Should I book Hartley's tickets in advance?

Booking online is strongly recommended. Pre-booked tickets skip the ticket purchase desk, which can add 15–30 minutes on school holidays and weekends. More importantly, premium experiences (Big Croc Feed, Zootastic 5, Breakfast with Koalas) have limited slots and sell out on busy days. Book those directly with Hartley's well before your visit.

Is it better to self-drive or book with transfers?

Self-drive is usually better value for families or groups with a hire car. Transfer-inclusive tickets are more convenient for solo travellers or couples who do not drive, avoiding navigation on an unfamiliar highway. Port Douglas transfers run about 25–30 minutes each way; Cairns transfers take roughly 40–45 minutes.

What does general admission include?

General admission covers all wildlife zones and trails, every scheduled keeper talk and show listed on the daily program (lagoon cruise, croc feeding, Snake Show, Cassowary Feeding, Koala Talk, Crocodile Attack Show), and one lagoon boat cruise. Food, drinks, and premium encounters are not included.

Are there child or family discounts?

Children aged under 3 enter free. Child ticket pricing and family bundles are available; exact rates are updated periodically, so check current prices on the official Hartley's website or through your reseller when booking. Senior and local discounts may also apply.

Can I cancel or reschedule my Hartley's ticket?

Cancellation and change policies vary by product and reseller. Standard tickets from major OTAs often allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit date. Premium experience bookings (Big Croc Feed, Zootastic 5) typically have limited change options and may be non-refundable. Always check the specific policy at checkout before confirming.

Does skip-the-line entry mean I bypass all queues?

No. Pre-booked tickets skip the ticket purchase desk only. You still pass through entry scanning and queue for the lagoon cruise boarding. Good timing matters more than a priority add-on at this park. Arriving 10–15 minutes before any show or cruise departure is the most reliable way to get a good position.

How long does a visit to Hartley's typically take?

Most visitors spend between 3 and 6 hours. A focused visit covering the main shows and lagoon cruise needs at least 4–5 hours. A relaxed full day with multiple show repeats, trail exploration, and lunch at Lilies Bistro can easily fill 6 hours. Transfer packages typically allow a half-day window.

Is Hartley's suitable for visitors with limited mobility?

The main entrance and hub are largely level. Most concrete paths are stroller-friendly. Some timber boardwalk sections may be narrower or uneven. Lagoon cruise boarding may involve steps; confirm suitability with the park before booking if mobility aids are needed. Contact Hartley's directly for the most current accessibility information.

Can I combine Hartley's with a Great Barrier Reef trip on the same day?

It is possible but usually tiring. Reef trips typically occupy most of a day and require early starts from Cairns. Hartley's is best treated as a standalone half-day. Most visitors prefer to do them on separate days to get the most out of each experience.

Is Hartley's a crocodile farm as well as a wildlife park?

Yes. Hartley's operates under a Queensland licence to breed saltwater crocodiles commercially, and keeper talks explain the sustainable-use model. This dual role is woven into the educational presentations throughout the day. If animal farming concerns you, review the park's approach before booking.

Can I take photos inside Hartley's?

Personal photography is welcome across most of the park. Flash photography is restricted in some animal areas, particularly around sensitive species. Professional shoots require advance permission from park management. Koala photo interactions are managed by park staff under Queensland regulations.

Are there enough things to do if it rains?

Yes. Shows and the lagoon cruise generally continue in light to moderate rain. The Croc Centre and Gondwana Gateway offer covered, air-conditioned space. Pack a lightweight poncho or rain jacket for boardwalk sections. Only severe weather events such as cyclones or flooding prompt operational closures, communicated directly by the park.

What is the Crocodile Attack Show?

The 3 pm daily show features a handler luring a large saltwater crocodile to repeatedly launch from the water to strike at a food reward. It demonstrates how quickly and powerfully the species can move, with live commentary on safety and biology. It is the most dramatic event of the day and is included in every standard admission ticket.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Tickets

‌

Tickets

Half-Day Tour of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

See the Australian wildlife in its element with intriguing presentations, shows, and a Wetlands Cruise.
Hotel transfers from Cairns, Northern Beaches, and Port Douglas are included in your ticket to make your life easier. Simply relax, and enjoy great views and commentary from the friendly driver.
Enjoy plenty of free time to explore the park and its abundant fauna including wallabies, cassowaries, koalas, and wombats.
Get acquainted with some of the world's most venomous snakes at the Snake Show.
Be awed by the saltwater crocodile's "head shake" and "death roll" at the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show.
Keep an eye out for crocodiles and other wildlife on a 25-minute cruise through the Melaleuca wetlands.
Replenish your energy by purchasing your own snacks or lunch at the in-house Cafe, before starting the return journey to your hotel.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

5 hrs - 8 hrs

Transfers available

Pickup available

Find the right Hartley's experience for you

Not sure which ticket to choose? Whether you want a hassle-free half-day tour with transfers or a relaxed morning with a koala breakfast, each option offers a different way to explore the park.

Boy holding a snake at Hartleys Crocodile Adventures, Queensland.

Compare ticket options below

‌

Tickets

Hartley's Koala Breakfast

Head to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and enjoy interactive experiences with koalas and spot crocodiles and other native wildlife for an educative and engaging experience.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast in the company of a cute koala as you indulge in eggs, bacon, hash brown, sausages, and buttery croissants. Vegetarian options are available too.
Create memories as you get up close and personal with a koala with a lot of photo opportunities coming your way.
Embark on a boat cruise to spot crocodiles and other native creatures such as Cassowaries, with wildlife presentations across the venue.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Meals included

‌

Tickets

Kuranda Koala Gardens Ticket

Gasp at this remarkable boutique wildlife attraction that showcases a wide range of Australia’s amazing native animals.
From the cute and furry gliders to the ever-energetic kangaroos, to the terrifying Pythons, you’ll see them all.
Smile and wave at koalas, quokkas, wallabies, wombats, lizards, freshwater crocs, possums, turtles, and then some.
Visit the recently-opened Aussie Bush Collection that exhibits a combo of harmoniously-living marsupials and reptiles.
At the exhibit for nocturnal animals, get up close to some of the night-loving marsupials like the rare Mahogany glider or the greater Bilby.
Have your picture taken as you pat a cute and cuddly koala. Cuddling a koala is temporarily unavailable (due to the recent pandemic).

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

‌

Combos

Combo (Save 5%) : Kuranda Koala Gardens Tickets + From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Kuranda Tour

All-in-one Cairns day trip: wildlife encounters, heritage rail & Skyrail adventure.

Everything you get at Kuranda Koala Gardens: Entry to the wildlife park with koalas, wallabies, wombats, gliders, reptiles, and more. Enjoy the boutique rainforest village, with the option to meet and pat a koala (extra cost).
Everything you get at Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Tour: Ride the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway through rainforest, mountains, and tunnels. Glide above the treetops on Skyrail for panoramic views, and explore Kuranda village at your own pace.
Why choose this combo: Perfect for a stress-free Cairns day trip, this combo lets you experience the region’s best wildlife and rainforest highlights without planning multiple bookings or transport — all seamlessly in one adventure.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

We partner with the best

Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.

All the best options, in one place

Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

Book with complete peace of mind

Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.

1/4

Slide 1 of 4

Which Hartley's Crocodile Adventures ticket is best for you?

Ticket type	Transport	Lines skipped	Security	Includes	Why pick this	Cancellation	Price from
Half-Day Tour of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures	Hotel pickup included from Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas	None	Mandatory	Park entry, English commentary, 25-minute Wetlands Cruise, snake show, Crocodile Attack Show	Why pick this Ideal for a hassle-free half-day visit with transport included; covers all park highlights efficiently	24 hours before the experience	From AU$130
Hartley’s Koala Breakfast	No	None	Mandatory	Park entry, breakfast with the koalas, koala encounter, boat cruise	Perfect for a relaxed, early start with an up-close koala experience in a quieter setting	24 hours before the experience	From AU$83

What to expect at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

1/6

Arrival

Enter off the Captain Cook Highway into a tropical wetland park. Collect the day's show timetable at reception and confirm your lagoon cruise slot. Most visits run 3–6 hours, moving between boardwalk loops, shows, and the boat.

The lagoon cruise

A custom vessel glides across 1.2 hectares of freshwater lagoon edged by lily pads, melaleuca trees, and mangroves. The keeper feeds saltwater crocodiles from the boat, bringing them close while sharing live commentary on behaviour and farming.

Crocodile Attack Show

In the main arena, a handler lures a huge saltwater crocodile to launch repeatedly from the water for a food reward. The keeper explains how northern Australian crocs hunt and why waterway safety matters.

Interact & learn

Snake show keepers pass pythons around and address venom myths. Cassowary feeding lets you hand fruit to this rare bird, while the Koala Deck runs at 4:30 pm for photos. The Croc Centre adds an air-conditioned gallery on crocodile evolution.

Upgrade your experience or take a break

Upgrade on-site to the Big Croc Feed for a 45-minute small-group session: pole-feed a large croc and hold a baby crocodile. For a break, Lilies Bistro overlooks the lagoon and serves crocodile burgers and local barramundi daily.

Wildlife trails

Raised boardwalks and trails wind through rainforest and creek banks, passing wallabies, Tasmanian devils, lizards, and birds. The Gondwana Gateway exhibit adds tree kangaroos and gliders for a quieter, shaded detour.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Booking window & availability: Tickets rarely sell out far in advance, but transfer-based tours and curated experiences (like koala breakfast slots) have limited capacity. Book at least 2–3 days ahead in peak seasons or weekends to secure your preferred date and time.
Modes of entry & what “pre-booking” means here: All tickets—online or on-site—still require entry scanning at the gate. Pre-booking helps you skip the ticket purchase queue (saving ~10–30 minutes on busy days), but you will still queue for entry checks and timed experiences like the lagoon cruise.
What your ticket includes: Both available ticket types include full park access: all wildlife zones, boardwalks, keeper talks, daily shows, and one lagoon cruise. The cruise runs at fixed times and operates at capacity, so you’ll need to confirm your स्लॉट at reception on arrival.
Ways to explore: half-day tour vs. independent visit: The Half-Day Tour of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the most structured option, bundling park entry with return transfers and a fixed visit window. It’s ideal if you want a streamlined experience without planning logistics. The Hartley’s Koala Breakfast offers a more relaxed, early-start experience with a dedicated koala encounter and breakfast, followed by standard park exploration at your own pace.
Transfers & location constraints: The park is located about 40 km from Cairns and 25 km from Port Douglas, with no regular public transport. The half-day tour solves this with hotel pickups and return transfers, making it the most convenient option if you don’t have a car.
Timed experiences shape your visit: All major shows and the lagoon cruise run on fixed schedules. Transfer tours typically align your visit around these timings, ensuring you don’t miss highlights—but they also limit flexibility compared to self-paced visits.
Premium encounters are not included: Experiences like the Big Croc Feed or wildlife encounter tours are separate, small-group add-ons with fixed time slots and age restrictions. If these are a priority, you’ll need to book them directly and plan your ticket type accordingly.
Restrictions & policies to note: Most tickets are date-specific, and curated experiences like the koala breakfast require advance booking and fixed time slots. Late arrivals for timed inclusions may not be accommodated, especially for structured tours or breakfast sessions.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures zones & exhibits

1/6

Crocodile Lagoon & Boat Cruise

Where: Park centre, near reception

A 1.2-hectare lagoon with melaleucas, lily pads, and mangroves. The guided cruise brings you close to large saltwater crocs as keepers feed and explain behaviour and farming. Runs at 9 am and 1 pm.

Crocodile Attack Show Arena

Where: Main amphitheatre

The 3 pm highlight: a handler coaxes a huge croc to launch from the water for food. Fast, dramatic strikes paired with insights on hunting and safety. Arrive 10 minutes early for the best view.

Snake & Reptile Show Area

Where: Near the Croc Centre

Daily shows at 10 am and 2 pm cover snake myths, identification, and first aid. Pythons are passed through the audience, followed by a short Q&A.

Cassowary Walk

Where: Northern boardwalk loop

See the rare southern cassowary up close in a rainforest-style enclosure. Feeding sessions run at 9 am and 4 pm; fruit is available to purchase at the entry.

Kangaroo, Wallaby & Koala Areas

Where: South loop and Koala Deck

View kangaroos and wallabies in open paddocks. The Koala Deck hosts a 4:30 pm talk with photo opportunities. Breakfast with Koalas runs from 8:30 am (pre-book required).

Croc Centre & Gondwana Gateway

Where: Mid-park

Air-conditioned exhibits explore crocodile history, culture, and conservation. Outside, the Gondwana Gateway features tree kangaroos and gliders in a shaded rainforest setting.

Plan your visit to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures boat tour with crocodiles in a natural habitat, Queensland, Australia.

Opening hours: Daily 8:30am – 5pm (gates close 5:15pm).
Breakfast with Koalas: 8:30 am; Book by 4 pm the prior day.
Best time to visit: Arrive before 10 am to catch the lagoon cruise, Snake Show, and croc feeding in cooler conditions. May to October (dry season) is the most comfortable, with June to August being peak season — weekdays are quieter.

Hartley Courthouse surrounded by trees in New South Wales, Australia.

Main entrance (Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti): Scan your e-ticket or exchange your voucher at the ticket desk. Car park adjacent; gates lock at 5:15pm.
Coach drop-off (main entrance bus bay): Coaches drop off and pick up here. Confirm your return time with the operator before exploring the park.

Restroom sign outdoors with male and female symbols.

Toilets: Located at the entrance hub and at an additional block inside the park.
Dining: Lilies Bistro (deck overlooking the lagoon) serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks daily from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Crocodile burgers and local barramundi are house specialities.
Picnic areas: Tables and seating are scattered along the trail network, suitable for visitors bringing their own food.
Gift shop: The Croctique shop near the exit sells crocodile-themed gifts and farm-related products.
Parking: Free on-site car park adjacent to the entrance; spaces for cars, motorhomes, and coaches.
Wi-Fi: No confirmed public Wi-Fi on site; rely on mobile data coverage along the Captain Cook Highway corridor.

Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.

Main paths and boardwalks are mostly level and stroller-friendly; some timber sections are narrower. Contact Hartley's directly for specific mobility needs.

Boat cruise: May involve steps — confirm suitability before booking if using a mobility aid.
Hearing/vision support: Contact the park in advance for current provisions.
Companion/carer policies: Contact Hartley's directly.
Strollers: Manageable on main paths; some sections may require lifting.

Do not feed animals sign on a wire fence with greenery in the background.

Animals: Do not touch or feed animals outside designated supervised zones.
Paths & barriers: Stay on marked boardwalks; do not cross safety barriers near crocodile areas.
Photography: Personal photography permitted; flash restricted in some animal areas. Professional shoots require prior permission.
Smoking: Designated areas only — follow on-site signage.
Pets: Not permitted, except registered assistance animals. Contact Hartley's before visiting.
Re-entry: Not explicitly published — confirm at the entrance desk if you plan to leave and return.
Gate closure: Gates lock at 5:15 pm; be back at the car park or coach bay before then.
Food & drink: Outside alcohol is generally not permitted in wildlife parks — confirm with Hartley's if bringing your own.
Children: Keep children supervised at all times, especially near water and animal enclosures.
Noise: Keep voices low near sensitive animals; follow guide instructions during shows and feeding sessions.

Lilies Bistro

Cuisine: Casual Australian dining with a wildlife twist.
Signature dishes: Crocodile burger (farmed croc meat), local barramundi, snacks, and coffee.
Timings: Daily 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Breakfast with Koalas from 8:30 am (pre-book by 4 pm the prior day).
Seating: Shaded deck overlooking the crocodile lagoon; indoor and outdoor options available.
Note: The optional Breakfast with Koalas package (pre-book by 4 pm prior day) uses the restaurant deck for a hot Australian breakfast alongside a koala encounter from 8:30 am.

Visitor tips

Check the show timetable first: Pick up the day's schedule at reception and lock in your lagoon cruise slot before doing anything else. Missing the 9 am cruise means waiting for the 1 pm departure.
Arrive early in summer: Heat on open boardwalks and show arenas is intense from November to April. A 9 am arrival lets you complete the main circuit before midday.
Sit centrally at the Croc Attack Show: Central rows keep you close to the action while avoiding the splash zone. Arrive 10–15 minutes early on school holidays and weekends.
Use Gondwana Gateway as a cool-down: The Croc Centre is air-conditioned. Slot it in between outdoor shows rather than at the start, so you stay comfortable through the afternoon.
Pack sun and rain gear: Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and refillable water bottles are essential. A lightweight poncho is easier to manage than an umbrella on the boat and boardwalks.
Families with a hire car: Self-drive entry is typically better value than per-person transfer fees for groups of three or more. You also gain flexibility to leave early if kids tire in the heat.
Do not over-schedule the same day: Hartley's is a half- to full-day outing. Combining it with a reef trip on the same day is possible but tiring; most visitors report a better experience keeping them separate.
Pre-book premium experiences: The Big Croc Feed, Zootastic 5, and Reptastic 5 have limited capacity and age restrictions. Confirm with Hartley's before your visit date.

Frequently asked questions about Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Yes. Standard Hartley's admission includes access to the crocodile lagoon cruise as part of the day's program. The cruise runs at 9 am and 1 pm. Capacity per departure is limited, so confirm your time slot at reception immediately on arrival.