Name
Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Location
Northern Australia – Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, including the offshore islands of The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Straight
What it is?
Northern Australia is Croc country. For safety’s sake, you must assume that anywhere with water will have a crocodile.
The crocodiles in the region are saltwater crocodiles, they can live in freshwater, but prefer saltwater and the foods found there.
Crocodiles can travel hundreds of kilometres inland have been found, not only in oceans, rivers and creeks, but also in swamps, waterholes and dams.
Crocodile population density range from 1 crocodile every 5km along the Fitzroy river near Rockhampton, up to 1 crocodile every 330m along the water ways of Cape York Peninsula.
What to do to be safe.
First and foremost – Have common sense. Secondly – have respect for the animal and its home.
Stay 5m away from the waters edge, this will not eliminate the risk, rather minimise the risk. Crocodiles like to hunt and ambush their prey. Staying 5 metres away from the water’s edge allows you an opportunity to get away should one lunge at you. They do not tend to chase prey after the lunge, but it is always safer to move away should it happen.
A crocodile can lunge out of the water at speed and they are able to launch their bodies vertically up out of the water. They are able to run on land, but in water is where they excel, and they can swim at up to 40km per hour.
When camping near the waters edge in FNQ, camp at least 50 metres away from the high tide waters edge
Do not leave meat or other food out next to your campsite, and do not put fish scraps or old bait at boat ramps, as this can put the next people visiting the location at risk.
They are most active at dawn and dusk and can stay under water for over an hour. At night you can shine a torch into the water and see their bright red eyes watching you.
Keep pets away from the water’s edge and ensure dogs are always kept on a leash.
Breeding season is September to April.
If you want more information about crocodiles and being safe in Queensland, the Queensland Government have a Crocwise page.
Wheelchair Access?
N/A
What we did?
We lived in Cairns for 16 months. During this time we explored numerous river, creeks and waterfalls. We completed a three week holiday in the camper trailer up to Cape York staying in free camps near water (ocean and river).
We also did a river cruise in Post Douglas and went to Hartley’s and the Cairns Aquarium.
Please stay 5 metres away from the water’s edge when relaxing/walking etc and at least 50 metres away from the high tide waters edge when camping.
If you see a crocodile in the wild, you can report it HERE.
For more information please watch these videos?
The following croc-safe videos have been made available by the Queensland Government.
Would I do it again?
We have not explored much of the NT yet, but we love FNQ and will 100% return.
What do you need?
As a couple: Common sense
With Kids: stay away from the waters edge and always watch your children near water.
With Pets: many dogs have been eaten by crocodiles, please keep them away from the waters edge.
Yearly Events
N/A