- wear comfortable shoes and if you have it, some khaki to really get in the ‘Crikey’ spirit. Think you’ll be too tired to drive back after all that exciting Crikey action? Book yourself on to the Australia Zoo bus, with pick up and drop off just down the road from Noosa Pacific in Hastings St.