Mooloolaba, Australia, and Steve Irwin's Zoo

Hello Everyone!

This morning (Sunday 8 Feb 2026) we anchored in the bay outside Mooloolaba, Australia. It's a beautiful beach town on Australia's Sunshine Coast, about 60 miles north of Brisbane. It has a population of around 8,000 and is the home of a large fishing fleet. The crescent-shaped beach here is long, clean, and safe, with shallow water extending quite far out. It's a popular summer destination for folks from Brisbane, who come up here for the beaches and the excellent harbor and boating.

Australia Zoo - Crikey!

We went on an excursion this morning to Australia Zoo, the home of Steve Irwin, aka the Crocodile Hunter. Now run by his family, the Zoo aims to be the ultimate global zoological destination, and to act as a world leader in conservation and research of both wildlife and their habitats. They have a very large facility located in nearby Beerwah that is home to over 100 species of animals. The exhibits and the shows all stress conservation, extinction prevention, and habitat preservation.

Sign Outside the Visitors' Center

These Australian Water Dragons were running free throughout the zoo. They had little fear of humans, and you could get very close to them (1-2 feet) before they'd scurry off, just out of reach.

Australian Water Dragon

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

We saw a couple of dingoes, but like most of the mammals, they were sleeping, staying cool, and hiding from the sun. Domesticated centuries ago by the aborigines, these descendants of wolves still run wild throughout the continent. They seldom, if ever, bark, but they howl to communicate with each other over great distances. They're about the size of a German Shepard, lean, and swift of foot. The ones at the zoo are very friendly and we were told they love interacting with people when they're not sleeping.

Dingo

Dozing Koala

There was a large, park-like area comprising several acres where gray kangaroos (and people) were roaming freely. The kangaroos were quite tame and tolerant and would allow you to slowly approach them and even pet them.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

This female had a joey in her pouch. I could see it move frequently, but it never peeked out while I was watching.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Patient 'Roo

Red Panda

Sumatran Tiger

White Rhino

Cheetah

Meerkat

Splooting Meerkat

Wombat

Of course, it wouldn't be Steve Irwin's place if there weren't some interaction with giant saltwater crocs ("salties"). Our timing was perfect, as they're only fed once a week.

Panorama of Crocodile Enclosures

Prepping Lunch for the Crocs

They fed the two largest crocs (14', seen below, and 16', shown in this video) while we watched. It was quite impressive to see these beasts swallow the gigantic portions of ribs, meat and fur whole, without chewing.

Catch!

The Rest of the Day

After visiting the zoo, a friend and and I walked through the town of Mooloolaba, enjoying the sights, drinking some beer, and sharing an outstanding margherita pizza. Then it was back to the ship for a shower and change of clothes, followed by dinner and a show in the theater. The entertainer this evening was a very accomplished and high-energy jazz pianist and conductor named Kym Purling. He gave a magnificent 45-minute performance on the piano, backed up by a bassist and a drummer. All three were exceptionally talented musicians, and they received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd.

Superbowl Monday

Tomorrow will be Monday, 9 Feb, but here in Australia it's Superbowl Monday! Thanks to the magic of the international date line and a whole bunch of time zones, our watch party of the live game will begin at 8:00am with the kickoff coming at 9:30am. Viking will of course, serve appropriate snacks and drinks to go with the game.

We'll be at sea tomorrow on our way to Whitsunday Island. I'll let you know how the Superbowl party goes.

Cheers,
Jim