Why You Should Stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

It’s six o’clock in the morning. The darkness begins to lighten into a deep, gentle blue. Sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling fill the crisp morning air.

Then, a loud banging on the window.

“Terri, Bindi, Bob, get out here!”

The family wakes up, rubbing their half-asleep eyes.

Peering outside, right under the clothesline, is Steve Irwin with a Sumatran tiger.

“We’ve got tigers now!” he cheers, wide-eyed and excited.

Robert Irwin recalls this early memory about his dad, the legendary Crocodile Hunter, and the incredible passion he had for wildlife. An uncontainable passion so strong, it would wake him up at the earliest morning hours and fuel every minute of his life.

Steve Irwin loved to bring exotic animals right to his family’s doorstep. Easy to do when you live at Australia Zoo.

His ultimate dream, though, was to share that same experience with everyone in the world.

That dream has finally come to life at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Nestled near Australia Zoo in gorgeous native bushland of the stunning Sunshine Coast, this luxury lodge is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to experiencing the legacy of the Irwin family and their unwavering commitment to conservation.

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is the ideal blend of luxury and purpose. Here’s why staying while on your Australia vacation isn’t just a visit, but a must-do for anyone passionate about nature and wildlife.

Every inch of the Lodge is inspired by everything Steve Irwin stood for: conservation, sustainability, and family.

The Lodge also includes many touches directly from Steve. As you pull into the entrance, three tall Australian bottle trees tower over you – trees that Steve originally planted as saplings at Australia Zoo.

Walk to the Lodge entrance and you’re greeted by stunning wooden doors, made from reclaimed timber Steve used to build the original grandstands for his crocodile shows.

Inside the lobby you’ll find diamond pythons and monitor lizards – safely lounging at home, within enclosed exhibits.

Outside, you’ll find red kangaroos, emus, and koalas as your fellow guests.

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The Crocodile Hunter Lodge features eight chic, family-friendly rustic cabins nestled in sprawling bushland. One bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom cabins are on offer, with dedicated cabins available for guests requiring accessibility accommodations.

Each cabin is an exclusive sanctuary where luxury meets a wilderness vacation. Enveloped in the sounds of the wild, the Lodge allows you to immerse in the natural nocturnal symphony—the rustling leaves, the soft calls of the creatures.

Your stay is compounded by 5-star amenities, beginning with a welcome bag of goodies including a calendar and a print of Robert Irwin’s wildlife photography.

Kick off your shoes and step into plush slippers as you slip into a soft, bathroom robe – all included in your cabin. Spacious bathrooms cruelty-free and vegan-friendly amenities make it easy to relax and unwind in serenity.

Every cabin features a large kitchen area, complete with a dishwasher, electric kettle, tea, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave. You’re even welcomed by a plate of freshly baked brownies!

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the tranquility of The Billabong – the Lodge’s 25-meter infinity pool. Drift in the cooling waters or lounge poolside, where the horizon meets the rich surrounding habitat.

Begin each day with a sumptuous complimentary breakfast at the Warrior Restaurant and Bar, nestled within the Lodge. Every dish on the menu is crafted from local and native ingredients, capturing the essence of Australia’s lands and seas.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner transform into gastronomic adventures, with dishes like slow-cooked lamb shoulder, Fraser Island crab linguini, and cured duck breast. Vegetarian options are just as sumptuous, ranging from shakshuka to local mushroom linguini.

The array of culinary delights available is bound to satisfy those with varied preferences, including a dedicated menu for the little adventurers.

In the intimacy of the restaurant or the refreshing open-air terrace, you’ll dine with an audience of Australia’s fascinating wildlife. As you savor every flavorful bite, spot red kangaroos grazing, koalas lounging in their natural habitat, and emus gracefully parading around.

At the Warrior Restaurant & Bar, every meal is a celebration of Australia’s culinary heritage and unique animals, shared in the company of nature’s gentle inhabitants.

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge stands as an eco-conscious accommodation deeply integrated with the heartbeat of the Australian wilderness.

The bushland surrounding the Lodge is made up of over 3,000 native trees and plants, including critically endangered flora like the delicate Coochin hills grevillea and the Glass House Mountains tea tree.

Some of these species act as food sources for endangered Australian animals, such as the glossy black cockatoo.

So, not only is the Lodge a great place to stay for humans, but also for the wildlife!

In fact, the resident koalas are a testament to the Lodge’s wildlife conservation – rescued from the aftermath of Australia’s devastating 2020 bushfires.

When you stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, it’s not just about kicking back and relaxing—it’s your VIP ticket to the incredible Australia Zoo.

Cabin stays come with the phenomenal perk of unlimited entry to the iconic Australia Zoo. The Lodge provides a complimentary shuttle to whisk you to Australia Zoo – only about a five minute journey.

Home to over 1,200 incredible animal species, Australia Zoo is where your wildlife adventure goes from ordinary to extraordinary. Immerse yourself in a world brimming with the wildest calls and heart-pounding animal encounters.

From snuggling a cuddly koala to hand-feeding adorable kangaroos, these incredible encounters let you bond with Australia’s stunning native wildlife in the most unforgettable ways.

Your stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge also gives you access to a sneak peek tour of Australia Zoo’s revered Wildlife Hospital, one of the largest in the country. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work being done to rehabilitate sick and injured animals.

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge isn’t just a getaway; it’s a beacon of excellence, with a myriad of awards to its name in just a short time.

In 2023, just one year after the Lodge opened, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge won the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2023 as the Best Luxury Boutique Lodge.

The Lodge was also awarded the 2023 Global Tourism Destination and Global Overall Travel Establishment of the Year.

In addition, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge was awarded at the Boutique Hotel Club Awards as the Best New Hotel: Australasia, Best Nature Hotel: Australasia, and World’s Best Nature Hotel.

This year the Lodge also secured five accolades at the 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards:

• Best Bush Lodge in Oceania
• Best Design Hotel in Oceania
• Best Family Villa in Oceania
• Best Hideaway Resort in Oceania
• Best Lodge in Oceania

Each award is a resounding nod to the Lodge’s unyielding dedication to creating extraordinary experiences for guests.

When you stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, you’re not just booking a room—you’re diving headfirst into an experience that celebrates a rich legacy.

Tucked away in the stunning scenery of the Sunshine Coast and framed by the breathtaking Glass House Mountains, this one-of-a-kind accommodation blends luxury with meaningful purpose.

This is more than just a getaway; it’s a vibrant sanctuary where the calls of the wild inspire you to join in on something bigger. So come on down and let the adventure begin!

You tell us what you want out of your trip, and we design a package with hotels, flights, and tours included. Get in touch to have a personal Travel Advisor work with you to create your perfect Australia vacation!

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