Steve Irwin's Family Has Launched a Luxury Lodge at Australia Zoo to Celebrate His Legacy — Explore the Inside

To further honor Steve Irwin's legacy, the Irwins opened The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Beerwah, Queensland — approximately 60 miles north of Brisbane — on June 22.

'Steve always envisioned providing guests with an overnight experience and unique accommodations that allow them to appreciate our stunning wildlife,' said Luke Reavley, general manager and longtime confidant of the Irwin family, in an interview with Dinogo.

Situated just south of the Irwin family's Australia Zoo near the stunning Glass House Mountains, this property boasts eight family-friendly cabins, including a two-room accessible option, all nestled in a habitat teeming with kangaroos, emus, and koalas. The area also features a new home for southern koalas rescued from the 2020 bushfires, living alongside echidnas.

'The Irwin family has been deeply engaged throughout the entire project,' Reavley shared. 'In the initial planning stages, we would all gather to discuss theming and design features. They also helped come up with the ideal name for the lodge and restaurant. During the construction phase, we visited almost daily to see the latest exciting developments.'

Both of Irwin's children, Bindi, 23, and Robert, 18, contributed their unique touches to the lodge. 'Bindi named the restaurant Warrior, honoring Steve, who popularized the term Wildlife Warrior, and the next generation, Grace Warrior,' Reavley shared with T+L. 'Robert made the pool especially memorable by featuring photos of two crocodiles from Australia Zoo printed on the tiles. It's really cool, albeit a bit eerie!'

For Steve's widow, Terri, the site holds profound meaning. 'The front doors and check-in desk are crafted from recycled timber from the original Crocodile Environmental Park that Steve built himself — it's also where Steve and Terri first crossed paths in 1991,' he noted. 'There are so many deeply sentimental elements in the lodge. We designed it with our Outback Conservation Property in mind, which Steve and Terri acquired to protect wildlife in the early 2000s. It was one of Steve's favorite places.'

Upon arrival at the lodge, guests will be welcomed with a gift and enjoy complimentary breakfast, unlimited access to Australia Zoo, shuttle service to and from the zoo, entry to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, and exclusive access to the lodge's 82-foot infinity pool known as The Billabong, where wildlife can often be spotted. Alongside the Warrior Restaurant and Bar, which currently serves a seasonal menu featuring mint-crusted Tasmanian lamb loin, Queensland blue pumpkin, and rosemary risotto, guests will find a gift shop, laundry services, and a 24-hour concierge available.

For Reavley, a familiar face from the Animal Planet show Crikey! It's the Irwins, this opening marks the realization of a long-term vision. 'When I began my journey at Australia Zoo 16 years ago, we discussed a future plan, so it's surreal to finally be at this moment, ready to welcome guests,' he shared. His favorite aspect of the lodge is the First Nation artwork. 'It's been remarkable to showcase such beautiful original works,' he noted, also expressing his love for the 'spacious' on-site animal habitat. 'Watching koalas perched in the eucalyptus trees, red kangaroos grazing, and emus roaming around from the lodge is simply perfection.'

The new lodge aims to provide guests with a deeply immersive experience that reflects everything Steve Irwin cherished. 'This place honors Steve's greatest passions: wildlife, joy, and family,' Reavley shared with T+L. 'We hope visitors will create unforgettable memories with their loved ones and depart with a stronger connection to nature.'

For more details on The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and to make a reservation, visit the hotel's website here.