Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Australia wouldn't be Australia without a crocodile reservation and park. Possibly the best croc park in all of Australia,  Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is a popular site for watching the reptiles and other native Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is located near the foothills of the MacAlister Range along the coastal drive between Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Like most of Queensland, Hartley's is also a part of the World Heritage listed area.

The park used to be a tin mining area. As an effect, the land suffered from weed infestation and soil erosion due to the damages caused by tree logging, clearing, overgrazing and other harmful farming practices. The land became a place for squatters and the homeless, making the development of the park a difficult endeavor. Due to the extent of the environmental damage, much effort went to the rehabilitation of the area.  Exotic weeds were pulled out and a man-made water lagoon was made to provide a water source. Top soils were added to re-vegetate and landscape the park. In addition, over 7000 native trees are planted to transform this wasteland into a sanctuary for various habitats. Today, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is home to a host of habitat types like the riverine rainforests, eucalyptus woodlands and melaleuca wetlands.

The Wildlife

The park is known for its innovative approach to interacting with wildlife. Aside from the tour guides who share facts about each animal and their habitat, the park also offers educational and exciting wildlife presentations that both kids and adults will truly enjoy. The daily tours and activities in the park include boat cruises along the saltwater river while watching crocodile feeding and attack shows. There is also an occasional snake show as well as tours of wetland wildlife, cassowary petting and koala feeding. Sometimes, activities are presented more than once for the benefit of the half-day visitors.

Another good thing about the park is its drive to protect the area and its visitors. Guests can view and interact with the animals without having to worry about their lives. The park has elevated timber boardwalks for visitors to walk on. These boardwalks keep them at a safe distance from the animals and, at the same time, protect the habitat from direct human contact. On the other hand, the animals are protected from harm by keeping visitors away or far from certain areas with endangered or dangerous creatures. 
 
In addition to the interesting wildlife presentations, Hartley's also has its own education center and conference area that is available for rentals. It also has a restaurant and a souvenir shop that make any trip more memorable. Lilies Restaurant, which is built overlooking Hartley's man-made lagoon, specializes in local delicacies including crocodile meat -- a distinct Australian fare. On the other hand, the Paperbark gift shop sells genuine Australian crocodile leather goods with export permits and other Australian souvenirs. With all the exciting activities and interesting sights, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is the perfect place to see crocodiles and other native wildlife. Visit the park now and be immersed in the experience of having nature at hand.