That Travel Bug: Australia Zoo, Landsborough, Queensland

Queenslanders should be very proud of the legacy built by the Irwin family and the very dedicated and knowledgeable staff at Australia Zoo. Their main aim is the conservation of animals and their habitats, with rescue programs for animals and the purchase of land to re-establish species where possible. The Zoo provides a fantastic window into Australia's environment, fauna and flora. The exhibits encompass the best of Australia, with it varied weather conditions, dry arid plains, wetlands, grasslands and tropical rainforests and our country's many species of animals. There are exotic animals also, and most are part of breeding and conservation programs.

As a visitor, you discover plants, animals and people wandering around in each others' company, all experiencing something new or the wonder of learning a little bit more but always enjoying it.

I have been lucky to live in Queensland and the Zoo was 'just up the road' (about an hour and a half away). I had the chance to visit many times, and always took the chance again when visitors came from other parts of the world.

This is a model of a very large saltwater crocodile. These guys came from way back in the dinosaur age.

This is a beautfiul staghorn fern growing on a palm tree in the zoo grounds. Queensland has some gorgeous tropical palms and ferns and the landscaping at Australia Zoo exhibits many plants that Queenslander's take for granted. These contribute to the overall beauty of the surroundings in the zoo.

The walk-through aviary is warm and inviting and the parrots, pigeons, ducks and finches take solace in their environment. They have places to hide amongst the foliage and there is always food and freshwater provided by the zoo staff as well as the many waterfalls and ponds scattered through the walkway.