Crocodiles are a weird combination of Aussie 'Big Thing' and perilous prehistoric predator. Maybe that's why
Aussie ABC – C is for Crocodile my 2
nd most viewed post of all time*.
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| 'Krys', the world's largest crocodile, Normanton, Queensland |
Of course, the World's Biggest Crocodile replica in Normanton, Queensland isn't a 'Big Thing' ie several times larger than the real deal. It's actually a life-size replica of the biggest crocodile ever 'taken' ie 'shot' by croc hunter turned croc supporter Krystina Pawloski in 1957.
Now known as 'Krys', the8.63 metre long
(28' 4") monster croc is b
igger than JAWS, and it's the biggest known specimen in the world.
The
golden age blood sport of crocodile hunting ended in Australia when crocodiles became protected in the early 1970's. But hunting for crocodiles still takes place downunder – as long as the weapon is a camera!
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| Would you trust this face? Huge Saltwater crocodile at Victoria River via Timber Creek, NT |
Although that won't make any difference to the cunning saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus – or 'Saltie') who can wait for days to ensnare its prey, and once in the 'death roll', there's little chance of escape. It doesn't always hang out in salt water, either!
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| Would you swim with this little beauty? Freshwater crocodile at Windjana Gorge, via Derby, WA |
While less aggressive, Australia's only other crocodile species, the Freshwater Crocodile (
Crocodylus johnsoni – or '
Freshie') has been known to attack, although not fatally. But hey! Who wants to be the first?!
So where's the best places in Australia to hunt for those elusive 'live' crocodile photos? Try my 7 Aussie Top End Crocodile Hot Spots for ALMOST guaranteed sightings!!
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| Marlgu Billabong, via Wyndham, Western Australia |
This magnificent oasis set like a jewel amongst the stupendous scenery of the Kimberley is better known for the water birds that frequent it. But what's that lurking beneath its benign surface?
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| On the banks at Marlgu Billabong |
The video at the top of the post shows why it's not a good idea to stray from the boardwalk.
It's an even worse idea to venture onto the banks of this worrisome wetland when this little beauty is sunning himself!!
Croc Hunter Tip: Check the billabong banks on the far side regularly – crocs can appear without warning!
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| Yes, that speck on the sandbank IS a crocodile!! |
A known crocodile hotspot, crocodile hunter wannabees can choose an assisted croc sighting via any number of river cruises.
Daintree River Wild Watch was our choice for its birdwatching credentials, but we also got to see a saltwater crocodile close up.
Our first unassisted sighting came after the cruise as we drove up the road and spotted a large saltie sunning himself on a sandbank. He wasn't there when we passed that same sandbank on our cruise about 30 minutes before!
The Daintree River doesn't discriminate between salties and freshies – they're both here in abundance!
Croc Hunter Tip: So many Daintree River crocodile cruises can't be wrong! Sightings are virtually guaranteed on a river cruise, and are not uncommon elsewhere.
3. Adelaide River via Darwin, Northern Territory
The jury's out on whether a sighting of a Performing croc (ie a croc jumping for its supper) actually counts as crocodile hunting.
It's the saurian equivalent of shooting fish in a barrel BUT if you can't see them any other way, then knock yourself out!!
Choose one of the many available 'Jumping Croc' cruises – and hope like hell the boat doesn't tip over as all the tourists rush to the same side whenever a crocodile appears ...
Croc Hunter Tip: This doesn't really count as 'hunting' – but you WILL see crocodiles!!
The spectacular and otherworldly landscape of Australia's largest lake will keep budding photographers busy for hours. One of the most magnificent spots in the country, the watery landscape is so panoramic, the wildlife takes second place.
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| Morning at Lake Argyle, Western Australia ... and not a croc in sight! |
Almost!
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| Freshwater croc at Lake Argyle, WA |
Below the dam wall, these cold-blooded (in more ways than one) freshwater crocodiles recover from the cool night temperatures by taking in some sun. And while the morning cruise isn't specifically about crocodile hunting, there are plenty around the banks and in the water.
Which could make the annual 10- and 20 km swimming races in the lake rather interesting ...
Croc Hunter Tip: Check the far bank below the dam wall. And take that 2 hour cruise – if you don't see a croc it's worth it just for the scenery!!
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| Crocodile warning sign, East Alligator River, Kakadu NP, Northern Territory |
For more entertainment than is good for you, observe the anglers trying to land a big barramundi at this crocodile infested tidal river crossing into Arnhem Land. It's also fun watching vehicles crossing the causeway as the tide comes in.
And it's not called the East Alligator River for nothing!
Watching someone actually being taken by a crocodile would give me nightmares for a long, long time.
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| No, that's not a tyre ... Yellow Water dawn cruise, Kakadu National Park |
But watching a tinnie** full of drunken fisherman, one precariously perched on the nose of the craft as it drifted ever closer to a large crocodile they hadn't seen, completely oblivious to the warning shouts was a mesmerizing moment I hope never to experience again. The croc slid into the water and disappeared – they never even saw it.
As the tide came in, crocs appeared downstream – not that the anglers knee-deep in water seemed to care …
But if you want your croc viewings with a bit less drama, try a Kakadu
Yellow Watercruise!!
Crocodiles abound in Kakadu National Park. See them at Cahill's Crossing or on a cruise – but don't make out like crocodile bait!
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| No, those aren't logs in the water ... Windjana Gorge, WA |
Frustrated crocodile hunters who've dipped out*** on crocs at other hot spots will not be disappointed here, unless they're on a lifelong losing streak. If that's the case (and even if it isn't), think twice about heading for Windjana unless you're keen on experiencing clouds of red dust, brain-hammering corrugated roads, tyre-shredding rocks and other generally adverse driving conditions en route to this remote spot.
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| THAT'S what's in the water!! Freshwater Crocs at Windjana Gorge, WA |
Once there, if you can tear your eyes away from the gob-smackingly awesome scenery, you'll be reaching for the crocodile repellent – yes, there really are that many!
All freshies, of course!! But that makes getting a tad closer for those souvenir photos just that little bit easier!
Back down the road in Derby, crocs are regularly seen around the mangroves, although I have no photographic evidence of the large crocodile swimming in King Sound near the jetty.
Croc Hunter Tip: Take the track into the gorge and keep your eyes on the water and sandbanks. Some would go so far as to dub this a 'sure thing' sighting spot!
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| Feeding the freshies at Timber Creek, Northern Territory |
In the creek behind the Circle F Caravan Park campground, there's a daily feeding session attracting any or all of the 12 freshwater crocodiles living in the creek.
They're not always interested, but the enticement of a free snack costing virtually no energy is generally too much of a temptation to resist!
Careful observers may notice crocodiles resting on the banks of the creek – while they're *only* freshies, my tip for the day is to let sleeping crocs lie.
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| Lurking on the banks of Timber Creek! |
But the nearby Victoria River's self-nomination as Australia's last great wild river may well be true, if the number of crocodile sightings is anything to go by.
The best way to see them is in a croc-proof purpose built river cruiser with a context-setting tour of Timber Creek at one end and sunset drinks and snacks on a float in the middle of the river at the other!
A
VictoriaRiver Cruise delivers on multiple croc-sightings as well, with local Neville Fogarty identifying the 'local' crocs by name and reputation!
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| Lord Lizard leaves, Victoria River, NT |
As we passed the white croc, old 'Broken-jaw' and the 5+ metre long Lord Lizard who disappeared without a trace into the water beneath the cruiser, Neville told us the cattle station we were passing lost 200+ cattle to crocodiles each year.
Somehow, I don't think they'd mind a change in diet if anyone was foolish enough to stray too close to the water ...
Croc Hunter Tip: So many sightings of both Saltwater and Freshwater crocodiles, you won't know where to look first. But be warned – these ones are BIG!!
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| White Crocodile, Victoria River, Northern Territory |
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| Two Crocs, a Dead Cow and the Mary River, NT |
Disclaimer: Wild crocodiles are unpredictable, so of course I can't guarantee you'll see them where I have! But stay 'croc-alert' and you may see them where you're least expecting it.
Like the time we watched in horrified disbelief as two crocodiles fought over a dead cow floating downstream past our campsite on the Northern Territory's Mary River – but that's another story!!
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** tinnie = small aluminium fishing boat
*** 'Dipped Out' = Aussie expression meaning failed, or not done, or didn't happen
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