Saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles are the world's largest living reptiles and are dangerous to people. They can live in salt, brackish and fresh water, and can travel long distances.
Stay safe
- Obey crocodile warning signs. A lack of signs does not mean a lack of crocodiles.
- Never swim in waterways where crocodiles may live.
- Stay well back from the water's edge.
- Camp at least 50 m from the water where possible, and don't leave food scraps.
- Don't clean fish or prepare food at the water's edge.
- Don't stand on logs or overhanging branches near water.
- Be especially careful at night and in the breeding season.
Where swimming is permitted
Some waterholes in national parks are surveyed by rangers and opened for swimming in the dry season. Follow park signage and current advice.
Where crocodiles live
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are found across northern Australia — in the Kimberley of Western Australia, the Top End of the Northern Territory and northern Queensland, including the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York. Queensland's environment department describes their habitat as extending down the east coast to around Gladstone. They live in rivers, estuaries, billabongs, swamps, beaches and offshore islands, and can be found well inland, hundreds of kilometres up river systems. Any body of water in "croc country" should be treated as a possible crocodile habitat unless authorities say otherwise.
Freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) are smaller, have a narrower snout and live in freshwater rivers and gorges such as those at Nitmiluk, Boodjamulla and parts of the Kimberley. They are generally shy but can bite if provoked or disturbed, especially when nesting. It isn't always easy to tell the two species apart, so if in doubt, assume a crocodile is a saltwater crocodile.
How crocodiles hunt
Saltwater crocodiles are ambush predators. They can stay submerged and motionless for long periods, waiting near the water's edge, and they strike quickly. Most attacks on people happen when someone is in the water or right at the edge — swimming, wading, fishing, washing or retrieving a lure. Crocodiles learn routines, so repeatedly visiting the same spot at the edge of the water increases the risk.
Be Crocwise
The Northern Territory and Queensland governments run "Be Crocwise" public education programs. Their key messages for visitors include:
- Expect crocodiles in all waterways in croc country, even if there is no sign.
- Only swim at designated swimming areas, and obey signs that close them.
- Stand a few metres back from the water's edge when fishing, and never wade in to retrieve a snagged lure.
- Don't dangle arms or legs over the side of a boat, and don't lean out of boats.
- Don't use a small or unstable boat (such as a canoe or kayak) in crocodile habitat unless the water is assessed as suitable.
- Never feed crocodiles; it is illegal and teaches them to associate people with food.
- Keep children and pets well away from the water's edge.
Camping and fishing
Choose campsites well back from the water and higher than the bank, away from slipways and obvious crocodile slides (bare muddy tracks into the water). Dispose of fish frames and food scraps away from camp and the water, in bins where provided. Collect water using a bucket on a rope or from taps rather than wading in. At night, use a torch to scan the water before approaching the edge — crocodile eyes reflect red.
Popular fishing areas such as Karumba, Burketown, Normanton, Wyndham and Derby are in prime crocodile habitat. Local boat ramps often have warning signs and some have reported crocodile activity; heed them.
Seasons
Crocodiles are present year-round. In the wet season (roughly November to April), floodwaters allow crocodiles to move between river systems and into waterholes that are normally safe. This is why rangers in parks such as Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk survey waterholes and may trap crocodiles before reopening swimming areas each dry season. Breeding and nesting also occur during the wet season, when crocodiles can be more territorial.
Reporting and emergencies
Report crocodile sightings in areas used by people. In Queensland, you can report sightings to the Department of Environment through the QWildlife app or by phone; in the Northern Territory, report to Parks and Wildlife; in Western Australia, contact the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. In an emergency, call 000. If you are out of mobile coverage, use a satellite phone or personal locator beacon.
On the road
Many roads in croc country cross rivers and creeks at causeways and floodways. Never walk through floodwater to check its depth — a common outback practice elsewhere that is dangerous in the north. Wait for levels to drop, or check depth markers from the bank or your vehicle.
Myths to ignore
Some long-repeated advice is wrong. Crocodiles are not only active at night, warning signs are not placed at every dangerous spot, and splashing to "scare off" crocodiles does not work — it may attract them. Freshwater sections of rivers are not automatically safe from saltwater crocodiles. When in doubt, stay out of the water and well back from the edge.
Related reading
For general safety advice, see Outback safety, the Savannah Way guide and Outback wildlife.
Related guides
Crocodile safety applies in many northern parks, including Rinyirru (Lakefield) on Cape York, Mitchell River in the Kimberley and Limmen in the NT.
Frequently asked questions
Where do saltwater crocodiles live?
Across northern Australia, from central Queensland through the Top End to the Kimberley in WA, in coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, billabongs and some inland waterways.
Are freshwater crocodiles dangerous?
Freshwater crocodiles are generally shy, but they can bite if provoked. Keep your distance.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Living with crocodiles — Queensland Government
- Be Crocwise — NT Government
