Marineland Croc Park, Cairns Travel Guide

Marineland Croc Park, a family-owned and operated attraction on Green Island, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of crocodiles and Melanesian tribal art. Founded in 1971 by George and Shirley Craig, Marineland has been a fixture on Green Island for over 50 years. Originally called Marineland Zoological Gardens, the Craigs transformed it into a unique habitat showcasing crocodiles and a vast collection of art and artifacts from Melanesia.The park is home to up to 15 crocodiles, including saltwater and freshwater species. Visitors can observe these powerful reptiles in natural-style enclosures and learn about their behavior and biology during daily keeper talks and feeding presentations. A highlight is the opportunity to see the crocs in action during feeding times.Beyond crocodiles, Marineland features aquariums filled with colorful reef fish and crustaceans. The aquariums showcase over 100 species, providing a glimpse into the diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. The park also houses an extensive collection of Melanesian tribal art, including masks, carvings, and cultural relics from Papua New Guinea and other islands. This collection reflects George Craig's passion for the art and culture of Melanesia, stemming from his time spent in Papua New Guinea.Though Cassius, the famous crocodile who resided at Marineland for many years and held the Guinness World Record for being the largest crocodile in captivity, passed away in 2024, his legacy lives on. Marineland continues to educate visitors about crocodile conservation and the importance of protecting these ancient reptiles.