Zoo - Australia Zoo

I don't like Zoos! I feel so sorry for the animals, who usually look miserable.  Therefore I usually avoid them.

On top of that, and against public opinion, I was not a fan of Steve Irwin.  I felt that he was an over the top showman.

A colleague, whom I trust implicitly, told me that I needed to make an exception for Australia Zoo.

She was right! I have changed my opinions.

It was immediately evident, that Australia Zoo's primary focus is conservation, followed by education.  The staff genuinely seem to care for the animals.

The Zoo is huge and the grounds are beautiful and immaculately maintained.  The animal enclosures are spotlessly clean, large and most importantly the animals seem happy, healthy, and were breeding.

The Irwins

The park is big so it is great that transport is provided, especially on a hot day!

The Meerkat on guard

I can watch the Giraffes for hours!

The 12 acres of the Africa enclosure was my favourite

Of course there was a crocodile show!

The bird show amazed me

Feeding of the otters

The tigers come right up to the glass so you can have a very close up look at them.

One tortoise looks happy to pose for the photo, but the other not so happy!

You shall fill the entire day very easily at Australia Zoo.

Glass House Mountains

The iconic Glass House Mountains stand tall above the landscape on the Sunshine Coast.  A picturesque place for a drive and very popular with hikers and climbers.  Pictures cannot capture the magnificence of this beautiful landscape.  It is a place that you can visit time and time again as there are many walks to take and the landscape varies greatly, depending upon the viewpoint, the season and time of day, which is why I have included so many photos.

The Glass House Mountains was a special meeting place, where aboriginal people gathered for ceremonies and trading. You can read the aboriginal dreaming legend about the Glass House Mountains here.

Further information about the Glass House Mountains National Park can be found here

Mount Tunbubudla is two mountains, known as the Twins.

Mount Tibrogargan

Mount Coonowrin

Mt Coonawrin and Mt Beerwah taken from Mount Ngungun

Mount Tibrogargan

Mount Beerwah Organ Pipes

The best Zoo in the World?

Is Australia Zoo the best in the World?  I think it may be!

We have been to a number of zoos in Australia and around the world but today's visit to Australia Zoo at Beerwah tops the lot!  Impressive!

Most zoos make me sad as I feel sorry for the animals being kept in captivity.  However, I did not feel this way at all after our visit to Australia Zoo today!  Instead I could see that there is a genuine passion and care for all the animals at this education and conservation facility.  Yes. I came away feeling that this is not just a zoo but a conservation and education facility, to ensure that we learn more about these beautiful animals and to make sure that they will be around for future generations also.

Everywhere that we went, the staff were interactive, helpful and friendly.  The zoo is huge, impeccably neat & clean, very well laid out with lots to see and do.  We didn't get through the entire park in the 6 hours that we were there, so have upgraded to an annual membership so that we can go back again (and will save 10% on any purchases). It was very busy and very hot today, so our next visit will be in a cooler month, when it is not school holidays!

My top tips would be:

• Be prepared; Download the app and have a plan.  Be aware of the shows and activities and plan your time around them.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.  
• Take a water bottle and camera as you will need them both (a lot).
• Get there early (opens at 9am) and intend to spend the whole day there (until 5pm).
• Attend the shows!  Especially the Wildlife Warriors show.  Fantastic!
• Take the shuttle train to "Africa" at the back of the park and then make your way back to the entrance/exit on foot visiting each of the enclosures and areas
• Be aware that every credit card transaction incurs a fee so use cash to reduce the costs.

A Great Legacy to Steve Irwin & Australia.  Well Done & Thank you to everyone involved.