New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
North Island
South Island

Where Can I See Crocodiles in Cairns

Lucy Pascual
November 15, 2024

Cairns is well known for its lush rainforests, gorgeous coral reefs, interesting wildlife and friendly locals, but the iconic estuarine crocodile is one of the area’s most famous residents.

These beautiful creatures are often referred to as ‘salties’ and can be seen in their natural habitats or viewed safely in wildlife parks and sanctuaries. Here’s a quick guide to help you see some of these crocodiles in Cairns.

Crocodiles in the Wild

Estuarine crocs are native to the waterways throughout Cairns. They live in rivers, mangroves and coastal estuaries, making this area one of the best places to observe them in their natural surrounds. Popular locations to see wild crocodiles include the Daintree River and Trinity Inlet.

  • Daintree River – Located about two hours north of Cairns, the Daintree River is well-known for its crocodile population. Guided boat tours offer visitors the chance to safely spot these creatures relaxing on the riverbanks or swimming in the water. Experienced guides provide useful information about crocodile behaviour and their role in the ecosystem.
  • Trinity Inlet – A few minutes from Cairns’ city centre, Trinity Inlet is home to many estuarine crocodiles. There’s some lovely boat cruises here, giving you the opportunity to explore the waterways and see these reptiles in their natural habitat.

When watching crocodiles in the wild, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines – never approach or feed them and always stay away from the edge of the water, especially in known crocodile habitats.

Wildlife Parks and Sanctuaries

For a closer encounter under safer conditions, Cairns has a few wildlife parks where you can see these amazing reptiles up close and learn more about them.

  • Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Located 40 minutes north of Cairns, this famous wildlife park offers many experiences such as crocodile feeding shows and lagoon boat tours. Hartley’s is also home to freshwater crocodiles and a variety of other Australian native animals.
  • Kuranda Koala Gardens Located nearby in the charming village of Kuranda, this wildlife park is home to a range of native Aussie animals, including crocs. You can observe estuarine crocodiles in a safe environment while learning about their behaviour and ecological significance through engaging presentations.
  • Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas Just over an hour’s drive from Cairns, this sanctuary is home to the CrocArena, where you can watch feeding demonstrations and learn about Crocodile biology and conservation. You can even swim with salties if you’re brave enough!

Crocodile Safety in Cairns

Getting up close and personal with crocodiles can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to always respect their habitat. If you make sure you read warning signs near waterways and avoid swimming or standing near water where crocodiles might be, you’ll be able to enjoy the wonder of Cairns. For some exciting activities, visit our Cairns Tours page.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Lucy Pascual
Lucy is a true-blue Aussie living in Far North Queensland. When she's not writing, she spends her time travelling to Australia's top destinations, aiming to see as much of the country as possible so she can share its best locations with her readers.

Related Posts

fraser-island-tour-2

What to expect from K'gari (Fraser Island) in July

K'gari in July is a truly spectacular location for whale and dolphin watching. As part of the warm QLD winter, July offers some seriously pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from around 15°c to 22°c and minimal rainfall. It’s an awesome time for outdoor activities and marine wildlife spotting. Spotting Marine Wildlife July is the […]

fraser-island-tour-2

What to expect from K'gari (Fraser Island) in June

K'gari in June is so good for outdoor adventures, with average temperatures ranging from 16°c to 22°c and minimal rainfall. It’s not too hot, not too cold and everything’s thriving, making it perfect for exploring the island’s gorgeous landscapes and enjoying its phenomenal natural beauty. Camping on K'gari The weather is cool and dry during […]

fraser-island-tour-2

What to expect from K'gari (Fraser Island) in May

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, K'gari in May will be an absolute paradise for you. With gorgeously-mild temperatures ranging from 17°c to 24°c, this time of year makes it comfortable to spend long, lazy hours by the water, casting lines and enjoying the island's stunning natural beauty. Gone Fishin’ K'gari is well-known for its many […]

fraser-island-tour-2

What to expect from K'gari (Fraser Island) in April

K'gari in April offers the most perfect weather, with mild, comfortable temperatures ranging from 20°c to 27°c. There’s no better time for exploring the island's unique landscapes and waterways, particularly if you choose to do it in a thrilling way, like beach driving! Driving, the K'gari Way Beach driving is one of the activities you […]

fraser-island-tour-2

What to expect from K'gari (Fraser Island) in March

K'gari in March has warm and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 22°c to 29°c and a decent amount of rainfall (but not enough to spoil all the activities you can do on this amazing island). This makes it an excellent time of year if you’re a wildlife lover, as the island's flora is lush […]

fraser-island-tour-2

What to expect from K'gari (Fraser Island) in February

Visiting K’gari in February is perfect if you want to enjoy the cool, inner lakes, the giant forests and – for those looking for a thrill – the many sandboarding opportunities. This time of year, the island is still fairly hot, but definitely inviting, with average temperatures ranging from 23°c to 30°c. Although February is […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down