Crocosaurus Cove | Darwin

Crocosaurus Cove is one of Darwin’s most thrilling wildlife attractions, offering visitors an up-close experience with saltwater crocodiles, some of the largest and most powerful reptiles on Earth. Located in the heart of Darwin’s city center on Mitchell Street, this unique attraction brings the wilds of the Northern Territory into an urban environment, making it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting an adrenaline-filled encounter with these prehistoric predators.

Overview of Crocosaurus Cove

Opened in 2008

Located on Mitchell Street, Darwin, Northern Territory

Houses the world’s largest collection of Australian reptiles and offers interactive crocodile encounters

Famous for the "Cage of Death," Australia’s only saltwater crocodile dive experience

Crocosaurus Cove is not just a zoo but a fully immersive wildlife experience where visitors can feed, hold, and even swim alongside these powerful reptiles. Beyond crocodiles, the facility also features a massive aquarium, turtle exhibits, a reptile house, and interactive experiences for guests of all ages.

Major Attractions at Crocosaurus Cove

Cage of Death – Australia’s Only Crocodile Dive

The Cage of Death is the ultimate adrenaline rush, allowing visitors to be lowered into a clear acrylic enclosure inside a massive crocodile tank.

Some of the crocs in this experience are over 5 meters (16 feet) long and weigh over 700 kg (1,500 lbs).

With just a thick layer of acrylic between you and the croc, you’ll watch as these massive predators swim, open their jaws, and snap at food right in front of you.

Each cage dive lasts 15 minutes, and up to two people can enter at a time.

The attraction is completely safe but exhilarating as you witness the sheer power of these ancient reptiles.

Big Croc Feedings

Visitors can watch saltwater crocodiles being fed and learn about their powerful bite force and hunting techniques.

Guests can also participate in feeding juvenile crocs using a fishing pole-style setup, which allows them to see the crocs leap out of the water to grab their food.

Croc Feeding Frenzy

This interactive experience lets guests hand-feed some of the park’s largest crocodiles under the supervision of trained handlers.

The crocs react instantly and aggressively, showcasing their incredible power and speed.

The World’s Largest Display of Australian Reptiles

Crocosaurus Cove is home to over 70 species of Australian reptiles, including frilled-neck lizards, goannas, snakes, turtles, and blue-tongue skinks.

Many of these species are native to the Northern Territory and are rarely seen outside their natural habitats.

The Freshwater Aquarium

Features a large variety of native Australian fish species, including barramundi, saratoga, and archerfish (which can spit water to catch prey).

There’s also a unique underwater viewing area where visitors can see how these fish behave in their natural-like environment.

Turtle Encounters

The Turtle Billabong houses several species of freshwater turtles, including the pig-nosed turtle, a rare and unusual species.

Guests can participate in turtle feeding sessions and learn about conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures.

Reptile House and Handling Sessions

The reptile house features one of the largest collections of Australian reptiles in the world.

Visitors can hold and interact with pythons, lizards, and other reptiles in designated handling areas.

Live educational talks are held throughout the day, where experts discuss the habits, diets, and conservation of these creatures.

Whipray Encounter

This interactive experience allows visitors to feed massive freshwater whiprays (a type of stingray).

The whiprays glide through the water and gently take food from your hands, making it a peaceful and mesmerizing experience.

Educational and Conservation Efforts

Crocosaurus Cove places a strong emphasis on conservation and education, aiming to raise awareness about saltwater crocodiles and other Australian wildlife.

Daily talks and presentations provide insights into crocodile behavior and biology, the importance of conservation efforts, and how to stay safe in crocodile territory.

The attraction also partners with local wildlife organizations to promote the protection of endangered reptile species.

Visitor Information

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM.

General admission: Approximately AUD 40–50 for adults, AUD 25–35 for children.

Cage of Death experience: Starts from AUD 170 per person.

Croc feeding and handling experiences: Prices vary depending on the package.

Best Time to Visit

Open year-round, but early morning and late afternoon visits are best for cooler temperatures and active animals.

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Accessibility

The attraction is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available throughout the facility.

No prior experience is required for the cage dive or animal interactions, making it suitable for all ages.

How to Get There

By Car: Located in central Darwin, just a short drive from most hotels.

By Bus: Local buses stop near Mitchell Street, a main street in Darwin’s city center.

By Foot: Since it is in downtown Darwin, it’s within walking distance from many restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Why Visit Crocosaurus Cove?

Close-up Crocodile Encounters: Nowhere else in Australia allows you to swim with saltwater crocodiles or watch them feed from just meters away.

Unique Urban Wildlife Park: Unlike many crocodile parks that require long drives into remote areas, Crocosaurus Cove is conveniently located in Darwin’s city center.

Hands-on Experiences: The park offers interactive encounters with reptiles, turtles, and stingrays, making it engaging for all ages.

Educational Value: Live demonstrations, expert talks, and up-close experiences make it a great learning opportunity for visitors interested in Australian wildlife and conservation.

Conclusion

Crocosaurus Cove is an unmissable experience in Darwin, providing thrilling encounters with some of the world’s most powerful reptiles. Whether you want to dive into the Cage of Death, hold a baby crocodile, feed a turtle, or learn about Australia's unique reptile species, this attraction offers an unforgettable mix of excitement, education, and adventure. Perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike, Crocosaurus Cove is one of the best places in the Northern Territory to witness the majesty of saltwater crocodiles up close.