Before jet setting off to have a holiday in Darwin, we did what every great traveller does, and hit Google! We were on the search for great kids activities and family friendly Darwin attractions, and we weren’t disappointed. We didn’t know anyone who’d been to Darwin, let alone lived there, so we had to rely on what information we could find online to get an idea of what might be available to do once we arrived. Crocosaurus Cove was one of the more interesting options that we stumbled upon and it appeared it would suit our family’s interest in animals, was right in the centre of the city, so it was super convenient and would be great fun for the kids and us parents too!
About: Crocosaurus Cove
Situated in the Darwin City Centre, Crocosaurus Cove is a wildlife experience like no other. This attraction was fairly new having only recently opened when we visited back in 2008, and while we weren’t sure what to expect it sounded like it would offer a unique experience. Crocosaurus Cove offers a unique 360 degree view of large salt water crocodiles, thanks to the unique planning and construction of enclosures, you can not only see crocs from above but also from underneath, something that we all loved experiencing.
Attractions that you will find at Crocosaurus Cove include:
- Cage of Death – This allows you to enter the water with large Saltwater Crocodiles while in complete safety of a perspex cage.
- World’s largest display of Australian Reptiles – This includes the chance to hold and touch reptiles that are brought out of their enclosures by staff, plenty of photo opportunities too.
- 200,000 litre aquarium full of Barrumundi and other fish – A feature is the fish feeding.
- “World of Crocs” Display and museum
- Croc Fishing – this wasn’t available while we were there, but I sourced this information from their website (it sounds and looks great)!
- Swim with the Crocs – Take your swimmers, there’s a pool that adjoins the croc cages making it feel as though you’re really swimming with the crocs – we didn’t realise so didn’t get the chance but there were others there who did.
- Croc Feed Show – When we were there the naughty croc stole the feeding pole of a new handler, it added to the show 🙂
- Eat with the Baby crocs – This was a highlight for our kiddos, while you’re eating yummy food from the cafe you can sit beside a large viewing window and be entertained by the antics of juvenile crocodiles, lots of fun for the kids.
Lunch with the Junvenile Crocodiles
Suitability for Families
When we visited Crocosaurus Cove, our children were aged 5, 3 and 1 and we had lots and lots of fun. When it comes to our children, any encounter with reptiles and crocodiles leaves them happy and if your children have a love of wildlife then I’m sure the experience will be similar.
Crocosaurus Cove is spread out over 3 stories of well planned inner city attraction. There’s plenty for children and adults alike to experience, read, touch, feel, see, experience and enjoy. I love the fact that there is so much information available within signs and displays in the centre, there’s some fun to be had with bite force, educational information and lots of great things to see in the museum, not to mention the hands on experience of holding and feeling a range of reptiles. There is air conditioning where possible, which is a huge benefit if it’s a hot day while you’re in Darwin.
The unique design of the crocodile enclosures allows you to stand underneath the crocs as they lay across the bottom and gives you a unique view of their scales and bellies, something we’d never seen close up before.
Where is Crocosaurus Cove?
 Entry Details & Pricing
Crocosaurus Cove is open 9am to 6pm every day of the year except Christmas Day, so no matter when you’re visiting Darwin you’ll have the chance to visit.
Entry Prices are as follows: (current until 13/3/12 – follow link to website for updates)
FAMILY:
| Family 1 (1A,2C) | $57.00 |
| Family 2 (2A,1C) | $68.40 |
| Family 3 (2A,2C) | $83.60 |
| Family 4 (2A,3C) | $98.80 |
SINGLE:
| Adult | $28 |
| Senior | $22 |
| Child (4-15yrs) | $16 |
| Infant (0-3yrs) | Free |
CAGE OF DEATH EXPERIENCE
| 1 Person/Single Cage | $148.00pp (includes full day entry) |
| 2 People/Double Cage | $108.00pp (includes full day entry) |
TIPS
- Take swimmers so you don’t miss the chance to swim with the crocodiles
- Be sure to check the website for the current times for croc feeding and other activities so you don’t miss anything
- Cafe is available for hungry families
- Allow at least a few hours to make the most of the entire attraction
- Expect to see more than just crocodiles – bring your camera with an empty memory card, there’s lots to photograph
- Wear hat & sunscreen on hot days as much of the attraction is outside, but there’s air conditioning available inside if you need a break from the heat.
[easyreview title=”Crocosaurus Cove Darwin Review” cat1title=”Good For Families?” cat1detail=”Definitely a great experience for families. 3 stories of interaction, education and entertainment. Lots of fun right in the heart of Darwin” cat1rating=”4″ cat2title=”Location” cat2detail=”Easy to find, we found parking relatively easily and if you don’t want to eat at the cafe inside it’s only a short walk to eateries once you’re finished inside” cat2rating=”5″ cat3title=”Value for Money” cat3detail=”We only had to pay for 2 adults and one child when we were there due to our youngest 2 children being 3 and under. Now, it would cost us just under $100 to go which I think is a fair price for what’s on offer. There’s lots that goes into running an attraction like this, and it’s more than just crocs! The cafe can seem a little pricey to feed an entire family on a budget, but so is almost every attraction we’ve ever visited, but it’s well priced for a drink and a snack when taking a break inside. I’d definitely recommend making a day of it and perhaps really taking advantage of the educational aspects too for older children. Be sure to check the website for show times so you don’t miss anything.” cat3rating=”4″ summary=”For families of wildlife lovers, or those wanting to get up close and personal with crocs, then Crocosaurus Cove is lots of fun. We were there within a few months of it’s opening and the staff and facilities were great. We’d love to return to take part in some of the action that we didn’t experience when we were there the first time”]
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