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Snap, snap! The Irwins have done it again. For the third consecutive year, the family’s luxury eco-retreat at Australia Zoo has taken home four titles at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards. It’s a big deal for The Crocodile Hunter Lodge – which only opened in 2022 – and a testament to the incredible conservation impact it’s having on the local wildlife and environment.
Tucked away in native bushland in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is the definition of wild luxury. The property pays tribute to the late Steve Irwin (aka the Crocodile Hunter), who captured Australia's heart with his passion for wildlife conservation.
The lodge claimed top honours across four key categories: Best Boutique Lodge in Oceania, Best Country Lodge, Best Destination Boutique Lodge and Best Family Villa. These wins are calculated 100 per cent from verified guest reviews across the likes of Expedia, Tripadvisor and Facebook – and having left a glowing five-star review after my own trip, I can confirm it delivers on every front.
Terri Irwin, Director of Australia Zoo, said, “The Crocodile Hunter Lodge was created from a dream Steve and I shared, a place where families could stay close to wildlife, enjoy the peaceful beauty of the bush and make memories with the people they love most.
“Steve always believed that when people could spend time in nature and truly experience wildlife, they would feel inspired to protect it. The Lodge was built with that feeling at its heart.”
In 2024, the Irwin family expanded the property with four double-storey Crocodile Cabins overlooking the zoo’s croc habitat. Joining the existing collection of one-bedroom and family lodges, these cabins aren’t just a sanctuary for humans, but a vital refuge for both wild animals and critically endangered plant species, including freshwater crocodiles, rare Mary River turtles, Coochin Hills grevillea and struck oil myrtle.
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s in-house dining experience, Warrior Restaurant & Bar, also snapped up four titles at the Haute Grandeur Awards, including Best Luxury Family Restaurant in Australia and Best Locally Sourced Produce Menu. Time to add this spot to your Aussie bucket list!