Owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of the famous Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, the 40-year-old Australia Zoo won the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003-2004 in the category Major Tourist Attraction. Combining conservation and education, Australia Zoo offers its visitors an unforgettable and unique experience where they can hug a koala, hand-feed Asian Elephants, stroll with a Sumatran Tiger and marvel at the sheer size of the crocodiles launching from the water's edge. Featuring a wonderful variety of exotic and indigenous animals including dingoes, elephants, lemurs, otters, giraffe, exotic parrots, raptors and, of course, a fantastic display of crocodiles, tortoises and snakes.

Address: Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah

Website: www.australiazoo.com.au

Telephone: (07) 5436 2000

Opening times: Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Open at 1pm on ANZAC Day, and closed on Christmas Day

Admission: A$59 (adults), A$35 (children). Other concessions, group tickets, and combination tickets are also available