Hartley's Crocs and Tandem Paragliding: Full-Day Wildlife Meet Coastal Flight from Cairns
Spend a full day pairing up-close encounters at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures with a tandem paraglide over Wangetti Beach. Explore lagoon cruises and feeding shows in the morning, then launch off the sand to see rainforest, reef and beaches from the air.
The Experience
Before You Go
Confirm pickup 24 hours ahead
High Adventure requires a 24‑hour confirmation call to set your pickup time — call to avoid delays.
Secure footwear at Hartley’s
Closed shoes are recommended for trails and viewing platforms where crocodiles and uneven boardwalks are common.
Protect kit for flight
Use a camera strap or small dry bag; paragliding offers amazing angles but strong gusts can surprise unsecured gear.
Sun and hydration
Tropical sun is intense—bring sunscreen, a hat, and at least 1.5L water for the full day.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Wangetti Beach tide pools and sand formations visible at low tide — great for a quiet shoreline walk.
- •The quieter late‑afternoon lagoon cruise at Hartley’s often yields closer crocodile sightings with fewer crowds.
Wildlife
- •Estuarine (saltwater) crocodile
- •Koala
Conservation Note
Hartley’s runs rescue and rehabilitation programs and enforces boardwalk rules to protect sensitive habitat; paragliding operators brief pilots to avoid disturbing nesting shorebirds and dune vegetation.
The coastline is part of lands long managed by Aboriginal peoples; modern tourism grew around early 20th‑century coastal access and the later development of wildlife parks that aimed to combine education with rescue.
Photographer's Notes
- • Hartley’s lagoon cruise (low-angle croc shots)
- • Crocodile feeding arena for action close-ups
- • Beach take-off and in-flight for reef-to-rainforest panoramas
What to Bring
Closed-toe walking shoesEssential
Protects feet on trails, around enclosures and during beach run-ups for paragliding.
Sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF, hat, sunglasses)Essential
Tropical UV is strong year-round—critical between park visits and on the exposed beach.
Camera or smartphone with strap
Captures lagoon cruises, feeding shows and the aerial coastline—strap recommended for safety.
Light, breathable rain jacket
Quick afternoon showers are common in the wet season; a packable jacket keeps you comfortable without bulk.
Common Questions
How long is the full experience?
The tour runs about 10 hours (600 minutes) including transfers: morning pickup, free time at Hartley’s, and an allocated mid‑afternoon tandem flight with return to Cairns/Palm Cove.
Are there weight or age limits for tandem paragliding?
Operators collect weight at booking and enforce limits for safety; typical upper limits are often around 100–110 kg but you must confirm with High Adventure when you book.
What happens if the weather cancels the flight?
Flights are weather dependent; if winds or rain make flying unsafe the operator will cancel that leg and you may be offered an alternative or refund per their policy.
Can non-flyers join just Hartley’s?
Yes—general admission to Hartley’s is included for participants, and return transfers for accompanying passengers may be available for an extra charge; check with the operator ahead of booking.
Do I need to call before the tour?
Yes—please call High Adventure Paragliding 24 hours before departure to confirm your exact pickup time and location.
Is the activity suitable for pregnant travelers or people with heart problems?
No—tandem paragliding is not recommended for pregnant people or those with serious cardiovascular conditions; disclose medical concerns when booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10 hours
Location
Cairns, Queensland
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking at Hartley’s and the ability to run/stand briefly for a tandem take-off and landing.
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