Darwin Crocodile Farm – Berry Springs, NT

When we say “farm” in the NT, we don’t mean a couple of cows and a veggie patch. Nah, mate. We mean massive saltwater crocodiles, bred, raised and wrangled right here at the Darwin Crocodile Farm in Berry Springs.
Located a cruisy 45-minute drive south of Darwin City, this isn’t your average tourist trap. It’s a working croc farm, with education, conservation and yes — a fair bit of croc-wrangling action thrown in.
I’ve been lucky (or daft) enough to see these prehistoric units up close and let me tell you — they are bloody enormous. This isn’t some sanitised zoo experience. You’ll get the real deal, with the smell of croc ponds in the air and the distant thud of a tail slap on water.

The Territory’s Real Croc Country

In the heart of the Darwin Region, just a hop from Berry Springs Nature Park, lies a proper Territory experience — the Darwin Crocodile Farm. This isn’t your glitzy wildlife park with polished pathways. It’s a working croc farm where you’ll get hands-on insights into crocodile behaviour, meet the Top End’s majestic reptiles and walk away with a real respect for these ancient predators. It’s also a great way to understand the mix of culture, conservation and industry that makes up life in the Northern Territory — far from the flashy tourism brochures. Let’s get into what you’ll see, do and learn at this wildlife park gem — and why it’s a must-stop on your next epic road trip through the Top End.

What You’ll See & Do

First things first: this is a real crocodile farm, not a theme park. Expect authenticity, not fluff. You’ll be walking among saltwater and freshwater crocs, learning how they are farmed sustainably and how locals manage the delicate balance between conservation and the crocodile industry. You’ll see how crocs are raised from eggs to giants, learn about their biology, their role in the ecosystem and yes — you’ll get to watch them feed. There’s nothing quite like hearing a 4m saltie snap its jaws shut. Alongside the crocodiles you’ll also find a collection of other Top End reptiles and native wildlife, making it a full Territory wildlife experience.

Experience the thrill of seeing jumping crocodiles up close on our exciting jumping crocodile tours.

READ Crocodile Lifespan

Up-Close Croc Encounters

Want to stand just a metre from a crocodile’s snout? The farm’s up-close croc encounters aren’t for the faint-hearted. No crocodiles in glass boxes here — you’ll be separated by fencing, but that’s it. No gimmicks. Guided tours include feeding sessions where you can see the power of these animals in action. Watching a croc launch itself for a feed is a Territory rite of passage. And yes, there are photo ops — but they’ll be real. No holding baby crocs with rubber bands over their jaws here. Respect for the animal always comes first.

Crocodile Hatchery & Nursery

One of the farm’s best bits is the crocodile hatchery and nursery. Here you’ll see the tiniest versions of these prehistoric reptiles — just-hatched croc babies learning to swim, bask and feed. This is where you really get a sense of the scale — from palm-sized hatchlings to the giants in the ponds. The hatchery gives a great insight into the crocodile life cycle and the breeding programs that support conservation and sustainable farming. Kids love this bit, but let’s be honest, adults get just as wide-eyed watching the baby crocs too.

Reptile Friends & Neighbours

Beyond crocs, the farm is home to other Territory locals. You’ll meet goannas, pythons, turtles and native lizards.
Each enclosure is set up to mimic their natural habitat so you can see these reptiles up close and learn about their role in the Top End’s ecosystem.
It’s not a zoo — it’s more like a community of creatures that share the land (and sometimes the waterways) with the crocs.

Nature Walks & Farm Tours

After your croc fix, take a walk around the farm’s nature walks. These trails wind through monsoon forest patches and open bushland so you can get away from the croc pens and appreciate the local flora.
Guided farm tours explain the crocodile farming process, how the industry works in the Northern Territory and how it ties in with Aboriginal land management practices.
This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s a real look at life in the Top End, with all its challenges and rewards.

READ Saltwater crocodile Australia

Need-to-Know Info: Times, Seasons, and Safety

Opening Hours & Entry Fees

Open 7 days a week during the dry season (May to October).
Reduced hours or closed during Wet (Nov to April) due to heavy rain and croc nesting season.
Entry fees are reasonable — $30 adult, $20 kids, family passes available.
Book ahead in the peak Dry season.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (May-Oct) is your best bet: roads are good, the weather’s okay, and mozzies are fewer.
Avoid midday unless you like a sweat lodge — early mornings are gold.
Croc activity tends to peak during warmer daylight hours so morning tours get the best action.

Safety & Respect for Country

This is croc country — follow staff instructions.
Respect local Aboriginal culture — crocs are sacred to many Top End Traditional Owners.
Don’t feed the crocs yourself. Leave that to the experts.

How to Get There

You’d think in 2025 GPS would be foolproof. You’d be wrong. The farm is located off Cox Peninsula Road and can confuse navigation apps especially during the wet.

Directions

From Darwin CBD head south on Stuart Highway.
Turn right onto Cox Peninsula Road.
Look for signs for Berry Springs.
The farm is near Berry Creek, past the Nature Park entrance.

*If you hit the Darwin Private Hospital you’ve gone too far. If you end up in Tennant Creek call it a day.

Pro Tip:

*Bring plenty of water, wear light, long-sleeved clothing and don’t trust your rental car’s built in GPS. A paper map or offline directions are your best friend here.

Local Tips from a Territory Regular

Beat the heat: Get here before the midday sun hits.
After the farm: Cool off in the Berry
Springs Nature Park swimming holes.
Don’t rush: Allow at least 2 hours for the farm — it’s not a ‘tick it off’ stop.
Camera ready: Those croc feeding shots are gold.
Respect the land: Acknowledge Traditional Owners and follow any cultural signs.

Darwin Crocodile Farm – Berry Springs, NT

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