Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Cairns: Boat Cruise & Wildlife

Crocodiles, kangaroos, cassowaries and a lagoon cruise in one morning or afternoon

This day trip from Cairns includes entry to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, return coach transfers with driver commentary, and a 25-minute boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon where park staff feed crocodiles. You spend the day moving between wildlife enclosures (getting close to kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, cassowaries and quolls), and watching educational presentations throughout. Departures run at 8am or noon. Infants can sit on a lap or travel in a pram.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

• Travel by coach to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
• Enjoy scenic coastal drive with commentary
• Take 25-minute boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon
• Watch crocodile feeding by park staff
• Explore wildlife park and see Australian animals

The experience

The coach picks you up from your Cairns accommodation and drives the scenic coastal route to the park, with the driver offering commentary along the way. The 25-minute boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon is the centerpiece: you're on the water watching crocodiles being fed by experience park staff, which is the closest most visitors get to seeing them hunt. The rest of the day is yours to move through the park at your own pace.

Hartley's is built around close encounters with Australian wildlife that most travelers only see in photos. You can stand near kangaroos and wallabies, watch cassowaries and quolls, and handle snakes under supervision. The park runs entertaining and educational presentations throughout the day, so there's structure if you want it, but no fixed schedule forcing you from one enclosure to the next. The six-hour window gives you time to explore without rushing, then the coach brings you back to Cairns.

Choose the 8am departure if you want the park before the midday crowds. The noon start suits a slower morning or a late arrival in Cairns. Either way, the return transfer is included, so you don't need to arrange your own ride back.

What’s included

• Entry to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.
• pickup and drop-off from your Cairns hotel.
• return coach transfers with driver commentary.
• 25-minute boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon with crocodile feeding demonstration.

Options for this experience

2 options

12:00pmGuide in English · 12:00Departure between 12:00 and 12:30pm, with pickup included

08:00amGuide in English · 08:00Departure from Cairns between 8:00 and 8:30am; pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:00

Book up to23h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Beaches Meet & Greet

Is this one for you?Book the 8am departure if you want to explore the park before the afternoon crowds arrive. The noon start works better if you're sleeping in or just landed in Cairns. Either way, the coach handles the drive both directions, so you only need to show up at your hotel at the pickup time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I actually see at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures?

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures holds crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, cassowaries and quolls. The crocodile feeding happens during the 25-minute boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon, and the park staff run presentations with other animals throughout the day.

How long is the boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon?

The boat cruise lasts 25 minutes and is included in the day trip. You watch crocodiles being fed by park staff during the cruise.

Do I need to book the 8am or 12pm departure in advance, or can I choose when I arrive?

The tour runs two fixed departures (8am and noon), and you choose one at checkout. The departure time is set. You don't have flexibility to arrive whenever you want.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

Food and drinks are not included, so you'll need to bring money or pack snacks if you want to eat during the six hours at the park.

Will the driver pick me up from my hotel in Cairns?

Pickup is included from your Cairns accommodation, though the exact pickup location may change depending on where you're staying. The coach brings you back to Cairns at the end of the day.