The Urban Grandma (my Mum is very wise) has a saying, “If you need something done, ask a busy person”; the premise being that many busy people seem to fit more into their lives than the rest of us mere mortals. Bindi Irwin is one such girl. Having lived in the spotlight for a long time,  at just 16 years old her career successes keep coming – in the previous 12 months she has won the Australian Geographic Magazine’s ‘Young Conservationist of the Year’ Award, and was an Earth Hour Ambassador.

In addition she launched a brand new exhibit – ‘Bindi’s Island’ – at Australia Zoo in December 2014. This venture was a dream of her Dad, Steve Irwin. As you would expect it is detailed and amazing; including the recent arrival of lemurs on the main island that roam free amongst guests. Just like you’d find in their home on Madagascar!

In spite of her gruelling pace she managed to find time to answer some of my pressing questions (in so much wonderful detail I have made this a two part interview…).

When I told my boys I was interviewing Bindi Irwin, a mild frenzy ensued (we all have a little crush on her). It was my eldest (12 years) who insisted I include a question about what she has downloaded on her phone for travel.

Thinly disguised angling – my kids know any of Bindi’s shows are allowed to be watched without censoring from me (heads up: her TV series, ‘Bindi’s Bootcamp’ is about to launch on Netflix in June) – so he probably figured he will have whatever she is watching/listening to. I have news for him, Bindi would rather read and write letters than spend time on her phone, oh and she loves veges… (honestly by the end of the interview you will be as big a fan as I am):

Bindi Irwin Interview – Part One

You are a role model for a generation of kids, you have won awards, you are in the media spotlight (so many Australian kids have grown up watching you, to the point that most of us feel we ‘know’ you…). Where do you go to have some quiet time and just be yourself?

Bindi Irwin:  I find that we all lead such busy lives it’s so important to remember to take time off – even if just for an afternoon – to reconnect and generally feel better. I find the one place I feel best, is outside. Living at Australia Zoo (literally I live right in the middle of the zoo), means that I am able to get outside and be with animals every day. I really can’t think of a single day that I didn’t spend a large portion of it outside.

I really enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, reading, cooking – and nothing beats going on a bush hike. The Glasshouse Mountains are about 20 minutes away from the zoo. So usually in the  afternoon or early evening, I will either go on a run around the zoo or hike up one of the Glasshouse Mountains to end the day. It’s nice to unwind outside.

You have travelled to so many fascinating destinations with your work – which place is a stand out for you? Why?

Bindi:  Our conservation and filming work has taken us across the globe many times, which has been a blessing. To be able to experience so many cultures and all kinds of wildlife, really changes you as a person.

One place in particular I found completely different to life in Australia was Manila in the Philippines. I suppose I am just used to wide open spaces, I’ve grown up as a free-range kid, as many Australians have. Manila is a major city, to spend time there where it’s impossible to just go outside and climb a tree in your backyard was rather eye opening.

I know I speak for many parents in that I aim to plan holidays with some purpose. Which style of holiday/location would you suggest for families as a memorable experience – incorporating fun and passionate learning?

Bindi Irwin:  I think that no matter where you go there is an opportunity to learn. Every adventure you take, particularly as a family, shapes you and changes you and expands your horizons. However, having said that, I probably wouldn’t get as much out of a trip to a theme park with a bunch of rides, as I would visiting Tibet.

I know that when I’m with my Mum and brother, I’m constantly learning. Sometimes, just as much from my little brother as my Mum!

Naturally, I have to say that Australia Zoo is one of the places I hope everyone can come and visit as least once in their life. We truly are the most hands on facility with animals, in the world. From cuddling koalas to kissing giraffes, it is a brilliant experience and I live to watch our visitors connect in such special ways with our animals. Every person has a particular animal that they connect with and you can tell instantly when they find that animal.

And outside of Australia Zoo I would suggest Tasmania, Cradle Mountain National Park in particular. Just go there and then you will understand what I’m talking about. It is life changing. The air is so clean there that it’s sweet. The wildlife is unbelievable with wild echidnas, wombats and fluffy pademelons – and there is stunning hiking for all different experience levels. Trust me, you won’t forget it and it’s somewhere all families should experience.

Some of your travel locations are remote and lugging large suitcases wouldn’t be practical, have you got any packing tips for keeping luggage light?

Bindi Irwin:  I’m probably not the best one to ask when it comes to packing, just go question my Mum about ‘Bindi’s Legendary Packing Skills’. Usually I forget something extremely important when I ‘pack light’. I either have to borrow things from Mum or we go on an extreme wild chase finding these things in the middle of nowhere (any shoes, a toothbrush, t-shirt’s, socks).

My best advice is write a list, have a friend inspect what you’ve packed and don’t pack 20 minutes before you have to walk out of the house, which is what I usually do. Perhaps it’s because I’m a teenager, although frankly I doubt I’m ever going to change, it’s just one of my quirks no matter how much I travel.

You are an author and I value your advice. I encourage my kids to keep a travel journal because I know they will love reflecting on their adventures later, however my ideas are not always met with enthusiasm. Do you keep a journal/write about your experiences? Suggestions for keeping my boys on this path.

Bindi Irwin:  I must agree with you, journaling is one of the best things you can do to remember your travels and adventures. It’s always so much fun to reflect on the experiences you’ve had as you get older. I would encourage you to continue giving your boys the advice to write and travel, no matter where life takes them. Read and travel as much as you possibly can and it will inspire you in a thousand different areas of life.

Perhaps it could be more of a family event?  I know that at the end of every day my family and I reflect on our favourite part of the day. This might make things easier if you just write down each of your favourite parts of EVERY day. It makes you feel better about even the busiest and most epic days. For us, after losing Dad, it brought us closer as a family and helped us remember to look for the love and light in each day.

My sons had Bindi: The Jungle Girl on high rotation for many years, and I was happy to let them watch to their hearts desire. Such great content is hard to find, what would you list as current shows viewing on Netflix that are equally great role models for kids?

Bindi Irwin:  As a family we always love seeing what documentaries are viewing – a lot of David Attenborough gets played in our house. Netflix also have a brilliant show called Dino Dan (my brother Robert had a guest appearance a few years back, so be sure to keep a lookout for him).

Bindi’s Bootcamp is also coming to Netflix – it was such a blessing to be able to host this show at Australia Zoo, I had so much fun with it. It’s all about getting teams of kids involved in the coolest challenges. Everything from making crazy dinners to tackling epic obstacle courses, it’s a show that you can watch and accidently learn something along the way.

I encourage my kids to step outside their comfort zone, give everything (well most things) a try at least once. What is something you attempted that you might have initially felt unsure about, then loved when you gave it a go?

Bindi Irwin:  One of my favourite things in the world is skydiving and bungee jumping. I was quite nervous at first, but now, I’m totally hooked! It’s so much fun. Ever since I can remember I’ve wanted to fly, when I was a tiny girl I thought that I would grow wings one day. Since I’m still waiting for that…this is a nice substitute.

Favourite part of travel?

Bindi Irwin: I think we tend to get caught up in our bubbles of daily life.

Travelling is a wonderful way to experience other lives and experience first-hand the world around us. It’s a great way to put things into perspective and really helps me to not worry about the little things. There is so much I want to do in my life, so many people and animals I want to help. We all lead several lives in one life time and travelling has made me realise that no matter what chapter of life I’m in, I need to do all that I can to affect those around me.

Hopefully I can empower others to make a difference in their own backyards and be the change that they wish to see in the world.

Thank you amazing Bindi Irwin…part Two of the Interview next week…

## The Urban Mum is part of the Netflix ‘Stream Team’ – giving me membership to the network (so I can loll around on the couch watching Mad Men all day). In addition I get regular updates on programming and opportunities to speak with Netflix ‘stars’ – I promise to raffle off any occasion I get to meet with Jon Hamm. xoxo