About Cairns Tropical Zoo
The award winning Cairns Tropical Zoo is part of the Wildlife Tropical North Queensland group. We’re the wildlife tourism professionals - wildlife is all we do.
Located on 6 hectares of tropical landscaped gardens, Cairns Tropical Zoo has the largest, most comprehensive wildlife collection in Tropical North Queensland:
- Reptiles: One of Australia's most comprehensive Snake displays, Monitors, Dragons, Lizards, Crocodiles - Saltwater and Freshwater varieties, Alligators
- Birds: Cockatoos, Raptors, Parrots, Emus, Cassowaries, Brolgas, Pelicans, water birds, finches and more
- Mammals: Koalas, Wombats (Common, Southern Hairy Nose), Macropods - Eastern Grey, Agile, Pademelons, Cotton Top Tamarins, Red Pandas, Lemurs, Dingoes, possums and more
Our attractions offer a variety of ways to experience wildlife in the tropics with a wide range of wildlife displays and wildlife presentations by our dedicated team of professional wildlife keepers


Since 1980, the local Freeman family has pioneered wildlife experiences in the Cairns area, striking a balance between entertainment, education and wildlife conservation oriented presentations that are both educational and enjoyable. Cairns Tropical Zoo is the only accredited ARAZPA Zoo in Queensland.
Other Wildlife Tropical North Queensland attractions include the award winning Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, located 25km south of Port Douglas, and the award winning Kuranda Koala Gardens, located in the Heritage Markets at Kuranda. In fact all our attractions are award winners.


The idea of Cairns Tropical Zoo has also extended into an evening event - Cairns Night Zoo - which operates here from 7:00pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday nights (bookings are essential).
Fast Facts
- Opening Times: 8:30am to 4.00pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
- Location: On the Captain Cook Hwy at Palm Cove just 20 minutes north of Cairns city
- Admission*: $32.00 Adult and $16.00 Child (4-15 years)
- Program: Our presentation program features a variety of activity throughout the day including Kangaroo Feeding, Pelican Feeding, Free Flight Bird Show, Koalas and Wombats, Snakes, Crocodiles and Endangered Exotic Species talk.
- Kangaroo Food: $1 per bag (special grain to hand feed tame kangaroos)
*Rates valid to 31 March 2011
Wildlife Conservation
Our goal is to contribute to the conservation of, and education about, both the Australian and exotic species that call these attractions home. The delivery of information through educational and entertaining presentations and the opportunity to interact with wildlife ensures a visit to one or more of our experiences will be memorable for all the right reasons.
In 2004, the Freeman family established the North Queensland Wildlife Trust dedicated to raising funds for the conservation of native wildlife and restoration of local habitats.
About ARAZPA
As at April 2009, Cairns Tropical Zoo is the only accredited ARAZPA (Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria) Zoo in Queensland.
ARAZPA zoos and aquariums strive for excellence in all areas of zoo operation, including animal and species management, conservation, education, research, veterinary care and visitor experience.
Each institution registers a firm commitment to this on joining the Association, by agreeing to implement the ARAZPA Code of Practice and Code of Ethics. Full accreditation status is granted by the ARAZPA Board after all accreditation procedures have been successfully completed.
More information about ARAZPA at www.arazpa.org.au