Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Shuttle Transfers Cairns

Summary

Wildlife Encounters at Hartley's with Return Shuttle

You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Cairns and taken straight to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for close-up wildlife action—crocs leaping at feeding time, cassowaries strutting about, and koalas doing their thing. It’s easy, relaxed, and you don’t have to worry about driving or parking.

What’s the experience like?

The morning kicked off right outside my hotel—our driver, Pete, was already waiting with a grin and a van that actually had the air-con running (a small mercy in Cairns’ sticky heat). The drive out hugged the coast; I caught flashes of rainforest and sea through the window while Pete pointed out spots like Ellis Beach and told us which bakery in Palm Cove does the best lamingtons. It’s not a long ride, maybe 40 minutes if traffic’s kind, but you get a good feel for the area.

At Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, we jumped straight onto the lagoon boat. The guide—can’t remember his name but he had this dry Aussie humor—tossed food into the water and suddenly these massive crocs were launching themselves up right next to us. You could hear their jaws snap shut; it’s honestly wild how close you get. Afterward, I wandered around on my own for a bit—caught a cassowary feeding (those birds are way bigger than I expected), then watched a koala talk where one of the keepers explained why they sleep so much (it’s all about their diet). There’s loads going on: snake shows, farm tours, even little wallabies hopping around near the café if you look for them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Tour

• Pickup from accommodation
• Scenic drive with guide commentary
• Boat ride through lagoon with wildlife viewing
• Explore park and attend presentations

Top questions

Is this shuttle suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! There are infant and child seats available on board. The park is stroller-friendly too.

How long do we spend at Hartley’s?

You can explore at your own pace after arrival. Most people stay several hours to catch all the shows and talks.

Are there food options at Hartley’s?

Yep—there’s a café inside with snacks and meals. You’ll spot locals grabbing coffee there too.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service animals are allowed on this transfer and at Hartley’s as well.

What’s included

Your return transfers from your accommodation in Cairns are sorted—just wait in the lobby and we’ll pick you up. The van has air-conditioning (trust me, you’ll want it), plus infant and child seats if needed. We also track arrival flights for airport pickups and offer 24/7 phone support if anything comes up.