The Crocodile Hunter Lodge: A Tribute to Steve Irwin’s Legacy

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Steve Irwin, the Irwin family has opened The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Beerwah, Queensland, just south of the Australia Zoo. This meaningful endeavor fulfills Steve Irwin’s dream of providing guests with an overnight wildlife experience. The lodge, set against the picturesque Glass House Mountains, boasts family-friendly cabins immersed in the habitat of kangaroos, emus, and koalas.

Managed by Luke Reavley, a longtime Irwin family confidant, the lodge features eight cabins, including an accessible two-room cabin. The property is not only a haven for guests but also provides a new home for southern koalas, victims of the 2020 bushfires, cohabiting with echidnas.

Bindi and Robert Irwin, Steve’s children, actively contributed to the project. Bindi named the lodge’s restaurant “Warrior,” paying homage to Steve’s iconic phrase “Wildlife Warrior” and the next generation, including her daughter Grace Warrior. Robert added his touch by photographing crocodiles from the Australia Zoo, featuring them on the pool tiles of the lodge’s 82-foot-long infinity pool called The Billabong.

The site holds sentimental value as the front doors and check-in desk are crafted from recycled timber from the original Crocodile Environmental Park, where Steve and Terri first met in 1991. The lodge is designed with the Outback Conservation Property in mind, a place cherished by Steve and Terri since the early 2000s.

Luke Reavley expressed the surreal realization of a plan discussed 16 years ago at Australia Zoo. His favorite elements include the lodge’s First Nation artwork and the expansive on-site animal habitat, where guests can observe koalas, kangaroos, and emus.

The lodge aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience aligned with Steve Irwin’s passion for wildlife, fun, and family. It stands as a testament to Steve’s enduring legacy, inviting guests to connect with the natural world and create unforgettable memories.