Crocodylus Park is the kind of place you'd expect to be big on crocodiles – and you'd absolutely right. For the last 20 years the park has been at the forefront of research into crocodilians, and especially the world's largest – the Australian freshwater crocodile. Over a thousand of these reptilian beasts are to be found in the creeks, pens and pools of Crocodylus Park.
The park was started by crocodile expert Professor Graham Webb in 1994 with the aim of both gaining a better understanding of the conservation needs of various crocodile species, and educating the public about these often misunderstood creatures. To that end, guides are on-hand to take visitors around the park, showing them how these fascinating creatures breed, hunt and eat.
Visitors will have the opportunity to hold the tiny crocs after they've hatched, and watch the juveniles basking in the sun. Feeding sessions are always popular, especially when they involve the 4-metre long Saltwater Crocodiles. For animals of such seeming lethargy and massive bulk, they can move with astonishing agility and speed. And if you want to better understand how such talents have helped them shape ecosystems for millions of years, – crocs have been top predators since before the time of the dinosaurs – check out the on-site Crocodile Museum.
Crocodylus Park, which sits around 13 kilometres east of central Darwin, isn't just about the crocs either. The park has gathered an impressive menagerie of wildlife from around the globe, including lions, tigers, ocelots and even baboons. There are also more native Australian animals on show, like the dingo, emu and kangaroo, as well as an endless parade of snakes, turtles and lizards. So even if crocs leave you cold, there's plenty to see, smell, touch and feel here.
