This was published 7 years ago
Bindi Irwin has big plans as she marks her milestone birthday
By Nathanael Cooper
Sunday marks a milestone for Bindi Irwin.
After entering her life into the public gaze, she will now celebrate becoming an adult in, perhaps, an even stronger public gaze.
Bindi Irwin is turning 18.Credit: Ben Beaden
The daughter of Steve Irwin has lived her life in the burning glare of the spotlight; every move she has made has been carefully monitored, scrutinised, analysed and, often, criticised.
But, like everything she does, she takes it calmly in her stride.
Bindi Irwin, daughter of Australian environmentalist and television personality Steve Irwin, reads out a tribute at a memorial service for her father at Australia Zoo in 2006.Credit: AP
"I can't wait to see what the year holds," she told Fairfax Media.
"It's a brand new chapter in my life, and I feel like it's going to be a good one."
Since her earliest days, the message of conservation and caring for the environment was taught to her by her parents and it has become a message she shares herself.
And one she plans to continue sharing now she is officially an adult.
Bindi Irwin poses with instructor and partner Derek Hough.Credit: Instagram
"I think that for me I have always had that real drive to carry on in dad's footsteps and make sure our conservation work reaches as many people and as many wild places," she said.
"I really want to expand on everything ... our work at the zoo, our work with Wildlife Warriors and hopefully reach out to even more people and do even bigger things.
Bindi and Robert Irwin.Credit: Instagram/Bindisueirwin
"I think it's really important, so whether it is writing a book or acting in a movie, or whatever, I am excited to be taking on more projects in the future that can share that message."
Turning 18 also means Bindi is finally able to vote, and after sharing her conservation message since she was a child she is excited finally to exercise her democratic right and put a number next to a box, and hopefully even become more engaged with the political process.
Terri Irwin with son Robert and daughter Bindi after receiving her honorary degree from the University of Queensland.Credit: Bradley Kanaris
"I am really excited to finally be able to vote," she said.
"I have always been thoughtful in that regard and I have always been involved so it will be good to be able to work with whoever is in power at the time.
Happier times: Bindi, brother Robert, Terri and Bob Irwin in 2007.Credit: Getty
"What's really nice is being a dual citizen both here and in the US so I think I get to vote there as well."
And what of Donald Trump?
Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough as they appeared on Dancing with the Stars.Credit: Instagram
"It's a funny world we live in," she said.
Bindi has changed a lot as she has grown up before our eyes.
From the khaki-wearing kid who wasn't afraid to leap on the back of a crocodile, she emerged as a stunning young woman on the US series of Dancing With The Stars, an experience she said really changed her.
"Going into [Dancing With The Stars] I didn't think I would love it as much as I did," she said.
"I am just this girl who wears khaki and cuddles crocodiles and here I was wearing high heels and trying to be comfortable in these stunning, bedazzled dresses.
"I was really able to find myself along the way.
"As I have got older I have realised we can't save our planet and protect the earth if we don't find that balance within ourselves and our own lives so I have kind of been trying my hand at make-up and fashion ... which is fun."
While most 18-year-olds would be gathering their friends for a night on the town to celebrate the transition into adulthood Bindi will, as is tradition, celebrate her birthday with a few thousand of those who make their way to Australia Zoo.
This year Bindi's birthday will be made extra special by her boyfriend Chandler Powell jetting in from the United States to celebrate the milestone with her.
"He got in [on Friday night], which we are really excited about," she said.
"He will be here for a while this time actually because he is coming on the croc research trip for the first time."
Australia Zoo will hold a variety of celebrations on Bindi's birthday from 9.30am.