Robert Irwin, son of Steve, reveals surprising new career

He can handle crocodiles, but can he handle a camera?

Robert Irwin is embarking on a surprising new career as a photographer, releasing a coffee-table book filled with spectacular images of Australian landscapes and wildlife.

It’s an unexpected move for the 18-year-old who’s spent his entire life in front of the camera — as opposed to behind it — petting pythons on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and starring in commercials with Paris Hilton.

But the grown-up child star says the venture is simply a new way to highlight the importance of conservation — something the Irwin clan has been pushing for decades.

“It’s really become my own way to carry on the huge legacy that my family has,” Robert told The Post of his new book and his surprising passion for photography.

“Robert Irwin’s Australia,” on sale now, features photos taken from the wildlife scion’s trips across his native country.

Robert was just 2 years old when his dad, Steve Irwin — better known as “The Crocodile Hunter” — was killed after being pierced in the chest by a stingray on the Great Barrier Reef.

But the teen says he still has very clear memories of his world-famous father, who also loved to take pictures.

“Many people wouldn’t know that he was very passionate behind the lens,” Robert revealed, adding that there’s a sentimental snap of his dad included in the new book.

“It’s a never-before-seen photo of my dad and myself sitting on his motorbike, and there’s a photographer there that’s showing me a camera,” the young star explained. “You can [already] see the interest on my face.”

In addition to his late father, Robert told The Post that his love of photography has also been fostered by another famous Australian — Oscar-winner Russell Crowe.

“He’s been a very big supporter of my photography journey,” the teen gushed of the “Gladiator” star. “He’s just a phenomenal artist in every sense of the word.”

Crowe even wrote the forward for Robert’s new book, as he has been an Irwin family friend for more than 20 years.

Robert told The Post that the star was “mates” with his father and a huge supporter of the clan following “The Crocodile Hunter’s” untimely death in 2006.

“You can tell the character of people through grief,” the new photographer declared, divulging that the Hollywood actor is “a truly kind human being.”

Robert already has plans to turn the coffee-table book into a series, eager to travel the world taking photos of endangered animals and disappearing landscapes to help highlight his conservation message.

But the plucky star isn’t giving up his on-camera career to go behind the lens full-time.

“I want to tackle behind the camera and in front of the camera,” the ambitious Aussie enthused, saying he plans to return to the Big Apple soon.

While sister Bindi is ensconced in domestic bliss, Robert — who is single and not ready for kids in the near future — is focusing on his career.

“I was born with a platform. I can spread my message already. It was a very profound thing that I do not take for granted,” he declared.

“This is the defining time [for the planet]. We need someone from the next generation. I want to be that beacon,” the teen concluded. “Watch this space.”

“Robert Irwin’s Australia” is on sale now. Proceeds from the sale will go straight back to conservation, helping Australia Zoo and the internationally recognized charity, Wildlife Warriors, carry forward Steve Irwin’s legacy of saving wildlife and wild places.