When we researched around the area to find places to go and came across the “Australia Zoo”, we thought this must be the country’s official zoo since it uses the nation’s name. Actually, in all cities that we have been to, there will be a wildlife park or sorts that we would not miss, because my children loved it. So this one is definitely a must go place because it is THE Australia Zoo. What is more interesting is that the zoo is also home to “the crocodile hunter”, the late Steve Irwin. The zoo is actually privately owned by the Irwin family. Founded by Steve’s parents, the zoo was made famous by Steve. “Crikey” is also an expression or
Australia Zoo
We got our tickets online. It is almost always cheaper to buy tickets online than at the gate. We got two sets of the family package (I have a big family with many kids). So we reached there from the opening time to maximise our day there. 40 Ha of exhibits and lots of walking. Along the way, you will meet free-roaming creatures like the water dragon lizard or some birds.
The term Free-roaming also applied to some enclosures where you can walk in and have close encounters with the animals like the Kangaroos and Wallabies, Koalas, Birds in the Rainforest Aviary and wetlands, as well as Lemurs and parrots in the “Bindi Island” enclosures.
Of course, we don’t expect the Alligators, crocodiles, tigers, Zebra and Rhinos to be free-roaming. They were kept in enclosures but spaces are large enough for them to move around without any restrictions. That explained why we had to walk a long distance to see them. It was quite a worth effort especially the Tiger’s temple, Africa lands and individual Crocodile enclosures
Wildlife Warriors Show
The park is so big that it is impossible to sit in all the planned shows and walk the grounds of all exhibits. So we decided to should just go for a few and this show scheduled at noon and only once a day. So this was a must go show at the big “Crocoseum”. The consistent message had been conservation and the animals were not made to do stunts, merely showing their natural behaviours, so don’t expect any spectacular crocodile wrestling. Comparatively, the Jumping crocodile tours in Northern Territories were more exciting.
Kids Play
In all the zoos and wildlife parks we had been to, there were areas for kids to play and interact. Same for the Australia Zoo. The Children’s petting zoo, tree house as well as water play and jump houses made sure all the energies of our kids were expended.
Wildlife Hospital
Right beside the zoo is the animal hospital facility, said to be the largest wildlife hospital in the world. Our tickets included a sneak view of the facilities and we actually witnessed how wildlife is being treated there, through glass panels. Incidentally, there was a Koala being sedated and operated on.
In all, we enjoyed ourselves and walked a lot in one day. Although there were ferry trams, we prefer to walk and not wait up to 30 mins each time for the tram. A day well spent.
gobassky.