THRILLING SWIM
A QUEENSLAND-FIRST CROC EXPERIENCE
AN adrenaline-pumping attraction that has been in the pipeline for several years is about to become a reality, with Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas set to launch a ‘swim with the salties’ experience at a new CrocArena.
Only a sheet of Perspex will separate guests from giant crocodiles.
CaPTA Group managing director Peter Woodward said the group was excited to lead the way with a high-calibre attraction.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to invest in our attractions
to re-energise our industry after the tough period we’ve been through,” he said.
“With CrocArena set to open this June, we anticipate it will not only attract visitors from across Australia, but also from abroad when international travel recommences, as it will truly be a one-of-akind experience.”
He said it was a Queensland first.
Construction work on the CrocArena is well under way.
It is purpose-built for crocodile shows, including grandstand seating for 300 people and an underwater
viewing area where visitors can watch the feeding of the fascinating reptiles.
Mr Woodward said the group’s confidence in tourism for the region was underscored by its investment to ensure attractions were exciting, educational, and sustainable.
He said over the past three years, nearly every part of Wildlife Habitat had gone through a rebuild, with additions including the new Rainforest Habitat and Nocturnal Habitat and the CrocArena was poised to become the crown jewel of Port Douglas attractions.
The CrocArena was a particular focus for tourism pioneer Charles Woodward, who died aged 70 in May 2017 after a long battle with cancer, with sons Peter, Ben and Michael continuing his work with the CaPTA group, which includes Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, Rainforestation Nature Park, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
General manager Clare Anderson said it was important to continue to innovate to showcase the region.
Ms Anderson was amazed by the turnout of visitors during the Easter long weekend
and over the recent school holidays.
“After last year’s COVID Easter, Wildlife Habitat sat mostly empty with the exception of our passionate keepers coming in to care for the wildlife,” she said.
“It’s great to have visitors coming back – we’re blown away by the support.”
Local celebrity Babinda, a 4.2m croc, is still among residents at the Habitat.
Ongoing revamps at the popular centre have included the Predator Plank, which is essentially a balance beam suspended metres above the crocodile enclosure.