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Australia is known for its dangerous wildlife, and crocodiles are among the most feared. The country is home to two species of crocodile: the Australian Johnston's freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) and the estuarine (saltwater) crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Both species can be found in Western Australia, particularly in the Kimberley region, where saltwater crocodiles are plentiful. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles in the world in terms of weight and can grow to over six metres in length. They are also territorial and aggressive, making them extremely dangerous. While freshwater crocodiles are less of a threat, they will attack if they feel threatened. Given the presence of these predators, it is important to stay safe when visiting Western Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Species | Australian Johnston's freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni), Estuarine (saltwater) crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) |
| Location | Northern Western Australia, Kimberley, Exmouth, Carnarvon |
| Conservation Status | Specially Protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 |
| Penalties for Poaching, Killing or Interference | Up to $200,000 |
| Danger to Humans | Yes, crocodiles are deadly and attacks can be fatal |
| Behavior | Crocodiles attack from deep, still or muddy waters where they can't be seen. They can also jump. |
| Precautions | Observe warning signs, stay away from the water's edge, don't turn your back on the water, avoid regular patterns near crocodile-infested waters, don't go near the water at night, don't feed or provoke crocodiles |
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What You'll Learn
Saltwater crocodiles in Western Australia
Saltwater crocodiles, or estuarine crocodiles, are one of the two species of crocodiles found in the waters of northern Western Australia. The other species is the Johnston's freshwater crocodile, which is endemic to Australia. Saltwater crocodiles are widespread in the Indo-Pacific region, from northern Australia across Southeast Asia to India and Palau. They are the largest reptiles in the world in terms of weight and can grow to over 6 meters in length. Their jaws can exert a pressure of several tons, making them deadly predators.
The saltwater crocodile population in Western Australia was significantly reduced between 1945 and 1970 due to unregulated hunting for their skins. In 1970, Western Australia became the first state to legally protect estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles, and both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are now specially protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Poaching, killing, or interfering with crocodiles, their eggs, or their habitat is an offence carrying penalties of up to $200,000.
Saltwater crocodiles can be found in any waterway and are known to inhabit the Kimberley region of Western Australia. They are huge, territorial, and aggressive, and they can even jump out of the water. It is important to stay away from the water's edge and never turn your back on the water when in crocodile habitat. If you see a crocodile sliding mark on the bank, stay clear of that area. Swimming in crocodile-infested waters is not recommended, and there are usually signs indicating the presence of crocodiles.
While saltwater crocodiles are dangerous, attacks are rare if proper precautions are taken. It is important to be croc-wise and follow safety guidelines when visiting crocodile habitats in Western Australia. Small creeks, waterfalls, and rock pools are usually safe, and there are plenty of places in the Kimberley that are crocodile-free and safe for swimming.
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Freshwater crocodiles in Western Australia
Australia is home to two crocodile species: the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni). The freshwater crocodile, also known as the Australian freshwater crocodile, Johnstone's crocodile, or the freshie, is a species native to the northern regions of Australia. They are found extensively throughout northern Australia, inhabiting freshwater rivers, creeks, artificial lakes, and occasionally tidal reaches.
In Western Australia, the known habitat of the Australian Johnston's freshwater crocodile extends south to Exmouth, with occasional records further south to Carnarvon. They prefer rivers, freshwater swamps, and inland waterways, often found further upstream. Some places in Western Australia where you can observe them include Kununurra and Derby.
The freshwater crocodile is a relatively small crocodilian, with males growing to a total length (including the tail) of 2.3–3.0 metres, while females reach a maximum size of 2.1 metres. They are not considered aggressive unless provoked or during mating season. Although they do not attack humans as potential prey, they can deliver a nasty bite in self-defence or when approached too closely.
The population of freshwater crocodiles in Australia has dropped dramatically in recent years due to the ingestion of the invasive cane toad, which is poisonous to them. They are also infected by Griphobilharzia amoena, a parasitic trematode, in regions such as Darwin. To protect the crocodiles and ensure their survival while managing interactions with humans, both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are legally protected under strict conservation laws. In Western Australia, the Johnston's freshwater crocodile has been protected from hunting since 1962, and poaching, killing, or interfering with crocodiles is an offence carrying penalties.
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Crocodile conservation in Western Australia
Two species of crocodile are found in the waters of northern Western Australia: the Australian Johnston's freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) and the estuarine (saltwater) crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Both species are extensively found throughout northern Australia, with the saltwater crocodile extending as far east as Townsville in Queensland. In Western Australia, the known crocodile habitat extends south to Exmouth, with occasional records further south to Carnarvon. These crocodiles inhabit freshwater rivers, creeks, artificial lakes, and occasionally tidal reaches.
Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are Specially Protected. Poaching, killing, or interfering with crocodiles, their eggs, or their habitat is an offence carrying penalties of up to $200,000. The DBCA closely monitors reported sightings and works with Indigenous rangers to conduct surveys to monitor crocodile abundance and demographics.
Despite conservation efforts, crocodile numbers are on the rise along the Pilbara coast in Western Australia's northwest. In 2024, there were more confirmed crocodile sightings than in the past decade combined, with reports of crocodiles swimming further south down the coast. While this increase in sightings may be due to various factors, it indicates that conservation efforts have been successful in allowing crocodile populations to recover and expand their range.
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Crocodile attacks in Western Australia
Crocodile attacks are relatively rare in Western Australia, but they do occur. The saltwater crocodile is the species most often responsible for both fatal and non-fatal attacks in the region, with only about 25% of these attacks proving fatal.
One of the earliest recorded attacks in Western Australia occurred in 1970 in the Northern Territory, with the Daly River being the only detail provided. In October 2002, a German student, Isabel von Jordan, was killed by a saltwater crocodile in Kakadu National Park while swimming with her sister and other foreign backpackers. The tour guide, Glenn Robless, was found guilty of making a dangerous omission and received a suspended prison sentence.
In September 2005, a large saltwater crocodile killed 37-year-old British engineer Russell Harris while he was snorkelling off Picnic Beach. On February 8, 2009, 5-year-old Jeremy Doble was attacked by a crocodile in Far North Queensland's Daintree River. The human remains found in a saltwater crocodile nearby were confirmed to be those of the boy. Just a week later, on March 15, 11-year-old Briony Goodsell was killed by a crocodile while swimming with friends at Lambell's Lagoon near Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory.
More recently, in April 2024, a 16-year-old boy lost his life in a crocodile attack in the Torres Strait. In February 2025, the search for a missing fisherman in Far North ended after a discovery was made in the murky waters, presumably involving a crocodile. In June 2016, a late-night swim at Thornton Beach in Daintree National Park ended in tragedy when 46-year-old Cindy Waldron was taken by a crocodile. Her friend, Leann Mitchell, attempted a rescue but was unsuccessful.
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Crocodile warning signs in Western Australia
These warning signs are often yellow, a colour commonly associated with caution, and feature clear, bold text stating "Danger Crocodiles" or "Beware of Crocodiles". Some signs also include an explicit "No Swimming" instruction, emphasising the potential risk of entering the water. The signs may be manufactured from materials like aluminium or plastic, ensuring durability in the outdoor environment.
The purpose of these signs is to warn individuals about the potential presence of crocodiles in the area, which pose a significant threat to human safety. Crocodiles are dangerous predators, and encountering them in the water can have devastating consequences. By heeding these warning signs, people can take necessary precautions, such as avoiding swimming or wading in nearby waters, to minimise the risk of crocodile attacks.
Additionally, these warning signs may also be accompanied by illustrations or images of crocodiles to further reinforce the message. The signs are often placed along roadsides or at the entry points to waterways, serving as a constant reminder to both locals and tourists of the potential dangers that lurk beneath the surface of Western Australia's alluring waters.
It is important for anyone visiting or travelling through crocodile-inhabited regions in Western Australia to pay attention to these warning signs and follow any safety guidelines provided by local authorities. By being vigilant and aware of the potential risks, individuals can ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience in this diverse and captivating landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are crocodiles in Western Australia.
Crocodiles are found extensively in the northern waters of Western Australia. In Western Australia, known crocodile habitats extend south to Exmouth, with occasional records further south to Carnarvon. The Kimberley region of Western Australia is known for its saltwater crocodiles.
The two species of crocodiles found in Western Australia are the Australian Johnston's freshwater crocodile (*Crocodylus johnstoni*) and the estuarine (saltwater) crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus*).
Crocodiles are not considered to be aggressive unless provoked. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines and be aware of crocodile warning signs when visiting areas where crocodiles are known to inhabit.
While it is not recommended to swim in waters known to have crocodiles, some people do swim in waters with freshwater crocodiles in Western Australia. It is advised to swim in groups of 12 or more as it is less likely to result in a crocodile attack. Always stay away from deep, still, or muddy waters where crocodiles can hide, and follow local guidelines and warnings.
