Will be landing from the US in Brisbane this October. Are wondering if it is worth a trip to the Australia Zoo and staying a couple days around Brisbane to rest before going on up to FNQ? We are not huge zoo fans and do not have kids with us, but this sounds like quite an outstanding zoo. And we do love Bindi ! Her father's daughter!! We are mid 50s.
Also, where would be a good place to stay at a nearby beach for a night or two before moving up north? Will be up in FNQ and on the Coral Princess for the next 12 days or so after Brisbane.
Any advice much appreciated.
thanks,
Joan95448

Hi Joan. I just got back from a 3 week trip and we visited Australia Zoo, as well as several other animal parks. We also had no kids and are in the same age group as you. I loved the Zoo and am so glad I went. Like many other Americans, I watched the Irwin family on many Animal Planet TV shows.

My travel companion had no real desire to go to the Zoo but was willing to go because it was a must do for me. She loved it also and told me it was one of the prettiest zoos she had ever been to. So, I say GO.

We stayed in Caloundra at the Belaire Place, 34 Minchinton St. which was right on the beach -- beautiful! Caloundra is a great little town and we really enjoyed that area.

We are early 60's and went several years ago. Really enjoyed it too. Of course, we just had to get a photograph holding a Koala, which was the hit of our Christmas letter that year. I don't think you will be disappointed.

It seems you do have an interest from the start and so that is bound to help though naturally there is no guarantee Bindi is going to be there on any given day.
http://www.twinwatersresort.com.au/ was just this morning on a breke show showing specials for $109/room, extra good deal and with torism being generally down, should be plenty available - they did say that particular special was limited to first 200 callers but October being a relatively quiet month, I'm sure an email, an arm twist on having heard of the special etc. you may get a good offer.

The Zoo is not as large as what Capital Zoos are - The Brisbane one - http://www.almaparkzoo.com.au/ and one advantage of staying closer to Brisbane is that you would have a greater range of opportunities, http://www.koala.net/index.htm and http://www.tangalooma.com/content.asp on Moreton Island for Dolphins and not a bad staying option.

And then of course down on the Gold Coast of theme parks you have Sea World with accompanying resort which often has good packages - http://seaworld.myfun.com.au/ and you could also look under www.wotif.com or www.lastminute.com.au to see what specials are on closer to time, http://outbackspectacular.myfun.com.au/ also offering some night time entertainment and you'll see that joing offers 10% discounts, and also Australia's largest colony of glow worms at natural arch bridge which could be included in a nice hinterland drive - DIY if like, Brisbane > Mount Tambourine > O'Riellys or Springbrook and then the arch in late afternoon/evening.

There are many other options you could consider, there generally being more than what the Sunshine Coast has and not so much more touristy than Sunshine Coast, but just more of it.
Other great accommodation options would be http://sanctuarycove.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/ or http://www.couran.com/ on South Stradbroke Island or do something entirely different and get yourself a houseboat for a few days - http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en...e-results&cd=1

There's also an underwaterworld at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast [Australia Zoo territory], a hinterland - Maleny, Montville and road between offering superb coastal vistas and houseboats on Noosa River too.

Wow, thank you all for the great advice! We are almost certainly going to go to the zoo and have already checked out Caloundra. Bushranger, you gave us much to think about also--glow worms !! Sounds great. Probably will have more questions later, thanks again
Joan