How To Discover Crocodiles In The Australian Outback
"This is real crocodile country", warned our guide
, who could have passed for Crocodile Dundee. "You're looking at the croc's dining room. Swim in that river and you're gone!"Fact is, almost all the tidal rivers and estuaries in Northern Australia are infested with these prehistoric man eaters.
Here are 3 of the best tours, starting in Darwin, to see these creatures in the wild.
But be warned. This is wild, outback wilderness country.
Don't ever try to explore these dangerous areas on your own. These salties are wild creatures and even though you may not be able to see them, they can see you!
There have been many cases of people camping or walking on river banks in Northern Australia and mysteriously "disappearing".
1.Jumping Crocodile Cruise.
This cruise takes place on the Adelaide River, an hour's drive from Darwin. The crocs are in their natural habitat and many are trained to follow the cruise boat and jump out of the water to grab pieces of chicken enticingly dangled on string.
These actions make great photos, but I found it to be a bit artificial and touristy. There are however many opportunities to see these 4 metre monsters basking on the river banks, watching us and dreaming that one of us may fall overboard.
My suggestion is to take this cruise as part of a day trip to Litchfield Park. I loved this place. It has 3 magnificent waterfalls, flowing year round and one of the falls, Florence Falls has a superb swimming area where you can actually swim under the falls.
It is set in the middle of a pristine rain forest and yes it is crocodile free!
2.Kakadu National Park. Yellow Water Billabong.
You will need to allow at least 2 days to enjoy and explore this amazing wilderness area. Set in the heart of the national park, the Yellow Water Billabong is home to not only crocodiles, but a huge variety of birds, including the magnificent Jabaru.
The crocodiles here are not trained and you have to look carefully to find them. On the day I visited, we were rewarded with many sightings. Some were lying on the edge of the water and others were swimming.
A few were over 5 metres long but their size is deceptive when they swim. All you see is their eyes, parts of their scaly back and slowly moving tail.
3.Arnhem Land. East Alligator River.
This is real wilderness country and quite remote. It borders on the Aboriginal controlled Arnhem Land and tours are conducted along the East Alligator River by Aboriginal guides.
The tour groups and the boats are smaller and this allows you a real wilderness experience.
Try to combine it with a tour to view ancient Aboriginal rock paintings at Injalak Hill or Cannon Hill. Some of these art galleries are over 10 000 years old and they reflect the life and culture of people who have lived in this remote part of Australia for over 50 000 years.
It will be an experience you will never forget.
Crocodiles in Captivity.
If your stay in Darwin is short and time is limited, visit Crocosaurus Cove in the town's main street. These animals are in cages, but you can view them at close quarters and feeding time provides many photo opportunities.
It has been called "The Ultimate Wildlife Experience in The City" and allows you to see these 4 metre beasts in safety.
The star of the show is Burt, a 5.1 metre giant whose portfolio includes a string of attacks on cattle and the villain in the original Crocodile Dundee movie.
He was the beast who almost ate Linda, before Hoges came to the rescue.
Another great place to see crocodiles up close and personal is Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, just a 45 minute drive north of Brisbane,Queensland.
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