Australia Zoo burst into action in 1992 when the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, and his wife Terri took over management of the zoo.Formally known as the Beerwah reptile park, the once 4 acre reptile park is now70 acres of entertainment , with over 1,000 animals, if this is not on your to do list put it there, this is something that everyone should go and see.

We met "Nana & Pop", (Sandy & Don, Kylz oldies) just before opening (9am), before heading into the Zoo for a fun filled day.The kids loved it, must say so did we!, you really need a full day or even two to see everything this zoo has to offer.The Otters were pretty cool, (very hard to photograph!) they are sooooo fast! The girls got the chance to feed the elephants, went for a ride on a pony at Bindi's pony trails, had a drive of the Crikey 4wd, and patted Koalas. We also watched the Wildlife Warriors Show, this had Asian Elephants, snakes, free flight birds and crocodiles going for about 45min, the kids sat quietly through the show, and they really enjoyed it. They must really had paid attention as for days after we were told little pearls such as "don't whack snakes" "don't camp near rivers" and other words of wisdom they had gleaned from the tour and show. After the show we headed to the Feeding Frenzy Food Court, you will not go hungry here! With 3 eating venues, catering for everyone, it is very well organised and good food. We were there on a quiet day and could see how this very well organised operation could easily handle the huge crowds it would get on a big day in holiday season. Australia Zoo also offers free shuttle buses from pick up points all over the coast, this is a great service. We didn't use this service thinking that Chels & Charli wouldn't last the whole day, and we were right, they were tired after about 5 hours. Our last run through the tiger display was done under the first signs of a big day and the promise of an ice-block after just a few more minutes of good behaviour! While watching this amazing and endangered animal, Kylz and I both agreed with the zoos need to push the conservation message so hard to the younger generation. After the promised ice-block (and Poppy having dished out plenty of shoulder rides) and a short safari style open bus ride back to the front car park our day was over at the brilliant and eye opening Australia Zoo. Both girls had enjoyed the big day and both would like to thank Nan and Poppy for coming with them. We would also like to say A BIG THANKS TO KRISTY (Kylz little sis); this fantastic day at the Zoo was a gift from her, cheers to you sis! P.S. As a small side bar to this sunny story remember this now huge operation has arisen from one man's dream and passion for something he truly believed wholeheartedly in. ( I would like to say I put a poofteenth of his effort into ANYTHING one day!?) After watching many funny, entertaining and enjoyable croc hunter doco's (the girls reminded not to forget Bindi shows!)and purchasing and reading his wife Terri's book, titled simply "Steve", even a person with a pretty agricultural view of animal welfare (domestic or wild) like myself can appreciate the "balance" (for want of a better word!?) someone like Steve Irwin bought to our world, and how important it is for his work, not just his memory, to continue.