Junior Reptile Ranger Program

What’s included:

• 2-hour behind-the-scenes guided tour
• Experienced reptile handlers leading throughout
• Access to park areas not available in general admission
• Special Reptile Ranger educational talks
• Supervised reptile handling (hands-on interaction)
• Feeding juvenile crocodiles (supervised, safe)
• Feeding fish and lizards
• Going fishing for crocs (supervised activity)
• Bottle of water (included)
• Souvenir lanyard (included)
• Color photo with a baby croc (included)
• Expert education on reptile behavior and ecology

📍 Crocosaurus Cove, Mitchell Street, Darwin City NT, Australia

1. When Is This Available? Exclusively during NT school holidays. Specific dates vary by school year—check Crocosaurus Cove website or contact directly for your school holiday dates and availability.
2. What Time Does It Run? 3:00pm–5:00pm (2-hour program). This afternoon timing allows morning exploration of Crocosaurus Cove general admission before or after the program.
3. What Age Is This Suitable For? Designed for ages 7-12. Children aged 4-6 are welcome to attend; however, an adult must accompany them on the tour at an additional cost of $25 per adult. Minimum age is 4 years old.
4. What’s the Cost? [Pricing TBC – Junior Ranger program cost, adult companion cost ($25 mentioned for younger kids)]
5. What Will Kids Actually Do? Behind-the-scenes access to the park with experienced reptile handlers, special Reptile Ranger educational talks about reptile behavior and ecology, supervised hands-on reptile handling, feeding juvenile crocodiles (supervised), feeding fish and lizards, and going fishing for crocs (guided activity). This is genuine hands-on participation, not passive observation.
6. Will Kids Actually Handle Reptiles? Yes. Supervised reptile handling is a core part of the program—handled by experienced professionals who ensure safety and comfort. This is the hands-on education element that makes the program special.
7. What Reptiles Will We Handle? [Specific reptiles TBC—crocodiles (juvenile), fish, lizards mentioned. Confirm which species kids will handle, which they’ll feed, which they’ll observe.]
8. What About Feeding Crocodiles? Juvenile crocodiles are fed as part of the program—supervised, safe activity that shows real feeding behavior and ecology. This isn’t dangerous or extreme; it’s carefully managed hands-on education.
9. What’s “Going Fishing for Crocs”? [Details TBC—is this actual fishing activity? Is it spotting/observing crocodiles in water? Supervised from safe location? What does this involve exactly?]
10. What’s Included: Bottle of water (hydration during 2-hour program), Souvenir lanyard (take-home reminder), Color photo with a baby crocodile (genuine photo souvenir), All activities and educational talks listed above
11. Is General Admission Included? [TBC—does Junior Ranger program include general park admission, or are they separate? Can you do general admission + Junior Ranger in one day?]
12. What Should Kids Bring? [TBC—likely recommendations include: closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, any personal items. Confirm what’s essential vs optional.]
13. What About Clothing? [TBC—any specific requirements? Water might splash during activities? Recommend closed-toe shoes? Any concerns for the supervised activities?]
14. Can I Take Photos? [Photography policy TBC—what can families photograph? Is the color photo with baby croc the only official photo, or can personal photos be taken?]
15. What’s the Weather Policy? [Weather policy TBC—does program proceed in rain? Any extreme heat concerns? What happens if conditions are dangerous?]
16. How Many Kids Per Group? [Group size TBC—maximum kids per handler, ratio of handlers to participants]
17. How Do I Book? [Booking details TBC—website, phone, email, online booking system]
18. Is Early Arrival Recommended? [TBC—should families arrive early? Any check-in process? Can kids do general park admission before the 3pm program?]
19. Are Very Young Kids (4-6) Comfortable? The program is designed for ages 7-12, but younger kids (4-6) are welcome with adult supervision (adult cost $25). The experienced handlers understand younger ages and adjust accordingly. The hands-on activities are supervised and safe, but consider your child’s comfort with animals and new experiences when deciding.
20. What If My Child Gets Scared? [TBC—can kids opt out of certain activities? Are handlers experienced with anxious children? What’s the reassurance process if a child is uncomfortable?]
21. Are There Bathroom Facilities? Yes.
22. Is the Program Accessible? [Accessibility details TBC—wheelchair access, mobility aid considerations, sensory-friendly options]
23. Are There Any Health Restrictions? [Health requirements TBC—allergies to animals, any medical conditions that would prevent participation, physical fitness level needed]
24. Can Adults Participate in Activities? [TBC—can parents/adults do some activities too, or is it kids-only? Adult supervision vs adult participation details?]
25. What About Dietary Needs? [Dietary policy TBC—water is included; are snacks provided? BYO snack policy? Any dietary restrictions around handling reptile food?]
26. How Does This Compare to General Admission? General admission at Crocosaurus Cove allows you to view reptiles in exhibits. The Junior Reptile Ranger Program is exclusive, hands-on education during school holidays—behind-the-scenes access, direct handling of reptiles, feeding activities, expert ranger talks, and genuine participation in reptile care. This is active education vs passive viewing.
27. What Makes This Experience Special? Hands-on wildlife education with experienced professionals, supervised reptile handling (especially crocodiles), feeding live animals, and genuine behind-the-scenes access. Kids don’t just learn about reptiles; they interact with them directly under expert guidance. The combination of education, hands-on participation, and genuine excitement creates memorable learning that builds real interest in wildlife and conservation.

Terms and Conditions:

• The Junior Reptile Ranger Program is exclusively offered during the NT School Holidays. Please check our website for available dates and times.
• Tours must be booked a min of 1hr prior to departure. Minimum 2,maximum 8 per tour. Crocosaurus Cove reserves the right to cancel a session if minimum numbers are not met.
• The Junior Reptile Ranger Program is not applicable towards and/or can not be combined with a Locals Pass.
• All Children must be dropped off and signed in by a Parent and/or Guardian at the ticket desk.
• In the case of emergency, Parent/Guardian contact details must be provided for each participant.
• Please advise of any medical or allergy conditions to the staff prior to commencing the tour.
• All children are to arrive with closed in shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Children are to be picked up from the ticket desk strictly at 5pm.
• All participants must follow the instructions of Crocosaurus Cove staff members at all times. Entry is at the participant’s own risk.
• Please note that part of this tour includes feeding reptiles. Thus, children will be asked to touch bugs such as worms and crickets, and raw meat including chicken heads (while wearing gloves). Children will be given the choice to not participate in feeding if they are uncomfortable.
• Children will be handling various reptiles that are used to being handled, however they can bite. If they do, please listen to the instructions of Crocosaurus Cove staff members.
• Children are not to throw and rubbish or materials into the enclosures.
• Participation in the Junior Reptile Ranger Program includes entry to the park for the day.
• Program staff all hold a current Ochre Card
• Cancellations must be made within 24hrs of the confirmed experience time otherwise full payment is forfeited.