Crocodiles
Crocodiles are extraordinary creatures, having survived since the age of dinosaurs with very few adaptations. Australia is home to only two species of crocodile, but can boast having the largest; the Saltwater Crocodile. Although ‘salties’ can live in the sea, they prefer estuaries and freshwater swamps across northern Australia and will often venture inland during the breeding season. The Saltwater Crocodile lays clutches of 30-70 eggs with the sex of the hatchlings dependent on the temperature at which the eggs are incubated. Kakadu & Arnhem Land and the Daintree River north of Cairns, offers numerous boating opportunities to view Australia’s apex predator. Saltwater Crocodiles can also be sighted along the Mulgrave River south of Cairns.
The Freshwater Crocodile (also known as Johnstone’s Crocodile) lives in rivers, swamps and billabongs also in northern Australia, but is much smaller and generally harmless to humans. They typically lay their eggs around June in the dry season and can be seen congregating in large numbers around waterholes and billabongs. Once hatched, females protect their young from predators such as turtles, raptors, pythons, sea eagles and even large fish.
Search for tours including Crocodiles, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or find out more at the tour links below:
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tour Ultimate Nature
Three Day ‘Peek’ Kakadu & Arnhem Land
Six Day Lords Safaris, Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris and Bamurru Plains
