Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a wildlife park on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, built around a 1.2-hectare saltwater crocodile lagoon. Spread across rainforest and wetlands with 2.5 km of boardwalks, most visits take 3–6 hours. The experience runs on fixed show timings—missing the 9 am cruise means waiting for the next slot.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures at a glance
Hours: Daily 8:30 am–5 pm (gates lock 5:15 pm)
Getting in: Half-Day Tour (~AU$130) or Koala Breakfast (~AU$83), both include full park access and lagoon cruise. Book 2–3 days ahead; transfers sell out faster on weekends.
How long to allow: 3–6 hours. Half-day tours cover key shows comfortably.
When to go: Before 10 am for cooler, quieter visits. Weekdays are better during peak season (June–Aug).
Don’t miss: The Croc Centre & Gondwana Gateway—air-conditioned exhibits on crocodile history.
Koala Breakfast: Limited slots; book by 4 pm the day before (earlier in peak season).
Where and when to go
💡 Pro tip
Confirm your cruise slot at reception within the first 5 minutes of arrival. Missing the 9 am departure means waiting until 1 pm, which can disrupt your entire visit schedule.
The three headline experiences. Skips cassowary feeding, Croc Centre, and trails.
Balanced visit
All five scheduled shows + boardwalk loop + Croc Centre
4 to 5 hours
Full show schedule with comfortable breaks. Covers major species and interpretive exhibits.
Full exploration
Lagoon cruise + Croc Attack Show + Snake Show + wildlife trails + Gondwana Gateway + Lilies Bistro lunch
5 to 6 hours
Everything the park offers. Suits self-drivers with full flexibility on departure time.
Choosing the right experience
The Half-Day Tour is timed for a smooth, well-paced visit, while the Koala Breakfast offers early access before crowds for a quieter encounter.
✨ Half-Day Tour includes guided scheduling; self-drive offers flexibility but requires planning around show times.
Which ticket is right for you?
Ticket type
What's included
Best for
Price
Half-Day Tour of Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Park entry, return hotel transfers from Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas, English commentary, 25-minute Wetlands Cruise, snake show, Crocodile Attack Show
A visit where you are not driving and want all logistics handled, with shows sequenced for you.
How do you get around Hartley's Crocodile Adventures?
Which animals and shows should you prioritise?
1/6
Lagoon Boat Cruise
A guided cruise through a 1.2-hectare lagoon with close-up crocodile feeding. The 9 am slot is cooler and less crowded, making it the better choice if you can time it.
Where to find it: Boat dock near reception
Crocodile Attack Show
The park’s most dramatic show is with a croc launching from the water for food. Arrive early for central seating that’s close but out of the splash zone.
Where to find it: Main amphitheatre
Snake Show
A short, engaging session with live snakes, myth-busting, and safe handling of non-venomous species. One of the most informative experiences in the park.
Where to find it: Reptile presentation stage
Southern Cassowary — Cassowary Walk
A rare rainforest bird often missed by visitors, with feeding sessions that let you observe it up close. One of the most unique animals in the park.
Where to find it: Northern boardwalk loop
Daily Croc Feeding
A more intimate feeding session where keepers share insights on individual crocodiles. Less crowded and more detailed than the main show.
Where to find it: Lagoon edge
Croc Centre & Gondwana Gateway
Air-conditioned exhibits on crocodile history plus a shaded rainforest zone with tree kangaroos and gliders. Adds context and a break from the heat.
Where to find it: Mid-park
💡 Don't leave without seeing
The Croc Centre's Quinkana model and the cassowary at close range during a feeding session. Both are easy to underestimate from a distance.
Facilities and accessibility
Rules and restrictions
Practical tips
Booking & arrival: Free cancellation up to 24 hours. Book 2–3 days ahead (1 week for Koala Breakfast in peak season). Mobile tickets accepted.
Pacing: Use the first 30 minutes to confirm your cruise and timetable—don’t head to trails first.
Crowds: 9 am cruise is quietest; 3 pm Attack Show is busiest—arrive 10–15 mins early for good seats.
What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and good shoes. Boardwalks can be slippery.
Food: Lilies Bistro closes at 2:30 pm—eat between 12–1 pm or bring your own food.
Planning: Best done as a half-day; avoid combining with reef trips on the same day.
Wet season: Open year-round; expect heat, humidity, and slippery paths—mornings are best.
What else is worth visiting nearby?
Eat, shop and stay near Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Frequently asked questions about visiting Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Most visitors spend 3 to 6 hours. Catching all five major shows, plus the lagoon cruise and trails comfortably takes 4 to 5 hours. The Half-Day Tour is built around this window. A relaxed full day with lunch at Lilies Bistro and repeated sessions extends to 6 hours for self-driving visitors.
Yes, for the Koala Breakfast specifically. Slots are strictly limited and must be booked by 4pm the day before. During school holidays and the June to August peak season, book at least a week ahead. The Half-Day Tour should be booked 2 to 3 days ahead on peak weekends. Last-minute bookings are often possible outside school holiday periods.
Pre-booked tickets skip the ticket purchase desk, which saves 10 to 30 minutes on busy days. You still pass through entry scanning and queue for the lagoon cruise boarding. Arriving early matters more than any premium entry add-on at this park.
For the Half-Day Tour, be at your hotel lobby 10 to 15 minutes before the stated pickup time. For Koala Breakfast, arrive at the park by 8:30am. For individual shows within the park, arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the listed start time, especially for the Crocodile Attack Show on weekends.
Yes. No specific bag size restriction is published. Large items are better left in your vehicle, given the amount of walking involved.
Personal photography is welcome. Flash is restricted near koalas and other sensitive animals. Tripods and professional equipment require advance permission. Koala photo interactions follow Queensland regulations and are managed by park staff.
Yes. For groups without transport, the Half-Day Tour handles logistics efficiently. For larger groups wanting to book in bulk or arrange a private experience, contact Hartley's directly, as custom arrangements may be available.
Yes. Children of most ages enjoy the shows, and the cassowary and kangaroo encounters hold attention well. Plan for a 3 to 4 hour visit with young children and bring the usual tropical essentials. The Crocodile Attack Show is loud; warn sensitive children. Kids under 3 enter free.
The main entrance and most concrete paths are largely accessible. Some timber boardwalk sections are narrower or uneven. Lagoon cruise boarding may involve steps. Contact the park directly before booking if you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, as the cruise is a key part of both ticket types.
Lilies Bistro is the only on-site option and closes at 2:30pm daily. Outside the park, Ellis Beach Bar and Grill is approximately 10 to 15 km north, and Palm Cove's esplanade restaurants are 20 to 25 km south. If you have dietary requirements that may not be met on-site, bring your own food; picnic tables are available on the trail network.
Shows and the lagoon cruise continue in light to moderate rain. The Croc Centre and Gondwana Gateway building provide covered, air-conditioned alternatives. Bring a lightweight poncho rather than an umbrella for the boardwalk and boat sections. Only severe weather events, such as cyclones or flooding, prompt closures, communicated directly by Hartley's.
Technically possible but consistently reported as exhausting. Reef trips depart early from Cairns and run until mid-afternoon. Hartley's runs best as a standalone half-day. Most visitors who try to combine both in one day find that one of them gets rushed or cut short.
Yes. The Koala Breakfast includes full park entry, the koala encounter, a hot Australian breakfast on the lagoon-view deck, and the lagoon boat cruise. It does not include transfers; arrange your own transport to the park.
How do you get to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures?
Address: Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti, QLD 4877, Australia
Located ~40 km from Cairns and 25 km from Port Douglas, the park has no public transport.
By car: 40–45 mins from Cairns, 25–30 mins from Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway. Free on-site parking available.
By coach transfer: Shared return transfers from Cairns and Port Douglas hotels. The half-day tour includes this—arrive 10–15 mins early for pickup.
By taxi/rideshare: Available from Cairns, but expensive. Pre-book your return as availability is limited.
Getting here from nearby cities
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures sits on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, making it an easy half-day trip.
From Cairns: ~40 km; 40–45 mins; Most common base with tour pickups. Plan ~1.5 hours return travel and 3–5 hours in the park (half-day visit).
From Port Douglas: ~25 km; 25–30 mins; Shorter drive with more time in the park. Easy half-day outing with minimal travel.
From Palm Cove: ~15–20 km; 15–20 mins; Closest base—ideal for a relaxed visit with plenty of park time.
From Cairns Airport: ~35 km; 35–40 mins; Good option after an early arrival; you can reach in time for mid-morning shows.
Which entrance should you use?
Hartley’s has one main entrance off the Captain Cook Highway for all visitors. On arrival, confirm your lagoon cruise time at reception to avoid long waits.
Main entrance (Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti): Signposted driveway to the free car park. Best for all visitors. Pre-booked tickets have minimal wait; buying on-site can take 10–30 minutes.
Coach drop-off bay (Main entrance): Used for transfer tours. Coaches drop and collect here—confirm your return time before entering.
Premium experiences counter (inside main hub): For Koala Breakfast and add-ons. Arrive before 8:30 am for breakfast check-in; late arrivals aren’t accommodated.
When is Hartley's Crocodile Adventures open?
Daily: 8:30am – 5pm
Breakfast with Koalas: From 8:30am (pre-book by 4 pm the day before)
Gates close: 5:15pm (Last entry: ~4pm)
When is it busiest: June to August (dry season) and December–January (school holidays). Weekends and public holidays are busiest, especially between 10am and 2pm. The 3pm Crocodile Attack Show draws the largest crowd.
When should you actually go: Arrive before 9am to catch the first lagoon cruise, Snake Show, and croc feeding before peak crowds and heat. Weekdays from May to October offer the best balance of weather and lighter crowds.
Navigating Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Zones:
Entrance & Lagoon hub: Reception, cruise dock, and main shows. Budget ~1–1.5 hours, including the cruise.
Rainforest boardwalks: Cassowary enclosure, snake show, and shaded trails.
Farm & wildlife zones: Crocodile areas, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.
Croc Centre & Gondwana Gateway: Air-conditioned exhibits—ideal for a 20–30 minute break.
Suggested route: Arrive before 9am, confirm your cruise, then loop: rainforest boardwalk → Snake Show (10 am) → croc feeding (11 am) → lagoon cruise → Croc Centre break → finish with kangaroos and koalas for the 4:30 pm talk.
Maps and navigation tools
Park map: Available at the entrance and online—pick up a copy on arrival for show timings and layout.
Signage: Clear at major junctions, but show times and cruise slots are only confirmed at reception.
💡 Pro tip: Pick up the printed timetable immediately and plan your route around it—wandering first almost always means missing a key show and waiting hours for the next one.
🚻 Restrooms: Available at the entrance hub and additional points inside the park.
🍽️ Food: Lilies Bistro overlooks the lagoon and is open daily (approx. 9:30 am–2:30 pm). Serves hot meals like crocodile burger, barramundi, snacks, and coffee—good for convenience, not a destination meal.
🪑 Picnic areas: Picnic tables are available along the trails for visitors bringing their own food.
🛍️ Gift shop: Croctique (near the exit) sells crocodile-themed souvenirs and products made from farmed crocodile leather.
🅿️ Parking: Free on-site parking next to the entrance, including space for cars, coaches, and motorhomes. Gates lock at 5:15 pm.
📶 Wi-Fi: No reliable public Wi-Fi—download tickets and info in advance.
💧 Water: No clearly documented refill stations; bring your own water bottle.
🩺 First aid: Basic first aid is available on-site; confirm exact location at entry if needed.
Mobility: Main areas are level, with most paths and boardwalks suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Some sections may be narrow or uneven—check ahead if access is essential.
Lagoon cruise: Boarding may involve steps and narrow access. Confirm suitability in advance if using a mobility aid.
Visual support: No confirmed assistive services—contact the park for current options.
Cognitive and sensory needs: The Crocodile Attack Show involves sudden loud noise and rapid animal movement. Prepare younger children or sensory-sensitive visitors beforehand. The Croc Centre is calm, quiet, and air-conditioned if you need a break from stimulating outdoor sessions.
Companion and carer policies: Not publicly documented. Contact Hartley's directly.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures works well for children of most ages, especially for the live shows and hands-on animal encounters. Most families spend around 3 to 4 hours here, focusing on key shows rather than covering every trail.
Strollers are manageable on main paths, though some boardwalk sections are narrower. The Croc Attack Show is the biggest highlight—arrive early and give younger kids a heads-up, as it’s loud and sudden.
Bring water, sunscreen, and plan short breaks, as the heat and walking can be tiring by midday. Lilies Bistro is a good stop before the 3 pm show.
After your visit, Palm Cove offers a relaxed beach setting for families to unwind.
What you need to know before you go
Entry requirements: Tickets are date-specific. Arrive on time for the Half-Day Tour; Koala Breakfast requires arrival by 8:30 am. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.
Bag policy: No set size limits, but travel light due to walking. Best to leave large items in your vehicle.
Re-entry policy: Not clearly stated—confirm at the entrance if you plan to exit and return.
Not allowed
Animals: No touching or feeding outside supervised zones.
Barriers: Do not cross safety barriers near crocodiles.
Smoking & vaping: Only in designated areas.
Pets: Not allowed except registered assistance animals (check in advance).
Alcohol: Outside alcohol is generally not permitted.
Photography
Personal photography: Allowed across most of the park.
Flash photography: Restricted in some animal areas (e.g., near koalas).
Professional shoots: Require prior written permission.
Koala photos: Managed by staff under regulations; no independent handling.
Commonly paired with Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Palm Cove
Distance: 20–25 km, 20–25-minute drive
Why people combine them: A relaxed beach stop with cafés and calm water—ideal before or after the park.
Port Douglas
Distance: ~25 km, 25–30-minute drive
Why people combine them: Easy half-day detour for those based here, with a scenic coastal drive via Rex Lookout.
Also nearby
Rex Lookout
Distance: 5–10 km north, 8–10-minute drive
Why people combine them: Quick scenic stop with coastal views—easy to add on the way to Port Douglas.
Cairns Aquarium
Distance: ~40 km south, 40–45-minute drive
Why people combine them: Complements Hartley’s with marine life—ideal for a full wildlife-focused day.
On-site: Lilies Bistro — casual Australian café (AU$), with lagoon views. Serves crocodile burgers, barramundi, and basics. Good for convenience, but more of a functional stop than a destination meal. Closes at 2:30 pm.
Better options nearby:
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill (10–15 min drive north): Casual Australian, seafood (AU$$). Beachfront setting with reliable food—great post-park stop.
Palm Cove Esplanade (20–25 min drive south): Mix of cafés and restaurants (AU$$–AU$$$). Best variety and quality dining with sea views.
💡 Pro tip: Eat between 12–1 pm before the 3 pm show rush. If self-driving, Palm Cove is an easy and worthwhile detour on the way back to Cairns.
Croctique Gift Shop (inside the park): Crocodile-themed souvenirs and genuine leather goods from the park’s farm—more meaningful than generic tourist items.
Wangetti itself has no accommodation, so staying nearby isn’t practical. Most visitors base themselves in Cairns or Port Douglas and visit as a half-day trip.
Price point: Cairns has broader budget-to-mid options; Port Douglas leans mid-to-upscale.
Best for: Cairns suits multi-activity trips; Port Douglas suits a quieter, resort-style stay.
Consider instead: Cairns for convenience and transport links; Port Douglas for reef access and a relaxed pace.
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.
Inclusions
#
Entry to Harley's Crocodile Adventures
Hotel transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches / Port Douglas
Commentary from English-speaking driver
25-minute Wetlands Cruise
Snake Show
Crocodile Attack Show
Exclusions
#
Food and drinks
This ticket has the following options you can choose from:
Pick-up from Cairns and Northern Beaches
Pick-up from Port Douglas
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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.
Inclusions
#
Entry to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Hartley's breakfast with the koalas
Koala encounter
Boat cruise
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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.
Inclusions
#
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens
Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour
Kuranda Scenic Train ticket
Skyrail Cableway ticket
Round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal
Free time in Kuranda Village
What to bring
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket.
Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket for the train journey.
What’s not allowed
Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour
Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the Scenic Railway or Skyrail. Smoking is prohibited in all transport vehicles and station areas.
Accessibility
Kuranda Koala Gardens
The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour
The experience is wheelchair accessible.
Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
Additional information
Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour
The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
This tour does not include hotel transfers and is for self-drive travelers. Guests must drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal and park their car at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal before taking a bus transfer to Freshwater Station.
The Scenic Train takes approximately 2 hours, while the Skyrail journey takes around 1.5 hours, including stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Kuranda attractions (wildlife parks, markets, and other experiences) are not included and can be purchased separately upon arrival.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
