- Duration
- ~85 km to the zoo and ~110 km back, 9–10 hours (≈ 7 h 2 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- With kids
- Transport
- walk, drive
- Start
- Australia Zoo
- Finish
- Fudgyboombahs, Montville
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- Tuesday to Sunday: the Montville fudge shop is shut on Mondays. Leave Brisbane at 7:45am to be at the gates for the 9:00am opening. Zoo food carries a 10% Sunday surcharge.
- Budget per adult
- Zoo entry A$77.45 adult, A$51.95 child 3–14, under 3 free, family of 2+2 A$233.95 (zoo website, October 2026). Parking is free. Add lunch at the zoo cafe, gelato and fudge (100 g A$7.65).Prices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
By car via the Bruce Highway and Steve Irwin Way, about an hour from Brisbane; zoo parking is free. Without a car you can reach the zoo only: Queensland Rail Sunshine Coast line to Beerwah station, where the zoo's free courtesy coach meets most trains (if it isn't there, call 07 5436 2000). Railbuses sometimes replace trains on the line, so check translink.com.au. Maleny and Montville can't be linked by public transport in one day, so the afternoon needs a car.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Australia Zoo~2 h 30 min at the stop
The Irwin family's zoo at Beerwah: koalas, kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils, plus tigers, elephants, giraffes and rhinos in the Africa zone. Animals are liveliest in the morning.
Worth knowing: Steve Irwin's parents, Bob and Lyn, opened it on 3 June 1970 as the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park.
Tip: Open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm; some animals go to bed at 4:30pm. Buy tickets online in advance. Start at the kangaroo walk-through while it is quiet.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 5 min · 0.4 km
- For kids
2. The Laughing Frog Water Park and Crikey! Kids Corner~45 min at the stop
The kids' zone inside the zoo: a splash park with water jets, a shaded playground and free rides including a jumping pillow at Crikey! Kids Corner.
Tip: All free with entry. Pack swimwear or a change of clothes and a towel. Prams can be hired for A$30 a day, by booking only.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 3 min · 0.2 km
- Lunch
3. Crikey Café~45 min at the stop
The zoo's main cafe next to the Crocoseum: burgers, pizza, hot chips, sandwiches, sushi, salads and vegetarian meals. Handy for lunch before the show.
Tip: Open during zoo hours. Come by noon; the queue builds towards 1pm. A 10% surcharge applies on Sundays and 15% on public holidays. For dumplings, try the Red Panda Dumpling House.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 2 min · 0.1 km
4. Wildlife Warriors Show at the Crocoseum~45 min at the stop
The zoo's headline show in the Crocoseum stadium: a crocodile feed, free-flying birds and a talk on wildlife rescue. It is why most families come.
Tip: The website lists the show at 1:15pm. Take seats 15–20 minutes early; the shaded seats are on the sides. Check the time on the board at the gate on the day.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 25 min · 22 km
- Snack
5. Maleny Food Co~30 min at the stop
A cafe, fromagerie and gelateria in central Maleny. The gelato and sorbet are made with Guernsey milk and cream and local fruit.
Tip: Open daily 8:00am to 3:30pm, so leave the zoo by 2:30pm. Park on Maple Street or the side streets.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 7 min · 5 km
6. Gerrard's Lookout~10 min at the stop
A roadside lookout on the Maleny–Montville Road: a wide view over the Mooloolah River valley to Nambour, Maroochydore and the coast.
Tip: Free, with a shelter and picnic tables but no toilet. Ten minutes is enough for photos. Hold children's hands: the road is right there.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 10 min · 6.5 km
- Shops
7. Fudgyboombahs, Montville~45 min at the stop
A fudge shop on Montville's Main Street: around 18 flavours, from passionfruit and mango macadamia to caramel peanut butter and Scottish tablet. Lollies and honeycomb too.
Tip: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm, closed Mondays. Fudge is sold in 100 g portions at A$7.65. Address: 12/168 Main Street. Afterwards stroll Main Street for its galleries and gift shops.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.