Written by Julie Jones, HaveWheelchairWillTravel.org, May 14, 2025
If you are planning a visit to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, why not elevate your time there by booking a stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge? Two and three bedroom accessible lodges ensure everyone can stay in comfort, and the infinity pool not only comes with a pool seat but also a view of the local wildlife. I was recently thrilled to have the opportunity to visit and inspect the lodges and Warrior Restaurant & Bar.
The accessibility of the lodges truly wowed me.
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge review
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is located next to Australia Zoo and realises Steve Irwin’s dream of providing accommodation for visitors who want more than a day at the zoo. Guests staying at the Lodge are treated to fabulous accommodation, breakfast and entry to the zoo for the duration of their stay.
Opening the front door to one of the three bedroom accessible lodges at the Crocodile Hunter Lodge I was immediately struck by the light spacious design. Windows and skylights fill the rooms with natural light and showcase the bush surroundings.
If you feel so inclined, a well equipped kitchen allows for self-catering with a microwave, cooktop, full size fridge and dishwasher. If you are truly looking to embrace holiday-mode, don’t worry, Warrior Restaurant & Bar has your back with a delicious seasonal menu and good access throughout.
Families, or friends travelling together, are well catered to with a large comfy lounge for relaxing and plenty of outdoor seating.
Hardwood floors make for easy wheeling and wide doorways provide great access throughout.
A wide hallway links the bedrooms, and with more than average circulation space there’s no excuses for wheelchair wall damage in this well-designed passageway. This roominess is a welcome sight for any wheelchair user.
The main bedroom offers guests a king size bed with clearance under the bed for hoists if needed. The wooden surround may make transfers more difficult for some wheelchair users but there is plenty of space on either side of the bed for transferring.
Main bedroom facts – entry door 90cm, bed height 60cm and 17cm clearance under bed.
Design has not be compromised to provide good access in the main bathroom. Heated floors and heating lamps will keep you warm while you enjoy a shower or bath in the gloriously large bathroom. I always love to see a bath and shower bench in accessible accommodation as for some travelling companions, there’s nothing better than a lovely soak in a tub while on a trip.
For those looking for accessible bathroom facilities there is a shower bench, height adjustable shower, level taps and grab rails throughout. Vanity space is limited so I suggest travelling with a hanging toiletries bag if possible.
Main bedroom ensuite bathroom facts – entry door 87cm, shower bench height 49cm, toilet height to seat 47cm and 44cm to pan.
Space is also top of mind in the second and third bedrooms with both offering a king size bed which can be split to become twin beds (as pictured below).
Second & third bedroom facts – bed height 65cm and under bed clearance 10cm.
It’s rare to find accessible accommodation which offers two accessible bathrooms but that’s exactly what I found in the three bedroom lodge. The second bathroom is located conveniently close to the second and third bedroom and offers grab rails, height adjustable shower with bench seat and lever taps.
A washing machine and drying rack is provided to keep your whites from turning khaki and to keep your khakis fresh!
Relaxing on the deck is possible for the whole crew with plenty of seating options and space for a wheelchair user to move around on the deck. The Crikey doormat is also for sale in the gift shop for anyone wanting to take home a fun memory from their stay. For once I was only travelling with a small bag so I left without one!
Undercover parking is provided beside the lodges with good height clearance even for vans or taller vehicles.
Complimentary transfers are offered to Crocodile Hunter Lodge guests wanting to visit Australia Zoo throughout their stay and the van even offers wheelchair access!
After a big day at Australia Zoo I am sure the Billabong, a 25m heated infinity pool beckons many guests. Not only does it offer stellar views of the lodge’s bush setting, but some of its residents too. What a treat to have a swim and watch kangaroos and the resident emu go about their business.
A pool seat is available to access the gorgeous infinity pool to make entry into the water easier for those with a mobility restriction. And a unisex accessible bathroom located within the pool area means you don’t need to leave the area for a bathroom break.
As a family we would certainly be extremely comfortable in the accessible lodge at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. I absolutely loved the artwork, photography, Australiana touches and nods to the Irwin family within the cabins. It’s rare to find accessible accommodation which is so spacious while maintaining a warmth in design.
While the Billabong is for the exclusive use of guests staying at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, visitors are welcome to dine at Warrior Restaurant & Bar, which I can highly recommend.
I was hosted at Warrior Restaurant & Bar for lunch but as always, my opinions are my own. I hope the photos and video assist you in deciding if the accommodation will suit your access needs.
If you’d like to read more about The Crocodile Hunter Lodge you can do so on its website.
You can read about our visits to Australia Zoo in this review.
