Breathtaking experiences at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge — that don’t involve animals

Enveloped in the rich Sunshine Coast hinterland and inspired by the incomparable Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is one of Queensland’s most unique spots to rest your head. A luxurious set of cabins located in Beerwah, right next door to Australia Zoo, the family-friendly accommodation spotlights the unparalleled beauty of the region — particularly its native critters.

But your to-do list soars way beyond making furry new friends. Offering world-class dining experiences, top-shelf amenities and some of the homeliest holiday digs in the country, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge overflows with memory-making activity.        

Let us break down everything to explore outside those obligatory animal encounters.

Find Zen inside the all-new Crocodile Cabins

After driving 60 minutes north of Brisbane, your itinerary is best launched inside the brand-spanking-new Crocodile Cabins. Unveiled in December 2024, the two-storey, two-bedroom builds invite immediate dropping and flopping as views across their decks stretch out to a four-metre waterfall cascading into a natural pond. Just add a heated plunge pool, master ensuite with a stone bathtub, heated bathroom floors, 8.4-metre-high ceilings, a Samsung smart TV and supremely soft bedding and leaving any time soon will just feel foolish.

In the words of Terri Irwin herself, who recently took to Instagram to comment on a post about the new cabins, “Once you stay here, you’ll want to live here”. Given the added extras, including private carports with electric vehicle chargers, Dyson hair dryers and private laundry facilities, Terri does sum it up best.

Be inspired by Steve Irwin’s legacy

Steve Irwin’s infectious adoration for our natural surroundings informs every inch of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, a property that works seamlessly to protect its glorious hinterland setting. In November 2024, it was awarded the title of World’s Best Nature Hotel at the Boutique Hotel Awards, an accolade that further cemented the original Crocodile Hunter’s esteemed legacy on a global scale.

You only need to wander the accommodation grounds for a sense of Steve’s admirable conservation pursuits. A mighty Queensland bottle tree once planted in Australia Zoo by Steve and relocated during the lodge’s initial build, a beef rendang at the on-site restaurant (more on that gem shortly) to pay tribute to Steve’s love of cooking up curries... touching nods are prevalent and deeply moving. If you loved the man’s work, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s enriched storytelling will astound you.   

Indulge in peak produce at Warrior Restaurant & Bar

Silence rumbling bellies with a meal that dazzles from every angle. The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is home to a globally acclaimed fine dining restaurant dedicated to making magic out of native ingredients and seasonal produce. Named the best Luxury Sustainable Restaurant at the 2024 World Luxury Restaurant Awards, the sophisticated space rolls out culinary masterpieces while a brilliant wine list showcases Australia’s biggest and best labels.

Start with the likes of Queensland tiger prawn bites infused with citrus and dressed in native pepper berry aioli, kick on to the 200g eye fillet paired with warrigal greens, Dutch carrots and celeriac puree, and wash it all down with a Woombye cheese plate, compiling truffle triple cream brie, vintage cheddar and more. Inspired by the unique plant life adopted by the First Nation people, the team works with its surroundings to deliver complete knockouts. Bonus: the breakfast menu is equally delicious, available to in-house guests only, as it’s splashed with similarly delicious native ingredients to dial up every flavour.

Sink into The Billabong infinity pool 

It isn’t really a holiday until you’re clutching a poolside cocktail, right? The Crocodile Hunter Lodge agrees wholeheartedly, offering up one of the most luxurious infinity pools in the state. Sitting pretty at 25 metres in length while looking out over 50 shades of lush greenery, The Billabong is worthy of countless dips.

Stretch over a sun lounge under a glamorous umbrella or grab your drink and park yourself at one of the outdoor tables to make room for a spread of afternoon snacks — think halloumi or Wagyu beef sliders and an antipasto platter. It’s an utterly serene experience immersed in nature’s most spectacular handiwork, and while we’re technically here for non-animal inspiration, we can’t neglect to mention the ‘roos that frequently frolic the lawn just past the infinity’s edge. How special is that?    

Marvel in the property’s architectural beauty

Creatively led by the Irwin family, interiors company CAB ROTO and WD Architects, who are also responsible for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is architecturally stunning, spotlighting local bushland in a way that makes it, arguably, even more beautiful.

The vibe is luxury woolshed, with recycled timbers and raw finishes complimented by soft lighting and unique plant life. Tour the grounds at a snail’s pace to soak up the extraordinary feat and you’ll spot discreet nest boxes doing their thing to bolster local wildlife populations and native trees serving as natural corridors to help critters reach scattered habitats. A photo-perfect moment at every corner awaits.

Explore the nearby Glass House Mountains

While it isn’t easy peeling yourself away from The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, its proximity to the spectacular Glass House Mountains is tough to ignore. Just a nine-minute drive from the 20-million-year-old (non-active, obviously) volcanoes, the accommodation provides a dream launchpad for one-of-a-kind adventures.

Pick your poison out of 11 ranges begging to be hiked as panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast, extraordinary flora and fauna and culturally significant Indigenous sites pepper most expeditions.

For a comprehensive look at what’s on offer, check out our tips on how to do the Glass House Mountains before you take off.