Visit the Zoo
About the Zoo
Alexandra Park Zoo was established in 1911 and is one of Queensland’s oldest continuously running zoological facilities.
Over the years the Zoo has been home to numerous animals including a koala, saltwater crocodile, gazelle, a Cassowary, kangaroos, whiptail wallabies and Rhesus monkeys, right through to Angora rabbits and pigeons. Some of the animals were donated to the Zoo by residents, and others obtained through Zoos interstate.
One of the Zoo’s most famous residents was “Torty” a Madagascan land tortoise. Torty was given to Mr John Powe when he visited Madagascar en route to Australia. After being a treasured family member for five generations, Torty was donated to Council in 1964 and placed in the Zoo. German scientist Klaus Lehmann examined Torty in 1979 and declared him to be the world’s second oldest recorded living creature. The record for longevity goes to another land tortoise which reached the age of 150 years. Torty died at the Zoo in 1984 at an estimated age of 137 years.
Today Alexandra Park Zoo is fully accredited with the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) providing positive welfare conditions and operating to high standards.
In 2019, Alexandra Park Zoo was also awarded a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and is one of the regions most popular attractions.
Alexandra Park Zoo is very proud to have been named as Tripadvisor 2020 Travellers' Choice Winners, meaning the zoo has been rated as one of the top 10 per cent places in the world to visit!
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Enjoying your visit
Feeding the animals
Our animals are fed a special diet to keep them healthy.
As human food can make animals very sick, we thank you in advance for not feeding the animals and keeping them safe.
Smoke free area
To reduce fire hazard and ensure the safety of animals and visitors, smoking is not permitted in the Zoo.
Pets
Pets are not permitted. Please leave your pets at home to help keep our zoo animals safe.
Playgrounds, BBQs and walks
The zoo is located next to Alexandra Park, a shady space with picnic tables, barbecues and playground equipment. The park is also home to three colonial guns, relics from the 1880s acquired by the then Colonial Queensland Government as part of its defence strategy.
You can enjoy a stroll from the zoo down to the river front and a walk along the fishing pier. If you have more time, traversing the Riverside Boardwalk along the Burnett River is also a great activity for the whole family.
Just take the path from the zoo down to the river and follow the river bank. The walk is 3km one way and ends at the River Cruz Café where you can stop for refreshments. This shared path is suitable for prams, bikes, scooters and skates.
Getting to the zoo
Location
Alexandra Park Zoo is located next to Alexandra Park at 29 Quay Street, on the corner of Quay and Burrum Street, Bundaberg, Queensland, and is 1.4km from the centre of town.
Opening times
Regular opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm, closed Monday and Tuesday
During the Queensland school holidays the Zoo is open every day from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm.
Closed ANZAC Day and Christmas Day.
Cost
It is free to visit the zoo.
Parking
There is plenty of free parking suitable for cars, buses, caravans and motorcycles.
There are three accessible parking bays near the main entrance.
Accessibility
The zoo has access for people using wheelchairs and strollers.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located in Alexandra Park next to the zoo.
Seating and drinking fountain
Seating options, picnic tables and accessible drinking fountains are available.
Transport
Railway: Bundaberg Railway Station on McLean Street is located 450m from the Zoo which is only a few minutes’ walk.
Taxi: The closest taxi rank is located at the Bundaberg Railway Station on McLean Street.
Bus: Stewart’s buses run Monday to Saturday stopping at the Bundaberg Plaza on Maryborough Street 1.6km from the Zoo – for more details visit Stewart & sons Coaches website.
Who is the Zoo and Aquarium Asssociation (ZAA)?
Zoo and Aquarium Association or “ZAA” represent the collective voice of the zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across Australasia that operate to the highest standards. As the peak industry body, ZAA is involved in breeding programs in support of conservation and community education as well as actively contributing to threatened species recovery around the world. As an association, ZAA brings its members together, facilitating shared knowledge and continuous improvement in conservation, welfare, biosecurity, science, research, social and community programs.
Watch a short video about ZAA below.
ZAA Accreditation: Animal welfare
Alexandra Park Zoo is accredited under the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia’s (ZAA) Five Domains Model, demonstrating our commitment to positive animal welfare. Read more about the accreditation process, what it involves and how accreditation works.
What is ZAA Accreditation?
Accreditation is “certification of competence in a specified subject or areas of expertise, and the integrity of an organisation, awarded by a duly recognised and respected accrediting organisation.” The ZAA Accreditation program is an assessment of a zoo or aquarium’s commitment and achievements towards positive animal welfare. It requires ZAA member zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and sanctuaries to think deeply about the welfare of the animals in their care and strive for continuous improvement. Zoos and aquariums are assessed using the progressive and science based Five Domains Model. This approach champions welfare from the animal’s perspective and it underpins all that we do.
What is the "Five Domains"?
The Five Domains Model is a science-based structure for assessing animal welfare, which recognises that animals can experience feelings, ranging from negative to positive. The first four domains (nutrition, environment, health and behaviour) all help inform us about the animal’s various experiences, which make up the mental Domain – the fifth domain. The Five Domains Model was developed by Professor David Mellor, an international-recognised animal welfare expert and Founder of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre during his time at Massey University.
Find out more about the Five Domains in this short video.
How does ZAA accredit zoos and aquariums?
The ZAA Accreditation program is evidence-based, and zoos and aquariums must provide compelling evidence for set criteria on both their operations and the experience of their animals. This evidence is reviewed by ZAA, before an expert Accreditation Officer visits the site in-person to validate the findings. Accreditation reports are then presented to the Standards and Accreditation Committee with approval endorsed by the Board before accreditation is granted. Zoos and aquariums must be assessed every three years to retain their accreditation status. International members are assessed yearly.
Why does ZAA accredit zoos and aquariums?
It is the vision of ZAA to champion welfare from the animal’s perspective. The accreditation program requires zoos and aquariums to think deeply about the welfare of the animals in their care and strive for continuous improvement. As a member of ZAA we are already committed to supporting good welfare at Alexandra Park Zoo, ZAA reviews this evidence against set requirements and confirms validation.
How can I tell if a zoo or aquarium is accredited by ZAA?
You can check the ZAA website for a full and up to date list of ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums in the Australasia region. Alternatively, look out for the ZAA-accredited logo. You can look for the logo on member zoo and aquarium websites, advertisements and at the gates of any zoo or aquarium you visit.
How often must an organisation be accredited?
ZAA member organisations, including Alexandra Park Zoo, need to undertake accreditation assessment every three years.