Robert Irwin Joins Qantas to Bring Australia and Conservation to the World
Qantas has announced a collaboration with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin!
The campaign also features Robert and a Qantas cabin crew member explaining to the world that “nah yeah” means yes and “yeah nah” means no, and discovering that another Qantas cabin crew member has had his artwork tattooed on their arm for years.
Filmed at Australia Zoo’s The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and onboard a Qantas aircraft, the campaign runs across North America, the United Kingdom, and Asia starting September 16, 2026. As part of the airline’s hero “Australia in the Sky” campaign, Irwin appears onboard a Qantas aircraft, drifts off to sleep, and dreams of being back at Australia Zoo, bringing to life the idea that for Qantas customers, Australia begins the moment they step onboard.
Central to the collaboration is Robert Irwin’s encouragement of travel to Australia with Qantas Explorer fares, including a joint campaign with Tourism Australia in several markets. The program gives customers who book an international Qantas flight to Australia access to discounted Economy and Business fares for more than 45 domestic destinations, booked on the same itinerary as their international flight.
Among those featured in the campaign is Dan Jameson, a Brisbane-based Qantas cabin crew member whose connection with Irwin predates the collaboration by several years. On a Qantas flight, the pair discovered a shared love of wildlife, and Irwin drew a crocodile on Jameson’s arm, which Jameson later had permanently tattooed.
Qantas will also support the 2026 Steve Irwin Gala in Brisbane, Australia, which raises funds for global conservation through Wildlife Warriors.
“Robert Irwin is one of Australia’s most loved personalities and there is no one better placed to showcase our country to the world,” said Qantas Group Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer Danielle Keighery. “For Qantas, that experience starts the moment customers step onboard one of our aircraft, through our distinctly Australian hospitality, food and wine. And with our Explorer fares offering discounted travel to more than 45 destinations across Australia, there has never been a better time to discover just how much this country has to offer.”
“Qantas has been part of my life since I was about the size of a loaf of bread. Some of my earliest memories are walking down the aerobridge with Mum and getting to visit the flight deck,” said Robert Irwin.
“When I get on a Qantas flight, I’m amongst friends. There is something about the warm Australian hospitality that feels like home. Getting to join forces with our national carrier to show the world just how much Australia has to offer is something that means a great deal to me.”
About Qantas Explorer fares
With Qantas Explorer, customers can see more of Australia for less. Book an international flight to Australia and unlock discounted flights when you book a multi-city trip within Australia. Save 30% on the base fare (excluding taxes, fees and charges) for Explorer flights to over 45 destinations within Australia.
About Wildlife Warriors
Wildlife Warriors was created by Steve and Terri Irwin as a way to include and involve caring people in the support and conservation of the world’s most threatened wildlife species and natural habitats. Since 2002, Wildlife Warriors from around the world have joined in a global wildlife force to continue their mission and protect injured and endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species. Today, Steve’s legacy lives on through the tireless work of Wildlife Warriors, the Irwin family, and Australia Zoo.
To find out more, visit wildlifewarriors.org.au.
