Question about Australian Crocodiles

by Enya Dunleavy
(Sydney)

Saltwater Crocodile

Saltwater Crocodile

Hi,
My name is Enya and.....um I know this sounds stupid but.....in Queensland would you actually come face to face with a crocodile when swimming in a lake/river...I'm from Ireland by the way soooo...I don't have koalas in my back garden!!! (:^P

Rita's response - Australian crocodiles


Hi Enya,

There is no stupid question, don't worry.

There are two kinds of crocodiles in Australia, the saltwater croc and the freshwater or Johnston crocodile.
The names are a bit misleading, as the saltie can also tolerate fresh water, actually much better than the Johnston croc likes salty water.

You won't find crocodiles everywhere in Queensland. Both species live along the coastline from Broome (Western Australia) to Rockhampton in Queensland.

The saltwater crocodile lives in river estuaries, billabongs and swamps. They compete with each other for territory. Saltwater crocs are about 5 m (sometimes up to 7m) long. Their weight can be up to 1 tonne (1000 kilograms).
They are the largest living reptiles, and yes, they are dangerous. To prevent any troubles, please obey the crocodile warning signs anywhere in tropical Australia. You really shouldn't swim in a river / billabong when there is the danger that you can meet a saltie.

The are much smaller, and not very dangerous. Of course, when they feel disturbed they can bite. But they won't kill humans.
Freshies live about in the same region, although they move slightly further to the inland. They love rocky gorges where you can see them sun-basking on warm days.

Rita

Comments for Question about Australian Crocodiles

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Apr 04, 2024
 Crocodiles behaviour
by: Stanley Ozies

Hi, my question is about tour guides on the Adelaide river or other tours attractions in the northern territory. Is it a good or bad idea for for tour guides to dangle a peace of bait on the end of a pole. To encourage crocodiles to jump out of the water to show what these creatures what they are capable of, it annoys me to possibly think that they are teaching these crocs to launch themselves in small boats of recreational Fishman ??
Aug 03, 2022
 Ok... NEW
by: peepoo

hello, this is a great source of information 11/10! Great
Jun 24, 2018
 Crocodile Dundee?
by: Jill

Crocs have been protected in Australia for about 50 years so their numbers and their daring have increased dramatically.

I live on the beach in North Queensland, where Tourism is the major industry. Croc sightings along the beach are becoming common.

Recently an elderly neighbour was eaten after she became disorientated after choosing the wrong path home after a beach walk.

So, if visitors feel anxious about swimming in the ocean I wouldn't blame them!
Aug 25, 2014
 quiet killers
by: rick

top of the morning to you but just to let you know gum trees here kill more people than either sharks or crocs they call them widow makers heavy branches fall off when they are full of moisture even when its not raining but people still camp under them.
Jun 26, 2012
 Crocs down under
by: Mike (WAX) W

Yes Enya watch out for the Croc's in Northern Australia. By the way there's no Crocs in Southern Australia, Just 1000kg White Pointer Sharks!
Aug 06, 2011
 Crocs
by: Anonymous

There's no such thing as a stupid question. Only stupid answers.
Saltwater crocs are dangerous and I would always err on the side of caution.
NEVER swim or walk in any murky rivers or creeks where they could be lurking, especially if there are warning signs. You wont see the crocs., but they can, and will see you.
These signs are not put there for fun. They are serious and should always be observed.
Don't stop at a river to wash your hands or have a dip. If you are walking along the side of a river or creek and stop to have a break or a drink, be careful and don't stop at that spot on your way back because crocs will often wait and pounce when you least expect it.
"They are VERY patient" and will stalk their victims with complete and utter stealth.
Do not camp within at least 50 metres from a river or creek, preferably more, as these prehistoric beasts can and will leave the water to drag a victim into the water whilst sleeping.
If you are careful and observe a degree of common sense, then you should be fine.
Cheers and good luck.

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