Cairns: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Tour with Wetlands Cruise

Summary

Wetlands boat ride, croc shows and rainforest walks near Cairns

You’ll cruise quiet wetlands watching crocodiles slide into the water, catch keeper talks with local wildlife experts, and maybe even feed a koala or two at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. From Cairns pickup to rainforest boardwalks and animal shows, it’s an afternoon that lingers longer than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures would be the smell — kind of earthy, a bit sweet from the rainforest after last night’s rain. The drive north from Cairns was just long enough for me to wake up properly. Our guide, Sarah, had this dry humor about her; she pointed out a cassowary crossing sign and said, “If you see one, don’t run — they’re faster than you.” I laughed, but honestly I kept glancing into the trees just in case.

The wetlands cruise was my favorite part. The boat barely made a sound as we drifted through the Melaleuca swamp, but then suddenly — splash! — a crocodile slid off the bank right in front of us. You could see its eyes above the waterline, totally still except for a slow blink. Someone behind me whispered they felt like we were in Jurassic Park. It did have that vibe, minus the theme music. The guide talked about how these saltwater crocodiles have been around forever and pointed out some nests hidden in the reeds. I still think about how quiet it got for a minute, just bird calls and that weird electric feeling of being watched.

Afterwards we wandered along these raised boardwalks through sections of rainforest and open woodland. There were keeper talks happening — I caught part of the snake show (the handler joked he’d name his next python “Kevin” because it sounded less scary). At the Crocodile Attack Show later on, you could feel everyone tense up when they did that “death roll” move with a chunk of meat. It’s more intense than any documentary.

I tried to feed a koala during one of those sessions at the end — turns out eucalyptus leaves aren’t as soft as they look (and koalas are pickier than I thought). One of the keepers showed us how cassowaries eat fruit; she tossed bits into their pen and they snapped them up so fast it was almost rude. On the way back to Cairns I realized my shoes were muddy and my phone was full of blurry croc photos but honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about that afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

• Arrive at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
• Walk timber boardwalks and pathways
• See tropical birds, reptiles, and insects
• Enjoy 2:00pm Snake Show
• Take 2:30pm Wetlands Cruise
• Watch 3:00pm Crocodile Attack Show
• Attend 4:15pm Cassowary feeding
• Join 4:30pm Koala feeding

Top questions

How far is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures from Cairns?

It’s located north of Cairns between Cairns and Port Douglas; travel time is roughly 40 minutes by coach.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Cairns & Northern Beaches hotels.

What animals can I see at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures?

You’ll see crocodiles, tropical birds, reptiles (including snakes), insects, koalas, and cassowaries.

Are there guided tours or presentations?

Yes, there are daily wildlife presentations by qualified keepers including snake shows and feeding sessions.

Is there a boat cruise included?

Yes, your entry includes a scenic boat cruise through the Melaleuca wetlands to spot crocodiles.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

What time do wildlife shows happen?

The main shows start at 2pm (snake), 2:30pm (wetlands cruise), 3pm (crocodile attack), 4:15pm (cassowary feeding), 4:30pm (koala feeding).

Is lunch included in this tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; focus is on wildlife experiences and shows.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns or Northern Beaches, entry ticket to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures with access to all wildlife shows and keeper presentations, plus a scenic boat cruise through crocodile-filled wetlands before heading back in an air-conditioned coach.