Australia Zoo

For the second day of the Queensland 2017 trip, we decided to make a trip to visit Australia Zoo, located about an hour north of Brisbane city. Popularized by the late Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo has a special place in many Australians' hearts and having lived in Australia for over seven years I decided that it was time to make the trip to visit this world-famous zoo to see what set it above the rest. It was my first time visiting the well-regarded national treasure and I had high expectations. 
Visiting the zoo in the height of summer meant that the weather was extremely hot and humid, making it exhausting to stay outside for long. However, as I only had one day in the area, this meant that I would have to endure the heat. Without further ado, lets' get into it...

All photographs below are not to be reproduced without permission.

Upon arrival at the main entrance, visitors are presented with a wall-sized poster of Steve Irwin alongside the gift shop. Steve Irwin is primarily responsible for putting this zoo on the map and his influence has meant that visitors from all over the world make the trip to visit his zoo.

You can buy figurines of Steve Irwin in the gift shop. Biographies are also available.

After entering the zoo, it was nearly time for the daily 'croc' show. During this demonstration the trainers demonstrate the fearsome capabilities of the crocodiles that live within the zoo. It is this show that draws the largest crowd. It is a slick and polished presentation with the trainers well aware of the high expectations held by many park visitors. 

The sun was blistering hot, with many people deciding to sit higher up in the shade. There were however, a few brave souls who chose to endure the heat of the sun.

The trainer selects a member of the audience for a demonstration.

Quite possibly my favourite picture of the day. So many facial expressions and reactions to the hawk landing on this audience member's hand. 

Splashing in the water to draw in the croc...

Some dinosaur sculptures that are present throughout the zoo.

I wonder what his name is....

There was a section of the zoo where visitors could walk up and pet kangaroos. Here is one kangaroo basking in the heat, and looking photogenic while at it.

I did not have a long telephoto lens and had to move up close to capture bird photos

Some water to cool off from the heat

Can you spot the snake?

Rhinos

Conclusion:
Visiting one of the world's most famous zoos was a enjoyable experience with plenty of animals to observe and activities to partake in. The animal variety was a little on the small side when compared to other world famous zoos such as those in Singapore. Tickets to enter the zoo were also on the more expensive side. The headline crocodile show however, was very good and felt extremely polished. The animals in this zoo also felt well cared for by the excellent staff.  
Overall it was an excellent zoo to visit and I highly recommend a visit to any person curious to see what the hype surrounding Australia Zoo is all about.
Next up a visit to Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.