Australia Zoo is just down the road from me. Much of the land owned by the Irwin family is still undeveloped. Steve Irwin's father purchased the land (more than a hundred acres I've been told) many years ago. I remember visiting the animal park when I first moved here twenty years ago. It was very quiet in that area Since then, the Australian and Queensland governments have jointly built a major highway parallel to the Sunshine Coast, north to south. This has really put the Irwin property on the tourist route. Steve Irwin's skill, knowledge and personality have made him world famous.

The original small animal park has been redeveloped and made much larger. It has been called Australia Zoo only in recent years. I would say about a third of visitors come from the United States. It is always crowded there now. I believe there are plans on the drawing board to build a motel and convention centre beside Australia Zoo

Crocodiles are quite prevalent in northern Queensland. In some instances they move onto beaches and into drains. Queensland Parks and Wildlife officers monitor the situation and remove crocodiles if they get too close to people. It is not really people they are interested in: they eat wild pigs as they wander along riverbanks.

Steve & Terri Irwins' book The Crocodile Hunter book is enjoyable reading and his DVD is good viewing.

Budgetmotelchain.com.au is the online reservation service for Budget Motel Chain providing clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation.

Directories of accomodation in Australia and New zealand can be sent to you in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe and South America and Asia.

Alma Park Zoo was established in 1969 as a native animal sanctuary; it became a registered zoo in 1973 with the arrival of exotic animals.

Australia Zoo

TysAustralia.com