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7 Crocwise Tips for Staying Safe in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is a beautiful and unique destination, but it is also home to two types of crocodiles – saltwater and freshwater. These prehistoric reptiles can pose a serious threat to humans if not approached with caution. Therefore, being crocwise is essential to ensure your safety during your trip. In this post, we will provide a guide to being crocwise in the Northern Territory, including tips for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, and exploring the national parks in the area.

By being crocwise, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of these incredible animals.

1: Understand The Crocodile Habitat

Crocodiles are found in abundance in the Northern Territory, and it is essential to understand their habitat to avoid encountering them.

Saltwater crocodiles, also known as the “salties,” prefer to live in saltwater environments, such as estuaries, mangroves, and coastal rivers. They can grow up to 6 metres in length and are the largest reptiles on earth.

Freshwater crocodiles, also known as “freshies,” are smaller in size and are found in freshwater habitats like rivers, billabongs, and wetlands. When exploring the Northern Territory, it is important to remember that crocodiles can be found in any waterway, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

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crocodile jumping for meat hanging off a stick in a brown river with a green tree and sunny cloudy sky background in the northern territory
@theoutbackrep
crocodile lying on a dirt embankment surrounded by rippling water in the northern territory
@dadoubidoupartout

2: Know Signs of Crocodile Presence

Knowing the signs of crocodile presence is essential for being crocwise in the Northern Territory. These include warning signs that are posted in various locations, such as camping sites, swimming areas, and fishing spots. Crocodile slide marks on the banks of waterways, large crocodile tracks in the sand, and sightings of crocodiles themselves are also signs to watch out for. If you see any of these signs, it is best to stay away from the water and seek advice from local rangers or authorities.

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3: Be Crocwise While Camping

Camping in the Northern Territory can be an incredible experience, but it is important to choose a campsite that is designated as safe from crocodile risk. Many of the national parks in the area have designated camping areas that are protected from crocodile risk. It is essential to never camp within 50 meters of the water’s edge, and to never leave food or waste around your campsite as this can attract crocodiles. Additionally, it is important to avoid setting up camp near crocodile slide marks or tracks.

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man in tent camping northern territory
IG @breemcallan
crocodile leaping out of the water to get some meat dangling from a stick in the northern territory
@sianemilytravels

4: Be Crocwise While Swimming

Swimming in the Northern Territory can be dangerous, as crocodiles are often found in the waterways. Always swim in designated areas that are marked as safe for swimming. Avoid swimming at night or in murky water, and never enter the water if warning signs indicate crocodile presence. Additionally, keep in mind that even if you don’t see any crocodiles, they can still be lurking beneath the water surface. If you are unsure about the safety of a swimming area, seek advice from local rangers or authorities.

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5: Be Crocwise While Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in the Northern Territory, but it is important to be cautious when near waterways. Never fish in areas that are known to have crocodiles or where warning signs indicate crocodile presence. Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and never clean fish near the water, as this can attract crocodiles. When fishing from a boat, be sure to wear a life jacket and stay seated while on board. Avoid dangling hands or feet over the side of the boat, and never try to feed crocodiles.

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crocodile eating kangaroo in water northern territory
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crocodile jumping out of the water with it's mouth open
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6: Be Crocwise While Boating

Boating is a popular activity in the Northern Territory, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks of encountering crocodiles while on the water. Always check the tides and weather conditions before heading out and avoid boating during the night. Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and never jump or dive into the water. When approaching the shore, be cautious of crocodile slide marks or tracks and never approach any crocodiles you may see on the riverbanks.

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7: Be Crocwise While Exploring National Parks

The Northern Territory is home to many National Parks that are worth exploring, but it is important to be crocwise while doing so. Always stay on designated trails and keep a safe distance from any waterways. If you need to cross a waterway, look for designated crossing areas and avoid doing so during the night or in murky water. Be aware that crocodiles can be found in any waterway, no matter how small, and always heed warning signs indicating crocodile presence.

lotus flower in a billabong in limmen national park
Limmen National Park by @mine_mei_mei on IG

Being crocwise is essential when travelling in the Northern Territory. Crocodiles can be found in any waterway, and it is important to understand their habitat and signs of their presence. When camping, swimming, fishing, boating, or exploring national parks, always follow the guidelines to stay safe.

By being crocwise, you can enjoy your trip to the Northern Territory while also ensuring your safety.

*Cover image by @mrgrahn on IG. 

Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Darwin here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Darwin City daily fix by joining our FB group Darwin We 💙 Love You by Norther®

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Norther

NORTHER ® provides encouragement for travellers to value, enjoy and explore the NT in a one-of-kind way so they can honour and respect culture through care and integrity.

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