Growing up in Cairns when I was really young, I have some vivid memories of Hartley’s Crocodile Farm, which has now been renamed Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure. Hartley’s has operated a commercial crocodile farm since 1989. Estuarine Crocodiles bred on the premises are raised for their skins and meat. Your crocodile purse comes has to come from somewhere right? …well I don’t have one, but you know what I mean. It also is a place to live for cranky crocodiles who need to be safely relocated.

As well as the farm, there are some other interesting parts of the park. If you’ve never been up and close to an active crocodile, it’s a very educational and fear inducing experience. I think Matt had his doubts when I said we should go, but he came along anyways.

First up we asserted ourselves on the food chain by ordering a crocodile burger. When in Rome, right?

Next we walked through the park, where you can see a variety of Australian Fauna. The animals are well cared for as well as given an appropriate amount of space.

We also made time to see a crocodile education show. That’s when you really learn about the strength and ferocity of the crocodile. Matt was amazed, as was I. The sound that comes from a crocodile snap is incredible! It also creates awareness of how dangerous tropical north Queensland waters can be.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure is as fun as it is educational. As always, it’s up to the individual to decide whether they can ethically visit somewhere like this. The farm side of the park is optional, so you can still learn all about the crocodile without supporting the farm. If it’s not your thing, you can always discover the Daintree Rainforest by zipline!