Every year, I take my dad out for his birthday, and we always aim to try somewhere new. This year, to celebrate his 75th, we chose Warrior Restaurant in Beerwah. Just 5 minutes and about 2 km further down Steve Irwin Way, the restaurant is easy to find, with clear signage guiding the way.
First Impressions
As we pulled into the car park, I was struck by how peaceful it was—so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The lush greenery surrounding the restaurant added to the calm, making for a serene first impression.
Service
The staff were exceptional. We were warmly greeted by two staff members upon arrival. Although we initially booked a table indoors, they graciously accommodated our request to move outside. Once seated, we were promptly offered water and given the opportunity to order drinks. The service remained attentive yet unobtrusive throughout our meal, with the staff striking a perfect balance between attentiveness and allowing us to enjoy our time. It was refreshing to experience a leisurely pace, unlike some places where plates are whisked away the moment you finish. The timing between ordering and receiving our breakfast was spot-on, and the food arrived hot and plentiful.
Menu & Food
The breakfast menu, though not as extensive as that of a beachfront café, is perfectly curated to complement the unique setting of the Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Each dish is thoughtfully chosen to harmonise with the exclusivity and ambiance of the environment. We opted for the Warrior breakfast, featuring wood-smoked bacon, pork and fennel sausage, Mountaintop mushrooms, roasted vine tomatoes, duck fat and chive hash brown, free-range eggs, tomato and paprika beans, and toasted sourdough. While the prices are above average, reflecting the exclusivity of the location, the quality of the food more than justified it. The visual appeal was matched by the flavours, with the duck fat and chive hash brown and the pork and fennel sausage standing out as personal favourites.
Ambiance
The décor perfectly aligns with the theme of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and, by extension, Australia Zoo. It was exactly what you would expect—comfortable and thoughtfully designed. The chairs and tables were just the right height, and the subtle background music added to the ambiance without being intrusive.
Overall
Was it worth it? Absolutely. I had never been to Warrior Restaurant before, but it was well worth the wait. I’m already planning a return trip for lunch.
Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, though I would recommend that they be aware of the higher-than-average prices. However, for the quality of food, service, and ambiance, it is a price worth paying.
