Wildlife Parks Overview

The are a number of native wildlife parks accessible from Cairns. These are a great option for a half day experience or can be packaged with other day trips.

Cairns Tropical Zoo:
Established in 1980, Cairns Tropical Zoo is the largest and most diverse wildlife attraction in Tropical North Queensland and is set amidst six hectares of tropically landscaped gardens. Locally owned and operated, the zoo is home to hundreds of native and exotic species, many of which are indigenous to our northern wet tropics.

Cairns Tropical Zoo also offers a night experience including transfers from Cairns. This is a uniquely Australian night out!

Combining the typical Aussie BBQ with some night spotlighting, and a meeting with a genuine 'Swaggie' by his campfire - he'll offer you some billy tea and damper and spin a yarn about life in the slow lane.

The evening is not complete without some great Aussie entertainment so join the friendly team for some supper (including a cold beer or a glass or two of Australian wine) and an interactive experience!…

Hartley's Adventure Park:
Hartley's Crocodile Adventure Park is one of the longest established wildlife attractions in Far North Queensland. It is also one of the first places in Australia to hold crocodile shows and is renowned for presenting ‘the Best Crocodile Show in Australia’. The Park is not only home to hundreds of crocodiles but also Koalas, Kangaroos, Cassowaries, Dingoes, snakes, reptiles and other species native to Australia.

The newly constructed park is situated at Hartley’s Creek on the magnificent Cook Highway, a coastal road running between Cairns and Port Douglas.

Kuranda Wildlife Parks
Usually combined with a Skyrail & Scenic Train day tip from Cairns, Kuranda has a great selection of Wildlife Parks.

Birdworld: (Kuranda)
At Birdworld you will see the largest collection of free-flying birds in Australia. See the spectacular birds at home in their huge flight aviary, landscaped with lakes, ponds and waterfalls. There are more than 75 species and over 500  native and exotic birds including Regent Bowerbirds, parrots and the increasingly rare Cassowary. Hand feeding opportunities are available and remember to bring your camera!

Butterfly Sanctuary:
(Kuranda)
At the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary more than 1500 colourful tropical butterflies - all residents of the local area - flutter around their enclosure in complete safety.
This is Australias‘s largest live butterfly display. In a lushly landscaped enclosure with running stream and native tropical plants, literally hundreds of brilliantly coloured butterflies will surround you, including the flashing, dancing electric-blue Ulysses, regarded by many as the unofficial emblem of Tropical North Queensland. Wear something bright (either red or white) and entice the butterflies to land on you!

Koala Gardens:
(Kuranda)
The Kuranda Koala Gardens gives you the opportunity to see some of Australia's most unique wildlife up close. See wombats, koalas, fresh water crocodiles, meet some water monitors, kangaroos and a variety