Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures | Cairns

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a popular wildlife park located in Far North Queensland, Australia, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Cairns, near the Cairns Northern Beaches. The park is renowned for its interactive wildlife experiences, particularly its impressive collection of crocodiles and other native Australian animals. As one of the best places to see crocodiles up close in a safe environment, Hartley’s offers a wide range of wildlife experiences that appeal to nature enthusiasts, families, and tourists seeking an adventure in the Australian outback.

The park is set in a lush tropical environment, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about and experience Australia's diverse wildlife while also highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation.

Key Features and Attractions

1. Crocodile Shows

One of the main attractions at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is its daily crocodile shows, which allow visitors to witness the sheer power and agility of the saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. During these shows, expert guides provide educational commentary about the crocodiles' natural behaviors, habitats, and conservation status. The guides demonstrate how the crocodiles hunt, and visitors get to watch as the crocodiles leap out of the water to snatch food, showing their incredible strength and precision.

These shows are both thrilling and educational, offering a safe way to observe the raw power of one of Australia's most iconic predators.

2. Crocodile Feeding

The park allows visitors to watch live crocodile feeding demonstrations, where trained staff feed the crocodiles in a specially designed enclosure. These demonstrations are a great way to learn more about the feeding habits of crocs and understand their role in the ecosystem. The feeding sessions offer a chance to see these reptiles in action as they lunge for their food, showcasing their incredible speed and strength.

3. Crocodile Habitat and Viewing Areas

Hartley’s has several crocodile enclosures designed to replicate the reptiles' natural environments. The park is home to both saltwater crocodiles (the largest living reptiles) and freshwater crocodiles. Visitors can walk through the park and see these ancient predators in spacious and realistic habitats that reflect the wetlands, rivers, and estuaries they call home.

The enclosures are designed with safety in mind, ensuring that visitors can observe the crocodiles up close while maintaining a safe distance. Viewing platforms and observation points are strategically placed for a clear, unobstructed view of the crocodiles in action.

4. Cassowary Encounter

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is also home to the cassowary, one of the world’s largest and most dangerous birds. The cassowary is native to the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland and is known for its impressive height, striking blue and black plumage, and the distinctive helmet-like casque on its head.

At the park, visitors can enjoy cassowary encounters, where they can learn more about this fascinating bird and its role in the ecosystem. The park provides educational information about the importance of cassowary conservation, as these birds are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and human interference.

5. Koala and Kangaroo Experiences

In addition to crocodiles, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers visitors the chance to meet some of Australia’s most iconic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. The park offers photo opportunities where visitors can hold and cuddle a koala, an experience that is both cute and memorable.

Visitors can also interact with kangaroos and wallabies in open spaces, where the animals are free to roam, and guests can feed and pet them. These encounters provide a hands-on opportunity to experience Australia's unique wildlife up close.

6. Venomous Snake and Wildlife Displays

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is home to a collection of venomous snakes, lizards, and other reptiles native to Australia. The park showcases python demonstrations and offers educational talks about how snakes, such as the inland taipan and brown snake, play an important role in Australia’s ecosystem.

The venomous snake show is both thrilling and informative, helping visitors learn about these often-misunderstood creatures and their vital role in controlling the populations of smaller animals.

7. Boat Cruise

The park offers a scenic boat cruise through the Hartley’s Lagoon, where visitors can take a leisurely trip through the mangrove-lined waterways, home to a range of wildlife, including crocodiles and water birds. The boat cruise is a fantastic way to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat and see the lush surroundings of the tropical wetlands. Expert guides provide commentary during the cruise, sharing insights into the local wildlife and the conservation efforts undertaken by the park.

This boat experience allows visitors to see crocodiles in the wild, basking on the banks of the lagoon or swimming in the water, offering a unique and intimate wildlife experience.

8. Interactive Animal Encounters

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a range of interactive experiences, including opportunities to meet and learn about a variety of other animals, such as goannas, dingoes, saltwater crocodile hatchlings, and more. These encounters provide visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with these animals, all while learning about their natural behavior and the efforts being made to protect their species.

For those looking for a more hands-on experience, the park offers special encounters where guests can help feed animals or participate in behind-the-scenes tours that provide a deeper insight into the wildlife care and conservation work carried out at the park.

9. Gift Shop and Café

After exploring the park, visitors can browse the gift shop, which offers a range of souvenirs and wildlife-related products, such as crocodile-themed merchandise, plush toys, and local art. The café at the park serves a variety of food and beverages, including light meals, snacks, and cold drinks, making it a great place to relax and refuel after a day of exploring.

Visitor Information

Location: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is located at Captain Cook Highway, Bushland Beach, Cairns, Queensland, approximately 40 km (25 miles) north of Cairns.

Opening Hours: The park is typically open daily, with hours from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The exact hours may vary, so it's best to check the park’s website before visiting.

Admission Fees: Admission fees are charged for entry, with various ticket options available, including family passes and combo tickets. There are also additional costs for specific animal encounters or boat cruises.

Best Time to Visit: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October), when the weather is cooler and drier. The park can be quite warm and humid during the wet season (November to April), but wildlife can still be seen in abundance.

Conclusion

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers an exciting, interactive experience for those interested in Australian wildlife. With its wide range of crocodile shows, wildlife encounters, and educational displays, the park provides a great opportunity to learn about and interact with some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Whether you're seeking thrills or educational experiences, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a fantastic destination for wildlife lovers and families visiting the Cairns region.