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Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Far West Travel Guide

4.7 (5234)

Experience thrilling crocodile shows, diverse wildlife encounters, and natural beauty at North Queensland's premier wildlife attraction, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, located between Cairns and Port Douglas, is North Queensland's premier wildlife attraction, offering an immersive experience with crocodiles and other native Australian animals. Established in 1934 as a roadhouse, it evolved into a leading wildlife park committed to conservation and education, showcasing exciting shows and diverse wildlife in natural habitats.

A brief summary to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

  • Arrive early to catch the Cassowary Feeding & Wetland Wildlife presentation at 9:30 am and plan your day around the scheduled shows.
  • Take the boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon for a guaranteed crocodile sighting in their natural habitat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the extensive boardwalks and pathways.
  • Consider pre-booking packages including coach transfers or premium wildlife encounters.
  • Don't miss the Gallery of Living Art – Reptile Display for an up-close look at various reptile species.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is located on the Captain Cook Highway, approximately 40 minutes north of Cairns and 20 minutes south of Port Douglas. From either city, follow the Captain Cook Highway (State Route 44). The park is well-signed. There is free off-street parking available, including designated parking for mobility-impaired drivers, coaches, caravans and motor homes. Gates are locked at 5:15 PM.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transport to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, you can take the 110 bus from Cairns City to Veivers Rd near Captain Cook Hwy. From there, a taxi ride is required to reach the park, costing approximately $65 - $90. Alternatively, several coach services operate from Cairns and Port Douglas, offering shuttle services or full-day tours that include Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Shuttle services from Cairns cost approximately $28 per adult and $19 per child.

Discover more about Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is a multi-award-winning wildlife park that provides an innovative approach to experiencing Australia's unique fauna. Originally established in 1934 as a roadhouse, it has since evolved into a renowned destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, with a special focus on crocodiles, and is committed to both conservation and education.Visitors can explore over 2500 meters of boardwalks and pathways that wind through various natural habitats, including melaleuca wetlands, eucalypt woodlands, and riverine rainforest. These elevated walkways offer excellent viewing opportunities of the wildlife. The park's main attractions include the Crocodile Attack Show, crocodile feeding presentations, snake shows, and cassowary feedings. A boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon provides a chance to see crocodiles and various bird species in their natural environment. Other animals on display include wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and various reptiles and birds.Hartley's Crocodile Adventures actively contributes to crocodile conservation and has a commercial crocodile farm operating since 1989. The park has received numerous awards for its tourism achievements and architectural design since its relocation in 2002. It's a popular destination for locals, Australian visitors, and international travelers alike.
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