Australia Zoo is a team of passionate conservationists working around-the-clock to deliver an animal experience like no other. It is where it all began for the Irwin family. It was originally opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on June 3rd 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. Bob Irwin is a world renowned herpetologist, who is regarded as a pioneer in the keeping and breeding of reptiles. His wife Lyn was one of the first to care for and rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife in southeast Queensland.

In 1987 the Crocodile Environmental Park was opened in an effort to aid saltwater crocodile protection. By the 1990s the Crocodile Environmental Park had become very popular and was seen as unique for its display of crocodile feeding within the park. The area was mainly used to house adult saltwater crocodiles that has been captured and relocated from the wild.