News

This luxe wilderness retreat with an infinity pool and Aussie animals lives up to Steve Irwin’s legacy

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is the kind of place I’m sure Steve Irwin would’ve been proud to call home

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Pool with lounge chairs in bushland
Photograph: Supplied | The Crocodile Hunter Lodge
Advertising

If you asked me to name the most iconic Australian of all time, I'd have to go with the late Steven Irwin. It’s a big call, but the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ perfectly captured our Aussie spirit with his fearless love of wildlife, heart of gold and unmistakable ocker accent. Irwin’s crikey energy and passion for conservation live on today through his family at Australia Zoo – where a brand-new retreat pays fitting tribute to the wildlife warrior himself.

Tourists and animal lovers flock from all around the world to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast just to visit Australia Zoo the country’s most famous wildlife park, which Steve proudly took over from his parents in 1992. Spanning more than 700 acres, the zoo is home to thousands of precious native and international animals. Today, Steve’s legacy continues through the Irwin family – Terri, Bindi and Robert – and their passionate team, who carry forward his mission with a focus on conservation, rehabilitation and education.

Lodge with pool in bush
Photograph: Supplied | The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

Steve always dreamed of giving visitors the chance to stay overnight in luxury accommodation near the zoo – and in 2022, his vision was brought to life with the opening of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Tucked in native bushland just 500 metres from Australia Zoo, this luxe wilderness retreat isn’t just a haven for humans, but a vital sanctuary for both beloved Aussie animals and critically endangered plant species.

Given how many international awards it’s won since opening, I had high expectations for The Crocodile Hunter Lodge – and after a quick one-night stay, I can confirm it exceeded every one of them. An icon in its own right, Steve’s conservation legacy comes alive in the surrounding native bushland, where Aussie species like kangaroos, koalas, emus and echidnas roam freely.

Kangaroo on grass
Photograph: Supplied | The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

In November 2024, the Irwin family unveiled four new double-storey Crocodile Cabins, adding to their existing collection of one- to three-bedroom lodges. True to their name, these secluded cabins overlook a natural lagoon that’s home to ten freshwater crocodiles and endangered Mary River turtles. Soaking in the views from my private heated plunge pool on the downstairs deck was pretty surreal, and falling asleep to the trickle of the four-metre waterfall from the master bedroom upstairs was pure bliss.

Lounge room with Tv and couches
Photograph: Melissa Woodley for Time Out

With almost as many awards, Warrior Restaurant and Bar serves up seriously stellar tucker with a native twist. The menu isn’t strictly Australian though, with mains like slow-braised beef rendang paying homage to Steve’s favourite home-cooked meals. Other dishes feature ingredients grown onsite, including chillies harvested in Australia Zoo’s Elephantasia, honey sourced from backyard bee hives and bush tucker grown in the gardens.

Waffles with blueberries and yellow flower
Photograph: Melissa Woodley for Time Out

The absolute highlight of my stay was going for a morning swim in the Lodge’s 25-metre heated infinity pool, which overlooks the lush bushland. From the edge, I admired a mob of kangaroos nibbling on native grass and laughed as an emu did laps on land beside me.

Staying at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is a splurge, but worth every cent – all guests score unlimited entry to Australia Zoo with complimentary transport, a sneak peek inside the Wildlife Hospital, daily breakfast and a welcome gift. Trust us, this is the wild side of luxury at its very best.

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

RECOMMENDED:

🐊 Read our five-star review of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

⭐️ The best lodges and resorts in Australia

🐨 The most ethical zoos and wildlife sanctuaries in Oz

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising