Bindi Irwin comes of age in typical style as she pays tribute to her family

BINDI Irwin is all grown up and the now 18-year-old paid tribute to her family on her birthday saying she’ll try her best to “make a difference in this world”.

WHILE 18th birthdays are usually wild affairs, this takes it to a whole new level.

Queensland’s wildlife princess Bindi Irwin spent her 18th birthday feeding crocs, playing with dingos and taking selfies with fans.

Bindi Irwin celebrates her 18th birthday with her mother Terri Irwin and brother Robert at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Claudia Baxter

In a nod to her recent victory on the US show Dancing with the Stars last year, Bindi’s birthday was themed ‘Camping with the Stars’ and included a tee pee and campfire cake and thousands of delighted fans.

Crowds queued for up to two hours at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast for the chance to get an autograph and a selfie with Bindi.

Bindi Irwin receives a birthday kiss from a dingo. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Bindi Irwin arrives at her birthday celebration in style. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Dressed in conservation T-shirt, jeans and Converse sneakers, Bindi arrived standing in the front seat of an open-topped jeep, waving to the crowds.

She was joined by her mother Terri, younger brother Robert and US wakeboarder boyfriend Chandler Powell, who had jetted from the US to celebrate the day with her.

In a nod to her recent victory on the US show Dancing with the Stars last year, Bindi’s birthday was themed ‘Camping with the Stars’. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Bindi Irwin made sure to take plenty of selfies with her fans. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Fans presented her with gifts and handmade cards through the barricades as she strolled beside them on a pink carpet.

Powell posted a gushing message to his girlfriend of 12-months, accompanied by a portrait of them together.

The Irwin’s also spent time in the Crocoseum showcase, feeding giant crocodiles meat to an elated crowd.

Video messages were played from friends over the loudspeaker and Bindi gave a speech to the crowd, thanking her mum “for giving birth to me”. She also took to Instagram to thank her family for their love and support.

Bindi Irwin is all grown up. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Bindi Irwin’s boyfriend Chandler flew in from the US to celebrate her milestone. Picture: Claudia Baxter