Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, located in Queensland, Australia, is a thrilling wildlife park where you can get up close to crocodiles and other native animals. Explore lush habitats, take a boat cruise, and witness fascinating wildlife shows in this crocodile-centric adventure.
45M+ travellers love us
Delivering best in class experience
Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
-
Discover Australia’s freshwater crocodiles, koalas, snakes, lizards, cassowaries, kangaroos, and more at the award-winning Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure!
-
Hop on a 20-minute boat cruise to Hartley's Lagoon to see wetland creatures in their natural habitat.
-
Watch park rangers feed the crocodiles and cassowaries, and enjoy snake shows and crocodile attack shows.
-
Explore the 2,500 meters of timber boardwalks through the Melaleuca Wetlands, Eucalypt Woodland, and Riverine rainforest.
-
Fun Fact: Hartley’s Crocodile Park began in 1934 as a tea house for weary travelers between Cairns and Mossman.
More details
-
Discover Australia’s freshwater crocodiles, koalas, snakes, lizards, cassowaries, kangaroos, and more at the award-winning Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure!
-
Hop on a 20-minute boat cruise to Hartley's Lagoon to see wetland creatures in their natural habitat.
-
Watch park rangers feed the crocodiles and cassowaries, and enjoy snake shows and crocodile attack shows.
-
Explore the 2,500 meters of timber boardwalks through the Melaleuca Wetlands, Eucalypt Woodland, and Riverine rainforest.
-
Fun Fact: Hartley’s Crocodile Park began in 1934 as a tea house for weary travelers between Cairns and Mossman.
- Relax on the scenic trip to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and enjoy interesting commentary from the driver along the way.
- Take advantage of plenty of free time to explore the park's abundant fauna, which includes aquatic birds, turtles, wallabies, and cassowaries.
- Stroll along the pathways and boardwalks through the woodland to see a wide range of rare animals.
- Learn more about the park's most lethal residents through the Crocodile Attack Show and the Snake Show.
- Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife spotting on a wetlands cruise through the saltwater crocodile's domain.
More details
- Relax on the scenic trip to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and enjoy interesting commentary from the driver along the way.
- Take advantage of plenty of free time to explore the park's abundant fauna, which includes aquatic birds, turtles, wallabies, and cassowaries.
- Stroll along the pathways and boardwalks through the woodland to see a wide range of rare animals.
- Learn more about the park's most lethal residents through the Crocodile Attack Show and the Snake Show.
- Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife spotting on a wetlands cruise through the saltwater crocodile's domain.
-
Embark into the wilderness as you get to have breakfast with koalas, and cruise to spot crocodiles, and other rare species at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.
-
Kickstart your day by sharing breakfast, comprising of eggs, bacon, croissants, and more, with the cutest creatures – koalas, in a unique setting overlooking Hartley's Lagoon.
-
Get up close and personal with a koala, pat the koala, and even capture memorable photos!
-
After a hearty meal, embark on a boat cruise and spot crocodiles and other native wildlife with the daily wildlife presentations.
-
Did you know? Crocodiles at Hartley's are prehistoric creatures, they've been around even before the dinosaurs!
More details
-
Embark into the wilderness as you get to have breakfast with koalas, and cruise to spot crocodiles, and other rare species at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.
-
Kickstart your day by sharing breakfast, comprising of eggs, bacon, croissants, and more, with the cutest creatures – koalas, in a unique setting overlooking Hartley's Lagoon.
-
Get up close and personal with a koala, pat the koala, and even capture memorable photos!
-
After a hearty meal, embark on a boat cruise and spot crocodiles and other native wildlife with the daily wildlife presentations.
-
Did you know? Crocodiles at Hartley's are prehistoric creatures, they've been around even before the dinosaurs!
-
Situated in the Heritage Markets in the heart of Kuranda Village, Kuranda Koala Gardens offers the perfect photo opportunity with Koalas.
-
As you walk through the gardens, wave at Australia’s amazing native animals such as kangaroos and wallabies in a free-range enclosure.
-
See the iconic Greater Bilby, the Northern Bettong and Mahogany Glider in the ‘Nocturnal Wonders’ exhibit.
-
Visit the 'Aussie Bush Collection' exhibit featuring Koalas, Long-nosed potoroos, Bearded dragons, and Blue-tongue Lizards. See wombats, Quokkas, Freshwater Crocodiles, and pythons in their natural habitat.
-
For those interested in pioneer and railway history there is also a history display with interesting details on life in the early days of Kuranda.
More details
-
Situated in the Heritage Markets in the heart of Kuranda Village, Kuranda Koala Gardens offers the perfect photo opportunity with Koalas.
-
As you walk through the gardens, wave at Australia’s amazing native animals such as kangaroos and wallabies in a free-range enclosure.
-
See the iconic Greater Bilby, the Northern Bettong and Mahogany Glider in the ‘Nocturnal Wonders’ exhibit.
-
Visit the 'Aussie Bush Collection' exhibit featuring Koalas, Long-nosed potoroos, Bearded dragons, and Blue-tongue Lizards. See wombats, Quokkas, Freshwater Crocodiles, and pythons in their natural habitat.
-
For those interested in pioneer and railway history there is also a history display with interesting details on life in the early days of Kuranda.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Cairns
About Hartley's Crocodile Adventure
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a standout in any wildlife or adventure collection, offering visitors the chance to witness Australia’s most legendary creatures up close. With its unique blend of action-packed shows, educational exhibits, and rainforest trails, it’s the perfect addition to any Cairns or North Queensland itinerary.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures pioneered crocodile breeding in Queensland, playing a key role in sustainable farming and conservation.
The park’s Croc Centre features a life-size model of the prehistoric Quinkana, an ancient crocodile that roamed Australia over 40 million years ago.
Hartley’s Lagoon is home to dozens of saltwater crocodiles, some of which are over 4 meters long and weigh more than 400 kg.
Visitors can try a unique ‘Croc Burger’ made from farmed crocodile meat at the on-site Lilies Bistro, adding a culinary twist to the adventure.
The park’s boardwalks and trails span over 2,100 meters, weaving through tropical rainforest and wetland habitats teeming with native wildlife.
Why visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventure?
Plan your visit
Main Entrance
The Main Entrance is situated 100 metres off the Captain Cook Highway at Wangetti, between Cairns and Port Douglas. Look for the prominent Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures signage and turn into the dedicated driveway. The entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, wide automatic doors, and accessible ticket counters. Ramps and smooth pathways lead directly from the parking area to the entrance, ensuring easy access for prams and mobility aids. Staff are available to assist guests with special needs or large groups.
Regular Hours: Open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Entry includes access to all standard attractions, wildlife shows, and the lagoon boat cruise.
Last Entry: Final admission is at 4:00pm. The park gates close promptly at 5:00pm, with parking gates locking at 5:15pm.
Special Hours/Closures: Hartley’s is open every day of the year except Christmas Day (December 25). During peak holiday periods (such as Australian school holidays and Christmas), the park can be busier, but standard hours apply. Some premium experiences (like Breakfast with Koalas) require advance booking and may have specific time slots. Always check the official website for any updates or special event closures before your visit.
The Croctique souvenir shop is located near the exit and offers a range of gifts, plush toys, and wildlife-themed merchandise.
Lilies Restaurant & Café serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the lagoon.
Toilets are available throughout the park, including accessible facilities and baby change areas.
Free parking is available onsite for cars, coaches, and motorhomes. The car park is locked after 5:15 pm.
A first aid station is available onsite for minor medical needs. Please approach staff if assistance is required.
An information desk is located at the main entrance for visitor assistance, show schedules, and park maps.
Most areas of the park, including boardwalks and main attractions, are wheelchair accessible. Some natural trails may have uneven surfaces.
Wheelchairs are available for loan at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Please inquire at the information desk.
Strollers are allowed throughout the park. Paths are generally pram-friendly, though some boardwalks may be narrow in places.
Service animals are permitted, but may be restricted from certain animal encounter areas for the safety of both animals and guests.
Nearby cities to explore
