Hartley’s Crocodile Farm
Hartley’s’ Creek, named after Robert Hartley – the Collector of Customs by explorer Christie Palmerston – has become the site of the world famous Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
First started in 1933, originally opened by one of the workers of the road between Cairns and Mossman with his wife – Herb and Mabel Evans – it was originally known as a wayside teahouse- named “Halfway House”.
Photo Credit: Marcus Södervall
Halfway House later became known as Hartley’s Creek Zoo, later Hartley’s Crocodile Farm and finally Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – the spectacular park we know today.
Among many of its achievements, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures boasts itself as being the first place in the entirety of Australia to breed crocodiles in captivity. These groundbreaking movements allowed management to focus on crocodile conservation – capturing worldwide attention in calls to bring crocodiles to a protected status – which finally occurred in 1974.
Photo Credit: Marcus Södervall
Finally renovated in 1987, after its purchase in 1986 by the Freeman family, the zoo continued on until 2002 where it was decided that the site would be moved 500m south of Hartley’s Creek. This was seen as a more favourable site as surveyed by visitor preferences – a decision that proved beneficial to this very day.
Take advantage of the fantastic mix of history with modern touches of the new site – as you step into wetland wonderland – taking in the spectacular Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Photo Credit: Marcus Södervall
By booking your tour with the brilliant Cairns Tours Team, they will ensure you have a fantastic, stress free adventure that you will remember for years to come. Starting from your accommodation the team at Cairns Tours will arrange for you to be collected in the morning; where you will then embark on a scenic and beautiful drive towards your destination.
Once you arrive you will be given the chance to freely explore the wonderful park and all the sites and events which are included:
9.30 am Cassowary Feeding and Wetland Wildlife
10.00 am Crocodile Farm Tour
11.00 am Crocodile Feeding
1.30 pm Crocodile Farm Tour – Second Viewing
2.00 pm Snake Show
3.45 pm Wallaby and Quoll Feeding
4.15 pm Cassowary Feeding
4.30 pm Koala Feeding
4.50 pm Return Transfer Home
Seeing sights such as the infamous shake and death roll of the crocodiles or the deadly snake show – is definitely something you are going to want to add to your itinerary. Be sure to contact the fantastic team at Cairns Tours to arrange your adventure today!
