Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or in a very small apartment), you’ve probably seen the internet blow up over a certain snake-and-underwear moment that had Australia hissing with excitement.
It got us thinking, if your scaly sidekick is taking over your spare room, fridge freezer, or sanity, maybe it’s time to ask the real question:
Do we have enough room for our pets in our lives?
At Aussie, we reckon if the answer is no, it’s time to upgrade.
Robert Irwin: Aussie icon, wildlife whisperer, and top bloke
Let’s call it like it is: Robert Irwin is a deadset legend. He’s not just wrangling snakes and flashing smiles, he’s out here living the wildlife dream and making the rest of us look like underachievers in thongs.
Robert is the spitting image of his old man, the late, great Steve Irwin with boots, khakis, big heart and all. But he’s also carved his own path, swapping croc ponds for conservation campaigns and the odd cheeky media moment that sets the internet on fire.
Whether he’s rescuing joeys, giving eco-tours, or casually posing with a python like it’s his Sunday arvo handbag, Robert does it all with a grin and a genuine passion that’s pure Aussie gold. You don’t just follow him, you cheer for him. Because Robert’s the kind of bloke who makes you proud to be from the same sunburnt country.
The Irwins aren’t just a family, they’re one of us. Wildlife warriors, environmental educators, and living proof that being kind and curious still gets you somewhere in this country. Their legacy lives not just in zoos and telly specials, but in the way we Aussies treat animals, nature and now, maybe even our homes.
Snakes, staffies and sheds: Why Aussies are reworking their homes for pets
We Aussies have always loved our animals but lately, we’re designing our homes around them, too. More than two-thirds of Aussie households have a pet, and while dogs and cats still rule the roost, reptiles are quietly slithering up the ranks.
Snakes, turtles, blue-tongues, and beardies are more popular than ever. Why?
They’re low maintenance (no barking, no fur tumbleweeds, no digging up the flower beds)
They’re great in compact spaces
They don’t need daily walks, just the right heat, space, and a decent feed
And yes, they’re a great conversation starter at a BBQ
But even with their chilled-out nature, snakes still need a proper setup, and that can take up more room than most people expect.
What a pet-friendly Aussie home actually looks like
So, what does it really mean to have a home that works for everyone, pets and people? Let’s start with the furry ones. For most Aussies, that means building spaces that keep life clean, easy, and a little more paw-friendly.
For the dogs, cats and couch-hogs:
Bigger backyards or access to off-leash parks
Easy-clean floors (because muddy paw prints happen)
Storage for toys, treats and emergency vet kits
Clear zones for rest, play, and let’s be honest, zoomies
Great homes aren’t just beautiful. They’re practical, safe, and built for real Aussie living, pets included.
What a snake-friendly Aussie home actually looks like
And what about the cold-blooded crew? You don’t need to live in a zoo, but if you’ve got a reptile at home, there are a few key things to consider.
For the scaly sidekicks:
Secure, spacious enclosure
Big enough for your snake to stretch out, but tight enough to avoid surprise appearances in the laundry.Temperature control
Snakes rely on external heat, so proper insulation, warm/cool zones, and good airflow are essential.Power access
Heat lamps, UV lights, and thermometers need reliable outlets, not extension cords across the lounge.Smart storage
You’ll want a second freezer or sealed tubs away from kitchen gear.Kid-safe boundaries
Got little ones? Then clear separation between snake zone and play zone is a must.
Even just one snake can make a tight home feel smaller. That’s something Chris Bonnici, one of our franchisees, knows firsthand:
“I had a client who owned only one snake, but even then, their place felt too small. The enclosure took up a good chunk of their small living area, and they’d been putting off upgrading because they thought it’d be too expensive.
We looked at their options and found a way they could refinance and move into a place with an extra bedroom, enough space for them and the snake to breathe.
It wasn’t about going bigger for the sake of it, just making their home work better for the life they were living.”
Need more room? Here’s how we help
You don’t have to go it alone and you don’t have to break the bank either. Whether it’s refinancing for a reno, upsizing to a bigger block, or even moving interstate, Aussie Brokers and Buyer’s Agents are here to help.
Your options with Aussie:
Refinance to unlock equity and fund smart upgrades
Upsize into a place that fits every member of your household, including the four-legged or no-legged ones
Move interstate or regional with help from local experts who know the good spots for space, sun and serenity
Want to move for a bit more snake space? We’ll get you there
Sometimes, the right thing you can do for your pet is to find a home that’s just better suited. And for snake lovers, that often means more room, more warmth, and fewer neighbours freaking out over your python called Bruce.
Some of the great spots in Australia for reptile-friendly living aren’t smack-bang in the middle of the city. They’re in warmer, leafier places where homes are more spacious, the weather’s more stable, and council restrictions are a little more chilled.
Snake-lovers are heading to places like:
Northern NSW - sunny climate, big blocks, and a laid-back lifestyle
The Sunshine Coast - space to breathe, plenty of natural bushland
Inland WA - warmer temps, bigger homes, and fewer stairs (ideal if you're moving tanks)
Wherever you’re looking, Aussie Buyer’s Agents are your boots on the ground. We’ll help you:
Buy interstate without the stress
Snap up homes with space and sunshine
Track down off-market gems
Get it done quick, before someone else nabs it
We’ve helped pet owners just like you
“We had a couple who needed a second living space because their lizard’s setup took over half the lounge room,” says Tanya, an Aussie Broker in Sydney.
“Another client had outgrown their unit because their staffy needed a yard. A smart refinance gave them the budget to upgrade, without changing their lifestyle.”
At Aussie, we’re all about helping real people make smart moves. We’ve heard it all from snake sheds to turtle ponds. No judgment, just solutions.
Robert, reptiles and rethinking home
Robert Irwin didn’t just pose with a python, he reminded us of who we are.
We’re animal lovers. We’re nature people. We’re proud to call the Irwins our own.
And we’re also a nation that knows when it’s time to upgrade, adjust, and make room for what matters most, even if it’s got scales and sleeps under a heat lamp.
Need more room for your snake (or just your life)?
Book a free^ chat with an Aussie Broker or a free initial with a Buyer’s Agent, and let’s find a home that fits, scales and all.