The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is an accommodation experience like no other, with the added attraction of unlimited access to neighbouring Australia Zoo.
Imagine living just a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Australia Zoo, one of the globe’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, yet never venturing inside its gates.
Yep, that was me! Each year, 800,000 people walk past Steve Irwin’s watchful, billboardsized gaze into the 283ha multi-zone experience, but I had never been one of them.
Though Steve tragically passed away in 2006, his enduring passion for wildlife conservation shapes this zoo’s mission. It is meticulously upheld by his devoted family.
Taking the plunge into this unknown animal kingdom, I’ve opted for a zoo debut with a lavish break at the hidden oasis of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Echoing the three generations of Irwins, it’s a step into a world where wildlife thrives and luxury meets adventure.
The first surprise is the seamless Friday midday drive on the Bruce Highway from Brisbane without a traffic jam.
It takes less than an hour from Brisbane’s inner west to reach the lodge, which is entirely detached, behind the zoo at Beerwah.
Surrounded by rich, red rammed-earth walls, the check-in desk features two very large diamond pythons, Saleza and Enigma, lounging in a glassed enclosure.
Unlike the friendly staff, who welcome guests with pleasure, the pythons are supremely uninterested in new visitors.
Our home for the next two nights, Emu Cabin, is a luxurious three-bedroom house with an oversized deck; it easily fits the family.
There’s a spacious lounge with an internet-connected television, king beds throughout and my favourite feature, a freestanding ensuite bath with complimentary mineral salts.
Surprise inclusions continue with an arrival treat of moist chocolate brownies and a Dyson hairdryer in the bathroom.
It’s late afternoon when we finally head out for a trip to the zoo, with our enthusiastic three-year-old leading the way.
He insists on seeing the otters first, followed by the Komodo dragons and koalas, and we obediently follow his lead.
The otters put on a delightful water acrobatics show, overflowing with cuteness, while the koalas are fast asleep.
It’s a perfect preview for tomorrow’s grand adventure.
Outdoor dining at an Emu Cabin.
With so much to see, the unlimited zoo entry that comes with a stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is a huge advantage.
We plan to explore in small bites, retreating via the shuttle on demand whenever a break is needed.
Fueling up for a big zoo adventure, the next day we breakfast at The Crocodile Lodge’s Warrior Restaurant and Bar.
The menu is full of local treats and The Warrior Big Brekkie arrives with woodsmoked bacon, pork and fennel sausage, mushrooms, free-range eggs, beans, and a duck fat hash brown on the side.
It’s a dish that would make even Steve Irwin say, “Crikey!”
Zebras graze on an enticing patch of grass. Photo Kevin Gordon.
We step off the five-minute lodge-tozoo shuttle bus past the queuing crowds with a swift rock-star entry.
Our path takes us straight to ‘Africa’ on Steve’s Safari Shuttle for a one-on-one bonding experience with a giraffe.
The savannah-like setting is also dotted with zebras, and southern white rhinos, with meerkats surveying the landscape.
The cheetahs are too smart to be out in the midday sun.
Our path takes us straight to ‘Africa’ on Steve’s Safari Shuttle for a one-on-one bonding experience with a giraffe.
The savannah-like setting is also dotted with zebras, and southern white rhinos, with meerkats surveying the landscape.
The cheetahs are too smart to be out in the midday sun.
As we stroll past, Bindi’s Island emerges like a child’s wonderland, and in Elephantasia, Sumatran elephants lounge under leafy trees as a tiger nonchalantly roams in a ‘temple’ with a glass-walled pool.
Mr Three was particularly captivated by the reptiles behind glass walls, which allowed him a close-up view, a wombat strolling alongside a keeper on a leash and the many scrub turkeys wandering the grounds.
At the Crocoseum, we eagerly watch the Wildlife Warriors Show, where crocodiles jump and snap, thrilling the audience. It’s early afternoon, and the 25m heated infinity pool back at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge beckons.
The white recliner resort pool vibe is beautifully complemented by a backdrop of grazing kangaroos and emus.
Eyes of the tiger. Photo Kevin Gordon.
Later, dinner at Warrior Restaurant is tender native-saltbush-rubbed roast Peachester lamb with homegrown Warrigal greens and a salad of Blue Dog Farm leaves dressed with a Hum Honey mustard vinaigrette.
After a relaxing bath and a refreshing night’s sleep in the king-sized beds, the family is once again sitting around the breakfast table at Warrior, planning the day’s zoo excursion.
I’m impressed that my coffee grounds, minus the crocodile-shaped chocolate, will be used as sniffing enrichment for the cheetahs while fruit pulp left over from smoothies is sustainably transformed into ice blocks for the elephants.
Steve Irwin would be immensely proud of his family’s accomplishments at Australia Zoo and The Crocodile Hunter Lodge.
It’s a world-class experience that beautifully blends luxury with wilderness in just the right mix.
Don’t wait 40 years to see it like I did!
The author was a guest of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and Australia Zoo.
RACQ members save 10% on one-day admission and two-day Wild Passes to Australia Zoo with a Wildlife Hospital sneak peek included.
Top image: A meerkat takes in his surroundings. Photo Kevin Gordon.
Red Kangaroo one-bedroom cabin at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge.