Be Crocwise. Reduce your risk
Crocodiles are a common occurrence in ‘Croc Country’ Queensland waterways.
No waterway in Croc Country can ever be considered crocodile free. That's why being Crocwise is so important.
Where is Croc Country?
Croc Country (considered to be typical crocodile habitat) begins at the Boyne River south of Gladstone, and extends northward, up the east coast and across far north and north west Queensland to the Northern Territory border. Crocodiles can sometimes also be found outside of croc country.
Crocodiles can be found in freshwater and saltwater locations along the coast and up to hundreds of kilometres inland including:
- rivers and creeks (including tidal reaches and mouths)
- swamps
- lagoons
- waterholes
- beaches
- oceans
- offshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.
Saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles can also live in freshwater, it’s just that they generally prefer the saltwater environment where’s there’s more food sources.
Understanding crocodile behaviour
Crocodiles are apex predators that use ambush tactics, such as lying and waiting at the water’s edge, to capture their prey.
Just because you can’t see a crocodile, it doesn’t mean there is not one close by.
Crocodiles can stay underwater for over an hour and can be completely concealed, even in knee-deep water.
- Night, dusk and dawn—are when crocodiles are most active.
- During and after high tides and heavy rains. Crocodiles can move further upstream during very high tides and periods of flooding and may move into new areas where they haven’t been seen before.
Top tips to reduce your risk
- Stay at least 5m from the water’s edge. Crocodiles often hunt their prey at the water’s edge.
- Dispose of your food and fish scraps in a bin or take them home. Crocodiles are attracted by an easy meal, so make sure you take your food, fish scraps and bait away from the water, camp site and boat ramp. Any scraps left in these areas puts future visitors to the area at risk.
- Keep your pets on a lead and away from the water’s edge. Animals, and dogs in particular, are attractive prey to crocodiles.
- Avoid using small watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards. The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk—crocodiles have taken people from small vessels.
- Stay well away from crocodile traps. Crocodile traps are designed to attract hungry crocodiles so avoid fishing and boating near them and never interfere with them. People who deliberately interfere with the operation of crocodile traps face potential penalties of over $15,000.
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I’ve lived and worked with crocodiles in Queensland for over 20 years. They make tropical Queensland special but they can be dangerous. When you're in croc country be croc wise and stay safe, don't risk your life. Remember just because you can't see them doesn't mean they're not there.
Treat all waterways as croc country. Crocs can be found in any waterway in the north.
Never swim where crocs live and stay away from mud slides on the bank.
Take notice of warning signs and stay well back from the water's edge.
Seeing a crocodile in the wild is an amazing experience but remember stay safe, be croc wise in croc country.
Be Crocwise when fishing, boating and camping
Fishing
- Stand at least 5m back from the water’s edge when fishing.
- Use an esky, tackle box or similar object as a barrier between you and the water.
- Leave the lure. People have been attacked while recovering a fishing lure. It’s not worth your life.
- Dispose of unused bait and fish scraps in a bin or take them home. Leaving potential food sources around for crocodiles to find has a similar effect as feeding them directly.
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Going fishing in croc country, here’s a couple of tips.
When launching your boat, best to climb over the front without getting your feet wet.
Never dangle your arms and legs over the side and if you do fall in, get out of the water and back into the boat as quickly as possible.
Stay away from any areas that show signs of crocodiles such as mud slides, there may be a croc close by that could approach the boat.
If you are sitting or pulling in a crab pot, stay within your boat, don’t lean over the edge or disturb the water too much.
If cast netting, try not to tie off around your wrist or waist. You may find yourself being pulled in.
If you get a snag, don’t worry about your lure, just cut the line, a ten dollar replacement is cheap compared to losing your life.
And remember, never get closer than ten metres to a crocodile in the wild, just in case.
Seeing a crocodile in the wild is an amazing experience, but remember stay safe, be croc wise in croc country.
Boating and recreational watercraft
- Your boat is your barrier. Keep the boat between yourself and the water when launching or retrieving it and face the water whenever possible.
- Keep your arms and legs inside your boat at all times.
- Avoid using small watercraft such as kayaks, paddleboards in croc country. The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk—crocodiles have taken people from small vessels.
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I’ve lived and worked with crocodiles for over 20 years and I’ve learnt to be Crocwise.
If you’re planning on taking the tinnie out this weekend here’s a couple of do’s and don’ts.
When you’re checking the ramp for hazards always spend some time checking for crocodiles on or near the ramp as well.
Always try and keep your feet dry. If you have to get wet use your trailer as a safe zone.
If you have to do something at the back of your boat, take it out of the water first.
Never walk around the back of your boat while it’s still in the water.
Crocs are smart predators. Never clean fish around boat ramps.
If you do, crocs will soon learn that boats coming into the ramp mean fish frames will be on the menu.
Crocodiles are more active at night and during the breeding season from September to April.
They use their long body and tail to herd fish into shallow water for a feed.
So stay well back from the waters edge or use well lit boat ramps and carry a powerful torch.
And remember, never bring your boat within 10 metres of a crocodile in the wild, just in case.
Seeing a crocodile in the wild is an amazing experience, but remember, stay safe. Be Crocwise in Croc country.
Camping
- Camp at least 50m from the water’s edge. Crocodiles have attacked people at campsites too close to the water.
- Limit your time at the water’s edge when collecting water. Avoid using the same spot repeatedly as crocodiles recognise repeated behaviours.
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Putting the tinnie in this weekend?
Going fishing or camping?
Stay safe. Remember to be Crocwise in Croc Country.
Obey crocodile warning signs.
They are there for your safety and protection.
Always check that previous campers haven’t left scraps behind before pitching your tent.
Camp at least 2 metres above the high-water mark and at least 50 metres from the water’s edge.
Never prepare food, wash dishes, or fillet fish near the waters edge or nearby riverbank.
Dispose of food scraps, fish offal and other waste away from your campsite.
And never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait at your campsite or boat ramp.
Always stay 5 metres back from the waters edge and never paddle or swim in Croc Country.
Remember, crocs live in both freshwater and saltwater.
Seeing a croc in the wild is an amazing experience but remember stay safe. Be Crocwise in Croc country.
Swimming
Swimming or snorkelling in Croc Country puts you at risk of crocodile attack. No waterway in Croc Country can ever be considered crocodile free. If you decide to swim, reduce your risk:
- Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Visit the Beachsafe website to locate patrolled beaches in your area.
- Only swim during the day. Crocodiles are most active at dawn, dusk or at night.
- Only swim in clear water where you can see the bottom. Crocodiles can attack in knee-deep water so wading can still be dangerous.
- Read and obey all crocodile warning signs.
