A DAY AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

Today I partnered with my pals over at TripAdvisor to maximize our trip to the iconic Australia Zoo. I've been a long-term TripAdvisor member from way back when I booked our first ever trip overseas. Since then, I don't book a thing until I've researched and read reviews on there. It really is a one-stop shop to find everything you need, from reading hotel reviews, searching the travel forums for information, to booking tours (like we did) and even accommodation! Trip advisor asked my family to take TripMaximizing for a test-run in our city, and so we did just that. I searched Sunshine Coast and selected Things To Do in the Area. It had been 10 years since our last visit to Australia Zoo, so I knew it was time to head back and check it out with the younger kids.

We were lucky that we picked a beautiful day to visit, with hardly any crowds. First stop was to rent one of their double carts ($14) to pull along my 2 youngest kids (5 and 7). It was absolutely brilliant, and the kids loved it, which made for a day free of whining about sore legs and feet.

The kids were so excited to visit Bindi’s Island, because they watch Bindi’s Bootcamp on TV and wanted to check out all the spots they see on the show. Over on Bindi’s Island you can find cute little lemurs, giant tortoises and a few reptiles. It’s pretty cool that you can go in the treehouse and climb up the stairs for a great view of the zoo.

Now, who could pass up a Meerkat photo op? Not me! One of the animals the kids really wanted to see were the meerkats (or meowcats as my daughter calls them), and they didn't disappoint. This is where you will thank me for mentioning the carts you can rent. It's quite the walk to get to the Africa section where you can find giraffes, zebras, rhinos and the new lemur enclosure. Make sure you catch the shuttle back to the start of the zoo if you have young ones with you! The carts can go on the shuttle too.

You simply can’t visit Australia Zoo without watching the iconic croc show! It's only one once a day, so make sure you check the timetable and be sure to catch it. One handy hint, when the show is finished, you can watch the croc being led back into its pen from the balcony behind the stadium. The kids thought it was pretty cool watching them coach it back in and close all of the different gates.

You cant visit Australia Zoo without watching the iconic croc show! It's only at once a day so make sure you check the timetable and be sure to watch it. One handy hint, when the show is finished, you can watch the croc being led back into its pen from the balcony behind the crocoseum. The kids (and us) thought it was pretty cool watching them coach it back in and close the different gates.

As you can see, we had a fun-filled day out at Australia Zoo, thanks to TripAdvisor.