Nestled in the heart of Far North Queensland, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Home to saltwater crocodiles, pythons, cassowaries, and more, this award-winning park offers an unforgettable up-close encounter with Australia’s most fascinating reptiles. From cruising through the croc-infested lagoon to watching heart-pounding feeding shows, Hartley’s delivers an authentic Aussie wildlife experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a unique adventure near Cairns and Port Douglas, you won’t want to miss this one stop!
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Check out our YouTube video of our days at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures:
Location of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is located at Wangetti, 40 km north of Cairns, 25 km from Port Douglas and 17 km from Palm Cove on Captain Cook Highway.
How To Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
There are two options for visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Option One: Self-Drive to Hartley’s
If you have chosen this option, you are getting the best value for money. Your ticket is valid for three days as a self-drive visitor to Hartley’s.
We chose this option. On day one, we arrived at the opening time of 8.30 a.m. After purchasing our tickets, we headed to the 9 am Crocodile Farm Tour, where we learnt about the conservation of the crocodiles.
At 9:30 a.m., we headed for the 30-minute boat cruise. We enjoyed seeing the feeding of the crocodiles in the lagoon and learning more about their survival in the wild and at Hartley’s.
There is a snake show at 10 a.m., but we left this for our afternoon visit on Day 2.
The fascinating Crocodile Feeding Show began at 11 am. The audience held their breaths many times during the show and jumped when one of the large crocs snapped his jaw together. You don’t want to be caught in these croc’s jaws.
After the Crocodile Feeding Show, we wandered the many pathways past the Turtle pond, big crocodiles, alligators, and Koala feeding area before heading to the Gift Shop to get our tickets stamped.
If you are planning to visit Hartley’s for two or three days, you must get your Complimentary Park Map (your official ticket) stamped to allow you to return.
On day two, we returned in the afternoon to visit the Snake Show at 2 pm. If you want to get up close and personal with one of the snakes, sit as close as possible to the presentation area in the middle of the Wildlife Amphitheatre.
The highlight of our two days was the Crocodile Attack Show at 3 pm. Have your cameras ready for this! The death roll and head shake are mind-boggling, showing the real strength of these magnificent creatures. A warning not to wander in croc-infested waters as in the blink of an eye, you could be here one second and gone the next.
At 4 pm is the Cassowary Feeding, close to the Bird Aviary, which you can wander through.
As you head back to the exit, remember to visit the Gallery of Living Art, an exhibition of Australian reptiles and insects.
Option Two
As part of an organised tour, you can visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Tips for Enjoying Your Visit to Hartleys Crocodile Adventures
Ensure that you have comfortable shoes
Bring water and sunscreen
Wear a hat
Plan your time over the 3 days
Bring mosquito repellent
During the summer months, it can be hot and steamy, with high humidity and expect showers
General Information for Travelling to Far North Queensland
Cairns is the primary destination for international and domestic carriers.
For the latest airfares, click here.
Car rental is available from Cairns Airport.
Related reading:
Top Places to Eat in Palm Cove
Skyrail and Historic Train Kuranda
Tour Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
Luxury Airbnb Villa Palm Cove with heated pool
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance offers protection when things go wrong before or during your travels, so we highly recommend that you take out travel insurance.
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