Robert Irwin returns to Coffs Harbour restaurant to pay his food bill

News.com.au

12-07-2025

Less than a week after admitting he forgot to pay for his bill at a restaurant, Robert Irwin has returned to the scene of the crime to settle the score.
The Aussie wildlife warrior, 21, took to Instagram last week sharing a since viral-video where he revealed he unwittingly left The Jetty Pavilion in Coffs Harbour without paying for his salad.
Within five days, Irwin made good on his promise to venture back and fix up the bill, with camera crews on hand to capture the moment.
'I'm a man of my word. I said I was gonna pay for the salad, so I'm here to do just that,' he told 7News.
'It went through! We got a tick,' Irwin continued as he tapped his credit card.
'I definitely paid! I'm outta here,' he laughed, while also leaving a generous tip.
Owners Ben Hemsworth and Kyle Miller said they'd experienced a 50 per cent boost in business since Irwin shared a video recommendation last week.
Irwin triggered global headlines when he admitted to ordering the $26 Harvest Bowl at the local eatery during an east coast road trip, before he was swarmed by fans and forgot to pay.
'I went in there, and there was a lot of people who, you know, saw me and said g'day, and wanted to have a photo. But it turned into a bit of a frenzy … It was a bit of a flurry there for a moment,' Irwin began.
'Anyway, they got the salad done super fast, I made sure I said hi to absolutely everyone, 'Cheers, thanks so much, see ya later.'
'Then the next morning wake up and realise, I never paid for my salad! I just did the old dine and dash and didn't even realise. I felt terrible.'
The I'm A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! co-host said he quickly reached out to the venue and offered to hand over his credit card details to fix up the bill, as he'd already left Coffs at that point.
'They said, 'Don't worry, just leave us a good review.' I said, 'I'll do you one better!'' Irwin continued.
'There are eight million of you guys on here [Instagram]. Go and support the Jetty Pavilion. They are the absolute best.
'I apologise again. Today is not the day I start my life of crime, as much as the tabloids would love that, it's not happening.
'Cheers everyone. Love you, Coffs Harbour.'
The Jetty Pavilion owners have since hinted they might name the salad after Irwin in light of the saga.