While sharing a childhood photo of The Crocodile Hunter and her mother Terri, Bindi took a moment to acknowledge how far she’s come over the years.
“Well today marks 18 years of life for me, here in Australia and I really don’t know where to begin in thanking so many people for an unforgettable journey so far.
“So I think that I’ll start here, with this photograph,” the birthday girl wrote.
“This photo was taken within the first year of my life. To be perfectly honest life has changed in a million ways since this photograph was taken. Along the way we gained another incredible part of our family, my brother Robert.”
“Our conservation work with Wildlife Warriors took off around the world. Our home, Australia Zoo continued to expand and has become the greatest zoological facility on planet earth. Our Dad, Mum’s soulmate and a superhero for us all, passed away. However, since this photo was taken, 18 years ago, one life ingredient has remained, unchanged, unbreakable,” Bindi continued.
“That is the unconditional love that is shared between my beautiful little family and the loyalty we have to each other and everyone else who has taken this journey with us. I don’t think that when this photo was taken even my beautiful parents could have known what life would evolve. I know that I am endlessly grateful for the love and light I have been given since Day 1 of my life.”
Her heartfelt statement continued into a second Instagram post.
“I have so much happiness in my heart for the journey to come. Being 18 and embarking upon my adult years, I can’t predict what life will have in store for me. All I know is that I will try my very best to make a difference in this world with each moment that I’m given. Life is constantly evolving and I’m determined to find the light and love around every corner and share this with everyone who is a part of my story.”
Bindi later enjoyed a day-long birthday party at Australia Zoo with her mother, brother and boyfriend Chandler Powell.
In honour of Bindi’s love for the outdoors and her recent win in the US series of Dancing with the Stars, the day was dubbed ‘Camping with the Stars’.
Celebrity guests included former Miss World Australia Erin Holland, below, who flew in especially for the occasion.
Thousands of fans also turned out to celebrate with Bindi who thrilled the big crowd by hand-feeding a giant croc.
She was also presented with a campfire and teepee cake in keeping with the theme and blew out the candles to the delight of fans.
