Hartley’s is one of the oldest running tourist attractions in the Cairns region. The business began in 1934 as a tea house for weary motorists, traversing the recently opened road between Cairns and Mossman.
The story of Hartley’s begins early last century…
Legend has it, the original owner Pop Evans, entertained motorists by feeding Charlie the resident crocodile while scones cooked in the wood stove, and become the first person in Australia to perform crocodile shows for the public. Ninety years later, Hartley’s world famous Crocodile Attack Show is as popular as ever.
Hartley’s was also the first place in Australia to breed crocs in captivity. Work on crocodile conservation at Hartley’s Creek Zoo attracted worldwide interest.
Documentaries produced at Hartley’s helped arouse public interest and sympathy for crocodile conservation, leading to the protection of wild crocodiles in 1974.
By now, the Zoo had established a venerable pedigree as one of north Queensland’s leading attractions. Renovated in 1987 by the Freeman family, the zoo remained at its original site until 2002 when the brand new Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures opened 500m south of Hartley’s Creek, delivering authentic crocodile experiences in a new sustainable eco-attraction.
Over the last 22 years, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures has continued to grow offering visitors a suite of innovative, up close wildlife experiences, along with the regular introduction of new wildlife displays.
Since 2002, Hartley’s has been the recipient of many awards and accolades for outstanding tourism achievements and ground breaking architecture.
9.00am: Crocodile Farm Tour
9.00am: Cassowary Feeding
10.00am: Snake Show
11.00am: Crocodile Feeding
1.00pm: Crocodile Farm Tour
2.00pm: Snake Show
3.00pm: Crocodile Attack Show
4.00pm: Cassowary Feeding
4.30pm: Koala Talk
During busy periods, additional wildlife presentations will be scheduled in. Check blackboard at Admissions on arrival.
In between shows or instead of a show, you are welcome to explore the 2500 metres of boardwalks and pathways winding through Melaleuca Wetlands, Eucalypt Woodland and Riverine rainforest, enjoying a wide variety of native and exotic animals.
All wildlife exhibits open to public viewing including the Komodo Dragon, Alligators, Cassowaries, Wombats, Koalas, Emus, Lizards, Kangaroos and Wallabies. Don't miss the Gallery of Living Art – Reptile Display.
We do not take bookings for boat cruises, Your boat time will be allocated upon your arrival. The duration of the boat cruise is approximately to 20 minutes.
Daily 8.30am to 5.00pm
Adults $45.00
Children (4-15 yrs) $22.50
Family (2 adults and 2 Children) $112.50
See Hours and Tickets for closure dates, concessionary rates and payment methods. Entry is subject to conditions stated in Terms & Conditions.
More than 2500 metres of timber board walks and pathways take you on a journey through eucalypt woodlands, notophyll rainforest and wetlands, discovering an authentic wildlife experience.
With over 3,000 reviews and a rating of 4.5 stars, there is no question we are on the right track.