New multimedia exhibit highlights ancient predators at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is celebrating its 90 years milestone, by opening a new cutting-edge multimedia attraction at the popular Far North, Wangetti sanctuary. See the pictures.

New exhibition opening at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Picture: Brian Cassey.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is celebrating 90 years of reptile revelry, opening a new cutting-edge multimedia attraction at the popular Wangetti sanctuary.

When visitors arrive, they will take a journey through the new exhibition titled Crocodile Time and be welcomed by a life-size model of an ancient predator which roamed the Chillagoe area, 200km west of Cairns, over 40 million years ago.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures owner Angela Freeman said they were excited about the new exhibition, and couldn’t wait to share it with the community.

“Guests are greeted by a life-size model of Quinkana Fortirostrum, an ancient predator,” she said.

Life size model of the ancient crocodile from Chillagoe. Picture: Supplied.

“The long-legged meat-eater is thought to have hunted giant animals when Australia was much drier than it is today.”

“The year 2024 is a significant one for us, celebrating 90 years.”

The journey will wrap up with an educational display put together with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

Ms Freeman said the science display would help explain how science and effective conservation methods help protect the future of wild crocodiles in Queensland.

The new exhibition will also have a strong connection to the Indigenous culture for the region.

“We’ve highlighted the Yirrganydji people’s traditional lands featuring many legends and stories about crocodiles,” she said.

A new exhibition is opening at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Picture: Brian Cassey.

The Yirrganydji people are the traditional custodians of the land around Port Douglas and the Daintree region in Far North Queensland.

“Living on the coast put them in close contact with crocodiles in everyday life and their culture and storytelling includes many legendary tales about crocodiles and why

people should be wary of them,” Ms Freeman said.

“We’d love for visitors to participate in discussions after presentations, fostering a deeper understanding of crocodiles and their habitats.”

Since 1935, Hartley’s has captivated audiences with live crocodile shows while educating the public on how to live safely in crocodile country.

What began as a simple roadside attraction with one crocodile called “Charlie” and a single teahouse has evolved across the past nine decade to 25 acres and about 250 crocs.

Herb and Mable Evans were first to open and operate the tea house on the banks of Hartley’s Creek, just along the Captain Cook Highway.

But in 1986 the Freeman family took ownership of the zoo and started a fresh plan for the wildlife attraction.

New exhibition opening at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Picture: Brian Cassey.

Ms Freeman said the region was “polarised” between the 1970s and 1980s when people became “complacent” and frequently swam in known crocodile habitat.

“The subsequent attacks polarised the people of Queensland, with one side demanding a systematic cull while others supported the continuation of protection,” she said.

The modest roadside attraction evolved into what is now know as a world-renowned eco-adventure destination, with crocodile education and conservation.

“Research conducted in the 1970s not only enhanced our understanding of crocodile biology but also underscored the urgent need for their preservation in the wild,” Ms Freeman said.

The new Hartley’s Croc Centre aims to share different crocodile stories, through historical and educational context.

“The Freeman family, who owns the centre, really hopes that visitors will learn more and get interested in these topics while they’re there,” Ms Freeman said.

A new book titled “A Nice Stream” by Jonathan Richards, will available to buy, which delves into the history of Hartley’s Creek, the construction of the Cook Highway, and the legendary tales of Charlie the crocodile.

Originally published as New multimedia exhibit highlights ancient predators at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures