Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is about 25 minutes North of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The purpose built zoo is an excellent example of an eco-tourism business that truly has it heart in the right place.
We were welcomed and shown about the facility by Drew, keeper and employee of over 20 years who's passion for wildlife and conservation was demonstrated in each of his words. As we wandered the park he demonstrated a deep knowledge of the Australian wilderness and the origin of many Australian species. We also had the pleasure of watching a number of the shows, some presented by Drew and some by others. All were informative right down to the afternoon "Crocodile Attack Show" where the intimately sized audience had the opportunity to see Northern Australia's most fearful preditor in full action while also learning much about their behaviour.
Elsewhere, there are Quolls, Snakes, Cassowaries, Koalas, Wallabies and other. There is more than can reasonably be taken in during one day as we experienced. Hartley's overcome this with the offer for people to return for free on the following two days. That's great value and a great opportunity to learn much more you would in a day trip, particularly for children.
Thank you Hartley's for having us visit at short notice. We greatly enjoyed our time there.
