Crikey, Queensland has done it again! Just last month, the Sunshine State claimed the title of Australia’s best hotel for the second year running. Now, it’s gone global, with one of its wildest (and most luxurious) stays taking out the crown for the World’s Best Nature Hotel in 2024. Whether you’re keen to reconnect with nature or want to unwind with exclusive views of a crocodile enclosure, this might just be your dream getaway.
Australia Zoo's luxe accommodation, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, was one of 18 winners in the 15th annual Boutique Hotel Club Awards. Dubbed the ‘Michelin Guide’ for boutique hotels, the 2024 awards received more than 500 nominees from 80 countries globally. A panel of 30 luxury travel experts conducted on-site reviews of each shortlisted stay before announcing the final winners, with only one Aussie hotel winning a prize.
An icon in its own right, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge pays tribute to the late Steve Irwin (aka the Crocodile Hunter), who captured the hearts of Aussies with his passion for wildlife conservation. Ticking all the boxes for a world-class ‘Nature Hotel’, this luxe retreat is hidden in bushland between Queensland’s breathtaking Glass House Mountains and the pristine beaches of Caloundra and Mooloolaba.
The Irwin family, who still runs Australia Zoo, unveiled four new double-storey Crocodile Cabins in November 2024, adding to their existing collection of one-bedroom and family lodges. These lodges aren’t just a sanctuary for humans, but a vital sanctuary for both wild animals and critically endangered plant species, including freshwater crocodiles, rare Mary River turtles, Coochin Hills grevillea and struck oil myrtle.
Terri Irwin says, “Several of the freshwater crocodiles were rescued from the threat of poaching by Steve himself. We are so proud to provide these Australia Zoo residents with a wonderful new home at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge.”
True to their name, the new Crocodile Cabins boast expansive windows that offer exclusive views of the state-of-the-art crocodile habitat – so you can reconnect with nature and face your fears at the same time. Adding an extra heartfelt touch, each cabin features a hand-crafted door made from the original crocodile grandstands Steve himself built at Australia Zoo many years ago.
Unlimited entry to Australia Zoo throughout guests' stays surely scored The Crocodile Hunter Lodge some serious bonus points, as did its 25-metre heated infinity pool overlooking the kangaroos, koalas and emus. Sounds like the perfect balance of nature and nurture to us!