Australia Zoo: Steve Irwin's Legacy

Well worth a visit during any trip to Australia, Australia Zoo offers a unique opportunity to get up close with a wide array of wildlife.

With over one thousand native and exotic animals, thanks to the efforts of the Irwin family, there is never a dull moment at Australia Zoo.

There are always plenty of exciting wildlife shows to see, friendly and knowledgeable zookeepers to chat with and lots of animals to simply walk right up to. If you've ever wanted to cuddle a koala, hand-feed an Asian Elephant, walk alongside a Bengal Tiger, take a Tasmanian Devil for a stroll, wrap a snake around your shoulders or watch a massive Saltwater Crocodile launch a strike from the water's edge, then Australia Zoo is your ultimate destination.

Set over sixty acres, Australia Zoo is a tropical oasis amid beautiful natural bush land on Queensland 's Sunshine Coast. As well as the lush greenery and well-maintained gardens, the most striking attributes of Australia Zoo are the adventurous, spacious and artistic enclosure designs seen throughout. The newly created Tiger Temple, built to resemble the famous Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, is a work of art as well as an architectural first – Tiger Temple boasts the southern hemisphere's only underwater viewing of tigers and cheetahs.

Every day at Australia Zoo something is happening – even a recent visit by the Dalai Lama. The atmosphere is charged with a uniquely Australian energy that finds it roots in the fearlessness and passion of the world's original Wildlife Warriors, co-owners Steve and Terri Irwin. From the design and construction of each new enclosure to the day-to-day running of the Zoo and the development of animal interaction opportunities for visitors, the Irwins' solid foundation has created an exciting, educational and fun experience for each and every visitor. No matter what your age -- you're sure to be impressed. My advice -- take the time to come and see this unique Australian attraction.