Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures | Cairns / Port Douglas

One of the best places to get up close with crocodiles is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. This wildlife sanctuary is one of the oldest attractions in North Queensland and one of the best day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas. Discover a range of native and exotic animals in the heart of the tropics.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a must see if you are looking for things to do in Cairns, Port Douglas, or the surrounding areas. It is a great day out for the whole family.

This family owned, local business is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading nature based advanced eco-adventure experiences.

One of the longest and most successful crocodile shows in Australia, Hartley’s was also the first place in Australia to breed crocs in captivity.

Plan a whole day out as there is plenty to do and see. While the crocodiles are the highlight for many, there are a range of other animals to see and educational presentations too.

What to see at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

There is a schedule of shows throughout the day including a crocodile farm tour, a crocodile attack and crocodile feeding. There is also a cassowary feeding show and also a snake show as well.

The presentations are really funny and entertaining, with a lot of Aussie humour. But they are also educational too and you can learn a lot about all the wildlife.

In between the shows and presentations you can explore the 2500 metres of boardwalks and pathways viewing a range of other native and exotic animals.

There are kangaroos, koalas, emus, wombats lizards and more.

The boat cruise is a highlight and a must do as you head out in the lagoon to spot the crocodiles. The manmade lagoon is home to over 30 crocodiles of different sizes. Some you can spot easily but some are camouflaged so well that you really have to look to spot them.

There are also numerous animal encounters and photo opportunities too. You can hold a koala, or even a python.

If you are game you can even pole feed a chicken to a croc!

There is the option to visit the crocodile farm on a guided tour to learn about how the sustainable breeding works. However this can be a little confronting, especially for children and we don’t recommend it for little ones. Although it goes through the how and why, the experience isn’t for everyone so read up on it before you take the family.

Tips for Visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Plan your day by checking the presentation schedule and times for each activity.
Arrive early to beat the heat, especially in the hotter months.
Bring a hat and sunscreen and if you are prone to mozzie bites, even some bug spray.
Take water as there isn’t anywhere to fill up unless you buy it.
Food, drinks, snacks and ice-cream at the café
Lots of shade for picnics if you bring your own lunch.
The park is pram and wheelchair friendly.