Late conservationist Steve Irwin has undoubtedly left a deep impact in the hearts of animal lovers worldwide. Now, to honor his legacy, the Irwin family has recently opened a luxury lodge at the Australia Zoo. The Crocodile Hunter Lodge opened on June 22 this year to welcome guests from across the globe and offers luxurious stays amidst incredible wildlife.
The Vision
According to Luke Reavley, the longtime Irwin family confidante and general manager of the lodge, Steve Irwin always wanted to provide people with an experience of a unique stay where they can fully appreciate the country’s beautiful wildlife. This newly opened lodge turns that very idea into reality with its distinct accommodations, and provides the exclusive experience of co-living with nature and wildlife!
The Property
Celebrating the legacy of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter Lodge is located in Beerwah of Queensland, just south of the Irwin family’s Australia Zoo near the Glass House Mountains. The property features a two-room zoo-accessible cabin, eight main family cabins, an in-house restaurant, and an 82-foot-long infinity pool named The Billabong. The area of the zoo cabin is the natural habitat for koalas, emus, echidnas, and of course, kangaroos. It also includes a new home for the southern koalas of the zoo, who were victims of the devastating 2020 bushfires.
The Special Touches
The members of the Irwin family all added their individual special touches to the property. Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi, 23, came up with the name Warrior for the restaurant, paying homage to the phrase Wildlife Warrior coined by Steve. His son Robert, 18, photographed two crocodiles from the Australia Zoo and printed them onto the tiles of the pool, making it extra special and a bit unnerving too! For Terri, Steve Irwin’s widow, this site is extra-significant. The front doors and the check-in desk are made of recycled timber from the very original Crocodile Environmental Park, built by Steve himself and the spot where the Irwin couple first met back in 1991.
The Services
The property will welcome its guests with a welcome gift and free breakfast. Unlimited entry to the Australia Zoo with shuttle services, entry to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, and exclusive use of the wildlife-spotting infinity pool — all are included in the service. Additionally, The Warrior Restaurant and Bar offers seasonal delicacies. There is also a gift shop, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour concierge to deliver an unforgettable experience to the guests.