Page 17 - Tropic Magazine Issue 32

TROPIC • TOURISM

Crocs and 1. Credit: Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

classrooms

NEW EXPERIENCES
Despite the downturn in
tourism during COVID-19
lockdowns, local companies
have invested in their
businesses.
From swimming with salties to island The arena provides multi-level viewing
learning, new tourism products continue of the apex predators, even for those who
to emerge in Far North Queensland. prefer to remain on dry land. It was an
The CaPTA Group, which is behind idea first conceived by the late founder
wildlife parks including Rainforestation, of CaPTA Group, Charles Woodward.
Cairns Zoom, and The Australian Federal and State Government funding 1
Butterfly Sanctuary, has invested in two also helped get this one-of-a-kind such a challenging time. “Operating in
new estuarine crocodiles and an arena at experience in Queensland off the ground. the Great Barrier Reef, we work in one of
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, where the In another first for the region, the the most amazing natural environments
courageous can now swim alongside the Quicksilver Group has launched the in the world and it also makes for an
crocs, albeit from the other side of a clear Green Island Living Classroom, marketed amazing classroom,” he said.
(and very strong!) dividing wall. towards Queensland schools. It includes “We’ve worked closely with Sea Country
The crocs, Big Al and Digger, are an a dedicated classroom facility, tours of Education and our marine biologist
average 4.5 metres in length. They came the island’s ‘back of house’ environmental team to develop fun and engaging
from Australia Zoo and will soon be management systems, a leading- learning experiences for primary and
joined by a third Crocodile, Ton. edge coral research project, as well as secondary students.”
CaPTA Group General Manager Andrew activities. For senior biology and marine The opening coincides with the State
Hearn said there is pent-up demand science students, it includes Outer Reef Government’s Great Barrier Reef
for new experiences in the region. excursions to allow investigations of Education Experience Program,
“CrocArena will increase tourism to Port reef ecosystems. which provides incentives for
Douglas, create jobs and assist in building Quicksilver Group Managing Director Queensland schools to undertake
an increased understanding and respect Tony Baker said he was chuffed to educational experiences in the World
for these amazing animals,” he said. be launching during Heritage Area.

MORE: wildlifehabitat.com.au
quicksilver-cruises.com

20.5%

of all Far North Queensland
businesses are tourism-related
9.7%

of the population is employed
in tourism
Source: Tourism and Transport Forum

17 • tropicnow.com.au