Crocodile Safety in the NT

The Northern Territory has the highest density of saltwater crocodiles in the world — an estimated 100,000+ wild crocs, with a density of 5.3 per kilometre of waterway. That's three times more than Queensland.

This is not something to be afraid of. It's something to respect.

The Facts

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are:

• ●Up to 6 metres long and 1,000kg
• ●Present in every NT waterway — rivers, creeks, beaches, harbours, billabongs, even the open ocean
• ●Invisible until they strike — they can submerge for over an hour
• ●Lightning fast — they can launch from water in milliseconds
• ●Territorial — they live in the same area year-round

Since 1969, there have been 23 fatal crocodile attacks in the NT. On average, there are 2-3 reported attacks per year across Australia.

The Golden Rules

1. Only Swim in Designated Croc-Monitored Areas

If there's no "Safe to Swim" sign, assume crocodiles are present. Period.

Safe swimming spots:

• ●Berry Springs Nature Park (50min from Darwin)
• ●Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls (Litchfield)
• ●Edith Falls (near Katherine)
• ●Katherine Hot Springs (in-town)
• ●Bitter Springs (Mataranka)
• ●Wave Lagoon & Lake Alexander (Darwin)
• ●West MacDonnell Ranges waterholes (Red Centre — no crocs here)

2. Never Go Near the Water's Edge

• ●Don't wade, fish from the bank, or clean fish at the water's edge
• ●Stand back at least 5 metres from any waterway
• ●Be especially careful at boat ramps — crocs learn that boats mean fish scraps

3. Camp at Least 50m from Water

• ●Crocs hunt on land at night, especially during breeding season (September-April)
• ●Never leave food scraps near your tent
• ●Don't hang fish from your boat near camp

4. Be Alert in Unusual Places

Crocs have been found in:

• ●Swimming pools
• ●Golf course water hazards
• ●Storm drains
• ●Ocean beaches
• ●Car parks near water

What the NT Government Does

The NT runs one of the world's most extensive crocodile management programs:

• ●250-300 problem crocodiles removed from Darwin Harbour annually
• ●Trap lines across popular waterways
• ●Active monitoring at all designated swimming holes
• ●The CrocWise public education campaign

If You See a Crocodile

• ●Report it: 1800 453 210 (24-hour hotline)
• ●Do NOT approach, feed, or provoke it
• ●Move away slowly — don't run (they can outrun you in short bursts)
• ●If attacked in water: fight back, target the eyes and snout

The Bottom Line

Crocodiles are magnificent animals that have survived essentially unchanged for 200 million years. They're part of what makes the NT wild and extraordinary. Respect them, follow the rules, and you'll have nothing to worry about.