Cairns Attractions - Things to see and do in Tropical Far North Queensland, Australia   Cairns - Tropical Far North Queensland - Australia

Cairns Tropical Zoo

A sensational place to take young children, families will love Cairns Tropical Zoo. A locally operated wildlife experience, Cairns Tropical Zoo brings visitors closer to animals than most other 'zoos'. There are many opportunities to hold, touch and interact with the animals at Cairns Tropical Zoo.

Do you want to cuddle a koala, or pat a crocodile? Perhaps you hope to hand feed some kangaroos and chat to cockatoos. Maybe you're interested in kissing toads and wrapping yourself in snakes. Whatever you fancy, Cairns Tropical Zoo at Palm Cove is the place to visit.

Formerly known as Wild World, Cairns Tropical Zoo showcases a large variety of Australian animals, only 20 minutes north of Cairns. It consists of six hectares (15 acres) of landscaped Australian gardens displaying Australia's unique animals and international exotics. It's not only a fun and educational experience for kids, but an enlightening and funny adventure for adults too.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Cairns Tropical Zoo for visitors is it providing a close up wildlife experience with North Queensland's endemic animals and mammals, birds and reptiles indigenous to the area's Wet Tropics rainforest, including the Daintree Rainforest.

Wldlife Shows

Check the Cairns Tropical Zoo's daily program to see what time you should be at the zoo. Many of the shows are explained below.

Morning Program Afternoon Program
8.30am Kangaroo feeding all day 1.00pm to 1.30pm Wildlife photo session featuring koalas or snakes
8.45am Lorikeet feeding in walk-through aviary 1.15pm Endangered animals

9.00am to 9.30am

Wildlife photo session featuring koalas or snakes 1.45pm Snake show
9.15am Endangered animals 2.15pm Koala keeper talk
9.45am Snake show 2.30pm Koala photo session (free wombat and crocodile photo opportunities)
10.15am Free flight bird show 3.00pm Crocodile show
10.45am Koala keeper talk 3.30pm Free flight bird show
11.00am Koala photo session 4.00pm Lorikeet feeding
11.30am Crocodile show 5.00pm Close

Snake Show

Nowhere else will you see people squirm and wriggle yet be so desperate to see what's happening, than at the snake show. Highly trained experts display a number of local snakes and allow members of the audience to touch and handle the reptiles if they wish. The show is performed from within a cage to ensure complete safety. This show is also the only one to feature the deadliest snake on earth – Taipan. (Don't worry, you won't be allowed to handle this one.)

Crocodile Show

Crocodile Shows
Saltwater Crocodiles

Here's another scary performance. Watch the resident saltwater and freshwater crocodiles at feeding time, but from a safe distance of course. Wild World's crocodile handler talks from within the crocodile pen about the amazing life cycles and history of the only remaining legacy of the dinosaurs. These incredible creatures are captivating as they devour their lunch. The largest crocodile at Wild World is “Sarge”, and he has been at the park for more than 20 years and is 5 meters long.

Free Flight Bird Show

Owl
Frogmouth

Ok, this show isn't quite as intense as the crocodile show, but it's just as interesting. Cairns Tropical Zoo has Queensland's first free flight bird show which is an amazing example of animal training. The free flight bird show alows you to get close to many bird species including huge Sea Eagles and Owls.

Koala Keeper Talk

There is no other native Australian animal as cute as a koala. The ranger at Cairns Tropical Zoo gives a talk about the life cycle of these gentle creatures, and visitors are able to cuddle them. If you please, you can also have your photo taken with your favourite real live teddy bear.

What Animals are at Cairns Tropical Zoo?

Friendly Kangaroos
Friendly Kangaroos

Australian animals roam around the park for you to interact with.

  • The Kangaroo Paddock features more than 50 tame Eastern Grey Kangaroos that you can pat, feed from your hand, and take photos with. Kangaroo food can be purchased for $1 per bag when you enter the zoo.
  • Wombats are always on display, but be warned – they love to sleep. Every afternoon one of the wombats is brought out to meet the public and you can have your photo taken with the sleepyhead.
  • The native Australian dog, the Dingo, is also on display at Wild World. These dogs are very friendly and harmless to visitors.

Snake Display

Safely housed behind thick glass is Wild World's collection of Australian snakes. From small adders to giant pythons, you can see them all. You can have your photo taken with a Boa Constrictor, or check out the other reptiles such as Monitors, Dragons, Lizards, Crocodiles and Alligators

Getting to Cairns Tropical Zoo

Lots of people coming to the Cairns Tropical Zoo have hired a car, or caught the bus. Some also have their own personal tour guide. For more information about the zoo, call (07) 4055 3669 or visit the zoo on the Captain Cook Highway at Palm Cove.

Cairns Tropical Zoo Guided Tours

Cairns Night Zoo at Cairns Tropical Zoo

Cairns Night Zoo Dancing

Fun and frivolity is the flavour at the Cairns Night Zoo. A special area of the Cairns Tropical Zoo is utilised for an exciting glimpse into yesteryear Australian culture. The evening starts at 6pm where you are whisked away from your accommodation to the zoo at Palm Cove. Included in the price of your experience at the Cairns Night Zoo is entertainment, dinner, drinks and transfers. Enjoy a sumptuous BBQ dinner - just the smell of the sizzle will make your mouth water!

After dinner you'll explore the nocturnal creatures of the zoo on a unique spotlighting tour. Enjoy stargazing, handfeed the kangaroos and try authentic billy tea and damper cooked over an open fire.

Then the fun really starts! Put on your dancing shoes and learn a series of Australian bush dances. Dance the night away to a toe-tapping 6-piece live band and learn how to play some of the more unique musical instruments Australians have invented. Arrive home at your accommodation at 10:00pm after a great night.

Prices Adult Child
Cairns Night Zoo $115.00 $57.50
Child Policy:
All age children allowed.
Includes:
BBQ dinner, drinks, entertainment and return transfers from your accommodation. Souvenirs can be purchased on the night.