Introduction
Saltwater crocodiles are dangerous to people and pets.
You should always be aware of the risk of a saltwater crocodile attack in all Top End waterways.
It is never 100% safe to enter the water. Your personal safety is your responsibility.
Be Crocwise
Be Crocwise is a Northern Territory Government campaign to educate people about crocodiles and reduce the risk of attacks.
You must always be cautious. Be Crocwise every time you go near or in a waterway in the Top End.
Be Crocwise resources
Be Crocwise learning materials and talks can help teachers and students learn about crocodile safety.
To get learning materials or book a talk, go to the Be Crocwise website.
Where crocodiles live
Saltwater crocodiles live in both saltwater and freshwater areas of the Northern Territory (NT).
They are common throughout the Top End and Katherine regions.
Crocodile population
Saltwater crocodiles were listed as protected in 1971 after being hunted almost to extinction.
Since then their numbers have increased and it is now estimated that there are between 100,000 and 200,000 in the wild.
Saltwater crocodile populations have expanded into areas where they have not been found since before hunting began.
Read more about crocodiles.
Fatal attacks
Most fatal crocodile attacks in the NT in the past 20 years have occurred when people have entered the water outside of designated swimming areas.
The NT government has a capture and management program for crocodiles that pose a risk to safety.
How to stay safe
This page has tips for staying safe in an area where there could be crocodiles.
Swimming areas
Never swim in water where crocodiles may live - even if there is no warning sign.
Only swim in signed areas.
Obey all warning signs - they are there to keep you safe.
Always keep a lookout.
Encountering a crocodile
Stay well back from crocodile tracks - one may be nearby.
Never provoke, harass or interfere with crocodiles. Even small ones.
Never feed crocodiles - it is illegal and dangerous.
Do not interfere with crocodile traps.
Boating and fishing areas
Be extra careful around water at night.
Be extra careful during the crocodile breeding season, from September to April.
Avoid going near the edge of the water. Do not paddle or wade in the water.
Always stand at least 5m from the water’s edge when fishing.
Be extra careful when launching or retrieving your boat - do not lean over the edge of a boat or stand on logs overhanging the water.
Do not paddle, clean fish, prepare food or wash at the the water's edge or from the side of a boat.
Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat.
Crocodiles can attack people in boats. The smaller the boat, the greater the risk.
Don't enter the water to retrieve a lure.
Get out of the water as quickly as possible if you fall out of a boat.
For more Crocwise information, get the boating and fishing in the Top End flyer PDF (1.5 MB).
Camping areas
Camp at least 50m from the water’s edge.
Avoid places where animals and livestock drink.
Avoid returning to the same spot at the water’s edge to fill your bucket.
Dispose of food scraps, fish offal and other waste in bins away from your campsite. Never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait at your campsite, and check that other campers have not left these behind.
Never prepare food, wash dishes or do other tasks near the water’s edge or next to sloping banks. Fill up your bucket and move away from the edge of the water.
Where you can swim
If a waterway does not have a swimming area sign, do not swim in this area.
There may still be danger if there is no sign. The area may not be safe or free from saltwater crocodiles.
It is safe to swim in all public and private swimming pools.
It is safe to swim in some areas at certain times of the year, as shown in the following table:
Park or reserve | Location | Time of year |
---|---|---|
Darwin | All year | |
Lake Alexander | Darwin | All year |
Wave Lagoon | Darwin | All year |
Main pool and Lower pool | Dry season only | |
Katherine region | Dry season only | |
Mataranka thermal pool | All year except during extreme flooding | |
Bitter Springs | All year except during extreme flooding | |
Toddler pool and rock pools | All year | |
Butterfly Falls | Early to mid dry season only | |
Wangi Falls | Dry season only | |
Florence Falls | All year except during extreme flooding | |
Buley Rockhole | All year except during extreme flooding | |
Walker Creek | Dry season only | |
Cascades | Currently closed | |
Tjaynera Falls | Dry season only | |
Surprise Creek Falls | Dry season only | |
Katherine Gorge above the first gorge | Dry season only | |
Leliyn (Edith Falls) plunge pool and upper pools | Dry season only | |
Sweetwater pool | All year except during extreme flooding | |
Douglas Daly | Dry season only | |
Pine Creek | Early to mid dry season only |
Private land
Allowing people to swim in waterways on your private land is a big responsibility.
You should consider the risk and take actions to limit them if you are going to allow swimming on your property.
You can report a problem crocodile 24 hours a day.
You must have a permit to destroy or interfere with a crocodile in the Northern Territory.
Read about crocodile capture and management and the conservation of crocodiles.