My Travel CV: Robert Irwin reveals his top Aussie destination

Robert Irwin’s parents, Steve and Terri, instilled a passion for Australia in the youngster, but there’s one spot he visits every year.

The son of beloved zookeeper Steve Irwin travels to continue his father’s legacy. This is his Travel CV:

The place I’ve visited most often is…

Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland. For as long as I can remember, we’ve been travelling up to our 130,000ha conservation property for our annual crocodile research expedition. Each year we conduct groundbreaking research in one of Australia’s last truly pristine wilderness areas. That place is so special to me.

What I’ve noticed has changed in travel since Covid is…

How excited Australians are to explore their own backyard. My parents instilled a passion for getting out and experiencing what this country has to offer, and now I am so happy to see how all Australians have realised just how amazing our home truly is. It is the ultimate holiday destination.

The advice I’d give to young travellers is…

Pack a camera. Photography has been such a huge passion for me, and I grew up with a camera in my hands on every family trip. I think it’s a wonderful way to not only remember special moments, but also pursue an artistic field that can really give back to conservation. Photographing wildlife and wild places allowed me to showcase the beauty of the natural world and how vital it is to protect it. It doesn’t matter how young you are, you can grab a camera and get snapping.

My holidays are mostly devoted to…

Nature. I reckon that comes as no surprise. I was born with a passion for the environment and wildlife. Every time I travel, my top priority is immersing myself in nature. Even if I find myself in a big city, I constantly look for natural spaces that I can escape to.

The place I’ve visited most often is Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland. Picture: iStock.

Travel has taught me…

So much about our world. Particularly, it’s given me perspective on so many issues that face our environment. I feel incredibly grateful that I’ve had the ability to travel so much throughout my life, with all of the global wildlife conservation efforts that we support. Travelling to so many countries makes me realise just how fragile our Mother Earth really is and how many threats she faces. On the other hand, it also shows me how many dedicated individuals there are in every corner of the planet working hard to make a difference for future generations.

My first holiday memory is…

Taking a big road trip to one of our conservation properties in beautiful outback Queensland with my entire family. We are proud to conserve around 202,000 hectares of natural bushland throughout the state of Queensland as natural refuges for native flora and fauna. One of those properties is located near the Brigalow Belt, about a seven-hour drive from my home at Australia Zoo. I have such fond, early memories of when we would all load up the 4WD and head out into the red dirt. They were the best times!

The place I’d love to visit in Australia is…

The Kimberley. Ever since watching a documentary my dad filmed there, it has been at the top of my list. The diversity of wildlife, particularly the reptiles, really fascinates me, as well as the incredible scenery and photographic opportunities. Fingers crossed, I can get up there soon.

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in would have to be The Crocodile Hunter Lodge at Australia Zoo. Picture: Supplied.

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in…

Would have to be The Crocodile Hunter Lodge at Australia Zoo. I never miss the opportunity to go for a little spontaneous ”stay-cation” at one of our new three-bedroom cabins – it is the perfect home away from home. In my opinion, if you’re looking for the best accommodation experience in Queensland, you can’t go past The Crocodile Hunter Lodge or a G’day Park… not that I am biased !

The travel tips I’d like to share are…

My life-savers on long-haul flights. Just three things: blue light glasses, if you enjoy an in-flight movie, compression socks, and an antibacterial wipe for the plane seat. Those are absolute must-haves for me.

The worst thing that’s happened to me while travelling is…

My family and I had a bag stolen in Spain. What made this particularly challenging was that the bag contained all our passports, and it was stolen the morning of our flight home. The closest Australian consulate was a two-hour train ride away, so at least we got to explore more of the beautiful Spanish countryside.

Robert Irwin is G’day Parks first brand ambassador.

Originally published as My Travel CV: Robert Irwin reveals his top Aussie destination