We had been looking forward to Australia Zoo after watching Steve Irwin on TV for many years. It certainly lived up to expectations with well maintained facilities and an extremely professional and amusing show in the Crocoseum. Met many animals as we walked around the zoo as the keepers take the animals out of the enclosures. Elephants came out for feeding, cheetahs strolled down the walk ways, wombat out walking on a leash. Luckily the snakes didn't get the same privilege. Waited for the 'Tiger show' at 3.30pm when the keeper played with the 9mth old cubs in the pool. Great fun to watch and well worth the wait. Strong conservation message but very commercial at the same time. Huge souvenir shops with something for everyone. Suggest that some food be taken with you as the food court is a zoo of it's own and very expensive.

We took the train from Roma St. station direct to Beerwah($8.40 per person/each way) where the zoo's free bus met the train and took us on the few miles to the park. At least the bus was free...as others reviews have noted it's $52 per adult to get in. Ouch! That's why I give it only and "above average" rating. It is indeed a lovely zoo with spacious well-planned exhibits and there is still lots of expansion planned(hence the steep admission fee!) Crocaseum show rather disappointing as it's very staged/cheesy to be geared towards getting the conservation message out to the kiddies and there wasn't much croc feeding time at all.

Lining up to feed the elephants was a bit of a mad house. Avoid the biggest crowds by trying the plan to attend the mid-afternoon feeding back in the elephant area. Don't miss the kangaroo paddocks where you can walk right up the the hoppers. Super tame and lazy for sure.

Free shuttle back to the station doesn't jibe reall well with the train sked, but there is also a Caboolture bound city bus that stops in the parking lot which will take you just in time to catch the 3p-ish train from Beerwah back to Brisbane. Ask the driver or the parking lot guys for current info.

Every aspect of this top-notch zoo is first rate. The grounds are beautiful and sparkling clean. All of the staff members are very friendly, knowledgable and helpful. It is a big place, with several sections - they were working on the African area when we were last there. The animals are the stars of the park! Every kind imaginable live here and it is a great way to see ALL the animals Australia has to offer, up close and personal. Give yourself an all day or two here!
Almost every hour throughout the day there is an animal show, cuddle, or talk - included in the price of admission. Of course the Croc show is very special but we also loved holding the wombats and petting the kangaroo and koalas. We even had our picture taken with a 30' snake! There are many photo ops on your own as well. The gift stores are full of many interesting, fun gifts to take home.
Stay in the Glass House Mts. nearby. They are spectacular and have an interesting history. Also nearby is the Ginger Factory (fun for kids) and a famous pub you won't want to miss. Just Northeast of Brisbane, the Australia Zoo is a must do downunder. We highly recommend a visit here.

Australia zoo is not the biggest zoo i have visited but it is probably the best.

I went there by taking the train from Brisbane central ($16.40 return) to Beerwah station - takes about 1 hour 20 minutes - then there is a free australia zoo shuttle that takes you to the zoo about 5 minutes drive away from the station. Entry fee is $49 for adults and $39 for students.

What i liked best about the zoo was the staffs enthousiasm and friendlyness. You can certainly see that they love their job and feel strongly about the 'conservation' message. Everyone there is really carrying on with Steve Irwins' great work and vision.

Staff also walk around with animals e.g. koala, baby aligator, etc.. so you can get up close which adds to the experience.

There is a food court there with a number a food outlets - all are reasonably prices. There are also a number of souvenir shops that sell souvenirs pertaining to the zoo, but also the usual range of australian souvenirs - however, unlike other souvenir shops such as those in Brisbane city, all that is sold at the souvenir shops within Australia zoo appeared to be made in Australia!

A great day out for everyone.