AusLeisure

Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast has opened its latest attraction, Bindi's Island.

The attraction transports guests to an island-styled setting surrounded by wildlife including lemurs, macaws, giant aldabran tortoises, an alligator-snapping turtle and boa constrictors.

The centrepiece of the attraction is a treehouse, inspired by Bindi's treehouse in the Bindi the Jungle Girl television series and the Return to Nim's Island movie. The three-storey structure offers 360-degree views of Australia Zoo, including the neighbouring Lemur Island and African Savannah sections.

Built around a giant replica fig tree, the first level of the treehouse stands 5 metres above the ground and is wheel-chair accessible, with great views of Bindi's lemur friends. Levels two and three take visitors to 10 metres off the ground.

The replica fig tree also features original blown-glass marine floats and other beach-combed items that have been collected over the years, to ensure an authentic island feel.

The project was backed by a grant from the Federal Government’s former Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund, which offered dollar-for-dollar matched funding up to $250,000 to help tourism operators increase the quality and range of visitor experiences in regional Australia.

Local dignitaries and stakeholders will be part of the official opening of Bindi’s treehouse on Monday 5th January.

Commenting on the new attraction, Bindi Irwin stated “I'm thrilled to be officially opening Bindi's Island, where visitors get to check out our gorgeous lemurs for the first time on display, as well as stacks of other wildlife never before seen out and about at Australia Zoo.

"This was always part of my Dad's plan for Australia Zoo and we are so proud to be carrying on in his footsteps, making Australia Zoo even bigger and better.

"It is the dream of everyone to have their own treehouse and I'm blessed to be sharing the adventure with all those who visit Australia Zoo."

For more information go to www.australiazoo.com.au/bindi-island

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