Review: Inside the new Crocodile Cabins at Australia Zoo

Almost 20 years since his passing, Steve Irwin’s legacy lives on in the luxurious Crocodile Hunter Lodge.

The afternoon light turns the water golden, reflecting the slender trunks of melaleucas back onto themselves from the surface of the billabong. A waterfall thunders down a five-metre drop beneath a brilliant blue sky, while closer to my toes, purple water lilies begin to curl their petals in retreat.

The almost imperceptible snout of a freshwater crocodile and its Jurrasic-like tail peeks out near the edge of the bank. Just then, a huge splash and my heart catches in my throat but the ensuing squeals of delight tells me the kids have discovered our private plunge pool.

I’m standing on the deck of one of four new Crocodile Cabins in the grounds of Crocodile Hunter Lodge – the accommodation arm of Australia Zoo that opened in late 2022. This is literally the Irwin’s backyard and wildlife encounters are just one of the drawcards. 

The welcoming committee at Crocodile Lodge.

Location

The entrance to Crocodile Hunter Lodge sits just 500 metres south of Australia Zoo in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast and a welcome committee of kangaroos lazes on the grass in front of the striking rammed-earth lodge when we arrive. A joey’s feet poke from its mother’s pouch as she grazes between three bottle trees, which were originally planted by Steve in the zoo and transplanted here during construction.

Repurposed materials feature throughout Crocodile Lodge.

The vibe

Kids clutching plush koalas and rubber snakes ogle a pair of diamondback pythons in a floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure in reception. Behind it, a boutique displays a shelf of gleaming accommodation awards. Families and couples from around the world shuffle in and out, jubilant after spending time in the neighbouring zoo. Unlimited entry is just one of the perks for guests.

The rammed earth walls are like artworks, showcasing a layered patina of earthy tones while providing thermal efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint. A mob of red and eastern grey kangaroos nibble the grass in front of Warrior Restaurant, alongside Eddie the emu, and the koalas that occasionally rouse from slumber in the trees above. Native stingless bee hives are dotted throughout the property, and a kitchen garden features tart native raspberries that will soon make an appearance on the menu. Overall, the vibe is one of organic, laidback luxury. 

There’s also a sense of nostalgia. Repurposed timber doors and photo frames are made from the original grandstand at Australia Zoo back when it was the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, a spot I have vivid memories of from my own childhood.

Super luxe digs at the Croc Cabin.

The room

The two-storey Crocodile Cabins have an exclusive front-row seat to a lagoon filled with freshwater crocs, which has been designed to mimic the billabongs on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Cape York. Cabin is a misnomer – they’re palatial. Think luxe two-bedroom holiday homes, each with a circular heated plunge pool, eight-metre ceilings, deep stone bathtub and a Samsung The Frame TV displaying Robert Irwin’s photography (not his Bonds ad, sorry).

In fact, there’s Irwin-merch strategically throughout – books by Bindi, Terri and Bob are on bedsides, while framed family illustrations hang in the lounge. Our master suite is upstairs while the kids sleep in a twin room with their own bathroom downstairs, alongside a laundry, large kitchen, dining, and lounge. It’s chic and homely, though security grills on the doors feel unnecessary and obscure the view so we slide the doors open instead. 

Plush style with nature on the doorstep.

Food and drink

Warrior Restaurant & Bar stands alone – open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s fine dining made family friendly, especially when we sit outside. Here we overlook the infinity pool, watch sunset kangaroo feedings and listen to ranger talks. Colouring-in for the kids is delivered to the table as swiftly as our cocktails and affable staff make each meal a pleasure.

The concise menu is built around native ingredients and hyper-local produce – some of it literally from the neighbours, like the delicious salad leaves from Blue Dog Farm – with spirits from nearby Pomona and Woombye in the signature cocktails, all named after Australia Zoo’s resident crocodiles. 

The majority of dishes can’t be faulted, especially the Queensland tiger prawn bites with a native pepperberry aioli. A la carte breakfast is included, and room service is a godsend when we can’t bear to leave the pool.

The chi-chi pool area of Crocodile Lodge.

The extras

On arrival, the kids are handed a wildlife-spotting checklist and a welcome bag is filled with treats like a Robert Irwin photographic print and handy torch. Freshly ground Montville coffee and chocolate brownies await us in the cabin while bathrobes, slippers and bath salts add to the luxury feel. The staff are a hit with the kids, entertaining them during buggy rides to the lodge and on the complimentary zoo shuttle.

Bush tucker never tasted so good. Or looked so pretty.

What’s hot

A private croc feeding happens directly in front of the Crocodile Cabins on Saturdays, during the warmer months. 

What’s not

It would be nice to see some options on the kids menu that don’t revolve around chips. 

The verdict: 9/10

A luxury experience to match the world-class nature of Australia Zoo, the Crocodile Cabins at Crocodile Hunter Lodge will appeal to those looking for a luxurious way to immerse in the Irwin’s legacy.

Stays in Crocodile Cabins start from $2099 per night including breakfast, a $150 Warrior Restaurant & Bar dining voucher, unlimited entry to Australia Zoo, a sneak peek into the Wildlife Hospital, and shuttles to and from the Zoo.  

The writer was a guest of Crocodile Hunter Lodge.  

Originally published as Review: Inside the new Crocodile Cabins at Australia Zoo