Home of 'CASSIUS', Largest captive crocodile & the esteemed George J Craig Melanesian Art collection
Originally built by 2 partners in the early 60's as "Marineland", before being bought by the Craigs when "Marineland Melanesia" was established. Having worked as a crocodile hunter in Papua New Guinea, George Craig also collected a magnificent range of carvings and ancient Primitive Tribal art from the region known as Melanesia which are now are now on display at Marineland Melanesia along with hu
ge live crocodiles, beautiful marine aquariums and giant marine turtles. Also displayed are a number of old and restored marine artifacts and stationary engines.
-All Day Pass-
Adult AUD$28/pp
Child AUD$14.00/pp
Crocodile presentations daily
10:30am
1:30pm
Green island Coral Nursery Tour 2.30pm (Exclude Crocodile Park)
Adult AUD$7.00/pp
Child AUD$4.00/pp
Open from 9:30 to 14:30 / 16:30
After purchasing ticket, come and go during the day as you like.
*For Groups/Concession/Senior Rate Available at our Counter
We’re loving our winter😊, but at 25 degrees, it’s chilly for and the crocodiles!😂 Since they’re cold-blooded, their metabolism slows down during this time, making them a bit sluggish. Even though the crocs aren’t very active and we don’t always feed them, you can still see them up close and learn a lot about these beautiful creatures during our presentations at Marineland Melanesia.
🐊Crocs presentations daily 10.30am &1.30pm
Marineland Melanesia Entrance: Then and Now
Queensland Places. (n.d.). The “Marjorie Craig” - entrance to Marineland Melanesia, the unique marine zoological garden and Melanesian museum at Green Island, on the Great Barrier Reef. Queensland Places. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/node/11067
Happy 94th Birthday to the Boss George J Craig the living legend🥂
❤️
“Three huge crocodiles for Green Island , Gomic, Anega on top deck and Oscar in the middle. 1973 on MV ‘Magnetic’ loaded in Cairns and bound for Green Island. Brought down from Daru island on the Hvon Gulf to Cairns” George J Craig
📸 Vintage Queensland
Thank you Craig Crawford MP for sharing the photo
Did you know Marineland is home to 3 species of crocodilians?🌿🐊
Currently, 26 species of crocodilians are recognized worldwide(Hekkala et al. 2011; Shirley et al. 2014, 2018; Eaton 2010), with evidence suggesting two more, Osteolaemus aftezelli and Crocodylus halli, awaiting formal recognition.(IUCN Crocodilian Species, iucncsg.org).
Daily Croc presentations at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Booking is highly recommended during school holiday. Call now to secure your spot and pay upon arrival! 🐊🏝️
Be in crocs country 🐊 . They are not statues!
Our new website is now live🎉. Check it out. https://www.greenislandcrocs.com.au/your-visit
Thank youRJ New Designs.
Loved working on the new website for Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat & Gift Shop - they've been owned and operated by the Craig Family for over 50 years and are home to Cassius, the Guiness World Records holder of the ‘Largest Crocodile in Captivity in the World’ title! If you haven't visited them at Green Island, make sure you check them out - https://www.greenislandcrocs.com.au/ - and read their Story on their site - super interesting!!!
Happy Monday🐊🌴 “just waiting for a mate”
Announcement 📣. We are closed on Friday 31st May. Thank you for your understanding and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Seeking a winter gateway? 🌴 has it all; gorgeous sunny days😎, perfect temperatures, and no need for heavy layers.🧥
Location📍: Green Island, Cairns
45 minutes ferry from
Unlike birds and mammals, crocodilians can't regulate their body temperature physiologically, making them cold-blooded. They prefer a temperature range of 30-32°C, moving between warm and cool areas to maintain it. In cold weather, they bask in the sun, and in hot weather, they seek shade to stay cool to avoid overheating. As crocodilians warm up, they often face the sun to minimize heat absorption by their small heads while their bodies continue to heat. In this position, they usually open their mouths to cool their brains through evaporation.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (n.d.). Temperature regulation.
Retrieved fromhttp://www.iucncsg.org/pages/Temperature-Regulation.html
Unexpected Discovery on beautiful . Marineland Melanesia is the only crocodile habitat on the Great Barrier Reef. A unique experience for you and your family. Join us for crocs presentations daily and get up close &personal with these amazing creatures.
“Cassius hand fed?! Yes!! a crazy thing to do. Do not try this… as it could cost your life. As for doing such a thing for photo!!!! Well it’s my life, some times i do stupid things” GJC
Dive into maritime history at Marineland! 🌊⚓️ Explore our curated collection featuring diving helmets and Nautical treasures 🌊⚓
Big thanks to Russgos Wholesale Nursery for supplying these stunning plants! 🌱🪴They add the perfect touch to our jungle- themed park🌺.
We love grandma🐊👑
Grand-ma, once a prolific egg laying crocodile, saw her offspring nurtured at Marineland and sent across the country for breeding programs. Now gracefully navigating her twilight years at over 70 years of age, evident in her lean appearance and slowed movements. Despite ailments, her eyes retain a fierce intelligence, aging with grace. 🐊✨ . Note: but don’t underestimate her during feeding time she still gets snappy
Back in the day, we used to love hatching out our crocodile eggs at Marineland. But then they grow up, and we’ve got no room for more fierce cuties! So now when our females lay eggs, we pass them on to other parks. From egg to predator, Let’s discover how estuarine crocodiles breeding (Estuary habitat is where river meets ocean)
🐊Mating typically commences around October or November, with nesting occurring from December to April.
🐊 Female crocodiles can lay up to 70 eggs in nests they make of vegetation, usually away from water to keep eggs above flood level.
🐊 The decomposition of the vegetation helps maintaining the temperature during the approximately 90-day incubation period.
🐊 At 32°C, both sexes are produced, with a majority being male. Lower or higher temperatures lead to more females. Extreme temperatures can be fatal to the embryos.
🐊The young crocodiles, weigh approximately 70g and measuring 30cm in length as they hatch from their eggs.
Source: Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science. (n.d.). Estuarine crocodiles. Retrieved from https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/crocodiles/about-crocodiles/estuarine
Daily Croc presentations at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Secure your spot during school holidays – call to book now and pay upon arrival! 🐊🏝️
Meet Bronto, the second biggest member of our family,estimated to be at least 4.6 meters in size🐊.
Happy V Day!💕Who said crocodiles are not affectionate?🐊😍
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🌟 Holiday Update! 🌟
Dear Valued Customers,
🎄 Just a quick update to let you know that we’ll be taking a short break on Christmas Day and will be back in action on Boxing Day! 🎁
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible customers and partners - your support has meant the world to us! 🌍 Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and countless joyful moments. 🎉
While we enjoy precious moments with family and friends, let’s also keep in mind those affected by the recent floods in FNQ. Our thoughts and support are with them during this challenging period. 💙
Warm wishes and holiday cheer! 🥂
Marineland Melanesia Team
In addition to the crocodile park, Marineland Melanesia proudly showcases a remarkable George Craig private collection of tribal arts, with a special focus on artefacts from the Southern Gulf Region of Papua New Guinea, where George lived for 18 years. George also curated a diverse collection of arts from around the world. If you have an appreciation for art or enjoy museums experiences, this is truly a hidden gem waiting for you to discover. Follow the link for a fascinating read about George’s collection written by Crispin Howarth
https://bit.ly/3uMMh80.
Thank you for visiting us😊🙏
Never smile at a crocodile 🐊
Cassius gets all the attention……😊
But have you met Trinity and Babinda?( Trinity in the video)
These 2 Crocodiles came to us many years ago, unfortunately due to interaction with humans.
On February 7, 1998, someone experienced a horrifying encounter with a saltwater crocodile near the Cairns city centre in Queensland. Fortunately, the attack was non-fatal. The incident involved a 15-year-old girl who was viciously mauled by the crocodile.
The attack took place in Chinaman Creek while the girl was attending a “beer party” at a nearby camp. She decided to go for a swim in the creek when suddenly, out of nowhere, the three-meter-long crocodile latched onto her leg. Dragging her underwater for what seemed like an eternity, she managed to grab hold of an overhead mangrove branch.
Thankfully, two friends heard her screams and rushed to her aid. One of them quickly climbed onto the branch and pulled her up by gripping onto her hair tightly. He then handed her over to his companion who had ventured into the creek up to his chest level. Astonishingly enough, despite their efforts, they couldn’t free her from the clutches of this terrifying predator as it still had its jaws firmly locked around both of her legs.
In desperation, one man resorted to yelling and splashing water vigorously in order to distract and confuse the crocodile while engaging in what can only be described as an intense tug-of-war battle with it underwater. Eventually though - after what must have felt like an eternity - they managed to pull off this daring rescue mission and succeeded in hauling their bleeding friend out of harm’s way.
The local authorities commended these courageous men for their bravery during such traumatic circumstances. They used this incident as an opportunity to raise awareness about swimming or lingering near areas known for being frequented by crocodiles like this.
from Cairns Post, 7 February, 1998
Reported as being February 6th 1998
Cassius meets the ‘Queen of Gators’ Savannah Boan. Savannah is the Crocodilian Enrichment Coordinator at Gatorland Orlando FL USA. She a is highly passionate wildlife conservationist and influential voice for the protection of all reptiles.
Thank you for visiting us ❤️
Thank you Guinness World Records
Proud to share of Cassius’s milestone story has been featured on ABC news today. Follow the link to learn more about this beautiful member of the family and his journey🐊
https://bit.ly/3IUeUUR
Green Island
Cairns, QLD
4871
| Monday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 4pm |
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Send a message to Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat & Gift Shop:
Unexpected Discovery on beautiful #GreenIslandCairns. Marineland Melanesia is the only crocodile habitat on the Great Barrier Reef. A unique experience for you and your family. Join us for crocs presentations daily and get up close &personal with these amazing creatures. #queensland #exploretnq #TnQ #cairns #cairnslocal
Cheers to Friday vibes. Weekend includes a visit to Green Island 😎☀️ #cairnsaustralia #greatbarrierreef #Cairns #tropicalnorthqld #greenisland #GreenIslandCairns
Cassius gets all the attention……😊 But have you met Trinity and Babinda?( Trinity in the video) These 2 Crocodiles came to us many years ago, unfortunately due to interaction with humans. On February 7, 1998, someone experienced a horrifying encounter with a saltwater crocodile near the Cairns city centre in Queensland. Fortunately, the attack was non-fatal. The incident involved a 15-year-old girl who was viciously mauled by the crocodile. The attack took place in Chinaman Creek while the girl was attending a “beer party” at a nearby camp. She decided to go for a swim in the creek when suddenly, out of nowhere, the three-meter-long crocodile latched onto her leg. Dragging her underwater for what seemed like an eternity, she managed to grab hold of an overhead mangrove branch. Thankfully, two friends heard her screams and rushed to her aid. One of them quickly climbed onto the branch and pulled her up by gripping onto her hair tightly. He then handed her over to his companion who had ventured into the creek up to his chest level. Astonishingly enough, despite their efforts, they couldn’t free her from the clutches of this terrifying predator as it still had its jaws firmly locked around both of her legs. In desperation, one man resorted to yelling and splashing water vigorously in order to distract and confuse the crocodile while engaging in what can only be described as an intense tug-of-war battle with it underwater. Eventually though - after what must have felt like an eternity - they managed to pull off this daring rescue mission and succeeded in hauling their bleeding friend out of harm’s way. The local authorities commended these courageous men for their bravery during such traumatic circumstances. They used this incident as an opportunity to raise awareness about swimming or lingering near areas known for being frequented by crocodiles like this. from Cairns Post, 7 February, 1998 Reported as being February 6th 1998
Introducing our newest aquarium member,the yellow box fish!🐠 🌟. These guys may look cute but watch out. If they are threatened ,they can inflate themselves and release a powerful toxin. #yellowboxfish #aquarium #aquariumlife #greenisland #greenislandcairns
Check out the stunning new entrance mural to Marineland Melanesia on Green island. This masterpiece was created by the super talented local artist Daniel Wallwork who has truly outdone himself with his creativity and skill. The vibrant colors and intricate details are simply breathtaking. We are so lucky to have such incredible talent in our community! #cairns #greenisland #GreenIslandCairns #muralartist #muralpainting #muralpainter
Green Island is a beautiful part of the Great Barrier Reef. This small coral cay supports a wide variety of both native and migratory bird species. Among these are the Great Frigatebird, the White-bellied Sea-Eagle and the Eastern Reef Egret, all of which can be seen year-round. The island is also a regular stopover for many migratory bird species, such as the Brown Booby, the Common Tern, and the Great Crested Tern, which are known to breed on the island during the warmer months. #cairns #cairnsaustralia #tourismtropicalnorthqueensland #ttnq #birds #birdwatching #birdwatchers
As the holiday season approaches, Marineland Melanesia would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to our customers and partners for their support throughout the year. We wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We are excited for the year 2023! It’s going to be a great one. #corallite #coral #cairns #tropicalnorthqueensland #greatbarrierreef #coralreef #greenisland #ttnq #reeftank #aquarium Big Cat Green Island Reef CruisesGreat Adventures - Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Cruises Centre for Crocodile Research Sustainable Reefs Cairns Marine Reef Room Think Water Cairns Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours
Ocean fanatic?! Come visit Marineland Melanesia and learn about Seahorses and their interesting habits and characteristics. Seahorses have a special place in the marine ecosystem. They have a close-knit social structure and are often found in pairs or small groups. They are an important part of the ecosystem as they help to keep the population of small fish and crustaceans in check. Without seahorses, these populations would explode and cause imbalance in the ecosystem. #cairns #greatbarrierreef #aquarium #seahorse #greenislandcairns
George J Craig and the team at Marineland Melanesia, Green Island would like to thank Nathan Schrieber and the Yarrabah dance team for the wonderful , traditional welcome and thank you dance we receive yesterday. We felt honoured and thankful to watch your performance.
Crocodiles tend to slow down a bit in the winter months... 😜 credit: Austin Birss
Deadly, but graceful !
