Marineland Melanesia

“Marineland Melanesia is one of those places that has outlasted fashion, fads, and forty years of change — because the crocodiles, it turns out, are genuinely extraordinary.”

An Island Original: Marineland Melanesia on Green Island

Marineland Melanesia is a long-established wildlife and cultural attraction on Green Island — one of the island’s most distinctive and enduring features. Housing one of Australia’s most impressive collections of saltwater crocodiles, along with a remarkable assembly of Pacific cultural artefacts gathered over decades, Marineland Melanesia offers a completely different kind of encounter from the reef activities on the surrounding water.

The Crocodiles

Marineland Melanesia houses multiple saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) — and was home to Cassius, recognised as the largest crocodile in captivity in the world, who passed away in 2024. Cassius was enormous: over five metres in length and weighing more than 1,000 kilograms. Observing the resident crocodiles at close range gives an immediate, visceral understanding of why Australia’s saltwater crocodile commands such respect. The facility also includes smaller crocodiles and younger specimens, providing a comprehensive view of the species across different life stages.

The Pacific Artefact Collection

Alongside its reptile collection, Marineland Melanesia houses a significant collection of traditional Pacific cultural objects — masks, carvings, weapons, and ceremonial objects from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and other Pacific Island cultures. Many of these items were collected over decades by the facility’s founder, and the collection represents a remarkable assembly of material culture from the region. It is one of the more unusual cultural experiences available on a reef island.

Green Island RainforestPlants and tropical wildlife in the rainforest at the heart of the island.Green Island Eco WalkA self-guided walk through the island's rainforest ecosystem, with native trees and birdlife.Emeralds RestaurantLocally sourced food in a tropical setting, at the island’s restaurant.SeawalkerWalk along the sea floor among fish and coral, with no swimming needed.

Visiting Marineland Melanesia

Marineland Melanesia is located within the resort and island facility precinct on Green Island and is accessible to all day visitors. Entry fees apply and are separate from the day tour package. Feeding times provide the most dramatic viewing opportunities and are announced on the island throughout the day. The combination of reef snorkelling in the morning and a visit to Marineland Melanesia in the afternoon makes for a varied and satisfying full-day experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to see at Marineland Melanesia?

Marineland Melanesia features live crocodiles along with a significant collection of Melanesian and Pacific artefacts, plus aquarium displays. It’s a long-established island attraction that combines wildlife with cultural and historical exhibits in one visit.

Is Marineland Melanesia included in my Green Island tour ticket?

Entry to Marineland Melanesia is usually a separate admission rather than being included in a standard reef tour or ferry ticket. Some island packages may bundle it in. Check what your ticket covers with your operator, and confirm current admission at the attraction itself.

Is Marineland Melanesia suitable for children?

Yes, families visit regularly and children often enjoy seeing the crocodiles and marine displays. As with any wildlife attraction, children should stay with adults and follow the posted safety signage around the enclosures.

How long does a visit to Marineland Melanesia take?

Most visitors spend around an hour exploring the crocodile enclosures, aquarium and artefact collection, though you can take longer if you’d like to read the displays in detail. It fits easily within a day trip alongside the beach and reef.

Are there crocodile presentations or feeding times?

Marineland Melanesia has traditionally offered crocodile presentations at set times during the day. Schedules can change, so check the current times when you arrive on the island so you don’t miss them.