Step back in time into the ancient rainforest of North Queensland, pole feed a crocodile and be dazzled by tropical wildlife at this animal sanctuary.
At Hartley's Crocodile Adventures you can learn about the evolution of North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rain forests. Spot wildlife, tropical birds, reptiles and insects on boardwalks and nature trails throughout the 10-hectare (25-acre) park. Take a boat cruise through a lagoon to see crocodiles and snakes.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is committed to environmental sustainability and habitat conservation and has a number of interesting educational programmes and presentations. Take the Cassowary Walk and discover how these amazing birds have evolved. A Wildlife Discovery Trail winds between enclosures that house crocodiles, koalas, turtles and water birds. Head to the amphitheatre and viewing deck to see presentations such as crocodile and koala feeding. You can even feed a crocodile yourself with meat on the end of a pole. Stop by the Macalister Education Centre, which has exhibits about the local environment.
Discover the wildlife that has evolved in this region over many thousands of years on the Gondwana Gateway. It features a boardwalk that’s lined with signs and displays and winds through enclosures with snakes, quolls, monitors and wallabies.
Hop on the boat that cruises Hartley’s Lagoon and spot crocodiles on the banks and tropical birds in the surrounding trees.
When it’s time to stop for refreshments, enjoy your own packed lunch or sit down to a crocodile burger at the park’s restaurant.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is located at Wangetti, a 40-minute drive north of Cairns and 25 minutes south of Port Douglas. There is free on-site parking. You can also get there by coach service from Cairns and Port Douglas.
Hartley’s is open every day except Christmas Day. Allow between three hours to a whole day to enjoy everything the park has to offer. There’s a cost for entry, and some attractions and presentations incur an additional fee. Much of the park is accessible to wheelchairs.
