Where To See Crocodiles In Australia? 9 Best Crocodile Hot Spots + Tips

If you’re up for an adrenaline rush and want to see one of Australia’s most incredible yet dangerous creatures up close, crocodile spotting is for you.

The best places to see crocodiles in Australia are in the Northern Territory, usually near rivers, billabongs, and other bodies of water. Kununurra in Western Australia and North Queensland are also great spots for croc-spotting.

But before you create an adrenaline-fueled itinerary with the hotspots mentioned below, PLEASE NOTE this WARNING:

Crocodiles are VERY dangerous and can be found almost anywhere in the Top End, not just in the places mentioned here… and certainly NOT just where there are warning signs.  

Large crocodiles have been found a long way from the sea and in many smaller rivers and streams. They’re very good at hiding, too.

So please be crocodile-aware wherever you go. Don’t assume it’s safe just because there’s no sign, or no one has warned you, or you haven’t seen them.

OK, warning over. Let’s get started!

9 places to see crocodiles in australia

These crocodile hot spots have almost guaranteed sightings:

1) Marlgu Billabong, Wyndham, Western Australia

This magnificent oasis is like a jewel amongst the stunning Kimberley region and it’s located right here, a 1-hour drive from Kununurra. So, if you ever do the Gibb River Road, make sure to check this place out.

The billabong is better known for the water birds that visit it, but there are a few resident crocodiles there… Do not stray from the boardwalk!

During your visit, check the banks on the far side regularly – crocs can appear without warning.

2) Daintree River, Daintree, North Queensland

This is a known crocodile hotspot at just a 1.5-hour drive north of Cairns, right here.

The Daintree River doesn’t discriminate between salties and freshies – they’re both here in abundance.

You might see them on the sandbank, but if you want some “assistance”, definitely book a river cruise – that’s how we got to see a saltwater crocodile up close!

Our first unassisted sighting came after the cruise, as we drove up the road and spotted a large saltie sunning himself on a sandbank.

He wasn’t there when we passed that same sandbank on our cruise about 30 minutes before!

🤩 Cruise down the stunning Daintree River and spot unique wildlife in the lush rainforest: Daintree River Cruise

3) Adelaide River, Northern Territory

If you want a surefire way to see crocodiles, this is it.

This is a famous hotspot due to the “jumping croc” tours. They’re exactly as you imagine – the tour guides entice the crocs with food, causing them to jump high in the air.

These tours are the crocodile equivalent of shooting fish in a barrel – you WILL see them. Just hope like hell the boat doesn’t tip over as all the tourists rush to the same side whenever a crocodile appears.

(Just kidding, the boats are VERY sturdy)

🤩 Watch huge crocs leap out of the water to grab a bite on this wild Darwin river cruise: Jumping Croc Cruise

4) Lake Argyle, Kununurra, Western Australia

This is one of the most magnificent spots in the country, at a 1-hour drive south of Kununurra, right here.

Below the dam wall, you might see the cold-blooded (in more ways than one) freshwater crocodiles recover from the cool night temperatures by taking in some sun.

Several cruises depart from here. Even if you don’t see a crocodile, it’s worth it just for the mind-blowing scenery!

🤩 Cruise through Kununurra’s stunning Ord River, spotting crocodiles while soaking in a beautiful sunset: Ord River Discoverer with Sunset

5) Cahills Crossing, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Sitting at a 3-hour drive east from Darwin (right here), this is not called the East Alligator River for nothing!

Kakadu National Park is essentially croc-country – the park is home to over 10,000 crocodiles.

For more entertainment than is good for you, watch the anglers trying to land a big barramundi at this crocodile-infested tidal river crossing.

Jokes aside, watching someone actually being taken by a crocodile would give me nightmares for a long, long time…

So, watching a tinnie full of drunken fishermen, one precariously perched on the nose of the craft as it drifted ever closer to a large crocodile they hadn’t seen, completely oblivious to the warning shouts from observers on the river bank, was a mesmerizing moment I hope never to experience again.

Luckily for them, the croc slid into the water and disappeared – they never even saw it.

As the tide came in, more crocodiles appeared downstream… Not that the anglers knee-deep in the water seemed to care.

BUT if you want to see crocs with a bit less drama, definitely do a Kakadu Yellow Water Cruise!

6) Windjana Gorge, Gibb River Road, Western Australia

This place is famous for having the highest concentration of fresh crocodiles in one gorge and it’s one of the many beautiful gorges to check out in the Gibb River Road.

Windjana Gorge is very remote but jaw-droppingly beautiful. It’s worth the clouds of red dust and brain-hammering corrugated roads typical of the Gibb.

Once there, take the track into the gorge and keep your eyes on the water and sandbanks – it’s a matter of time before you spot a croc.

All freshies, of course (thankfully)! That makes it a little bit easier to get a tad closer for those souvenir photos.

7) Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin, Northern Territory

This is an epic attraction in the heart of Darwin, right here. It’s the go-to spot to get up close and personal with Australia’s iconic saltwater and freshwater crocs.

They’ve got some impressive reptiles there, including Burt, a saltwater croc made famous by “Crocodile Dundee.”

The highlight of your visit will be the Cage of Death, where you’re lowered into a tank with a massive saltie just inches away! But if that’s a bit much, there’s a chance to hand-feed baby crocs, too.

There’s also a great aquarium showcasing the marine life of the Northern Territory, as well as a reptile house where you can meet some of the region’s snakes and lizards.

8) Crocodylus Park, Darwin, Northern Territory

This is a wildlife park just outside of Darwin city, right here.

It specialises in crocodiles, with over 1,000 of these reptiles living there! You’ll mostly see salties, but there are also freshies and other exotic species.

The park also offers tours with guided feedings, handlings, and even jumping croc exhibits. Plus, there’s a chance to hold a baby croc too!

Beyond the crocs, Crocodylus Park is home to other wildlife like lions, monkeys, kangaroos, wallabies, and even water buffaloes.

🤩 Get ready for a day of wild swimming, waterfall hopping, and croc spotting in the stunning Litchfield National Park: Full-Day Adventures At Litchfield

9) Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Wangetti, Queensland

This croc park is a 40-minute drive north of Cairns, right here.

It’s known for showcasing the region’s iconic saltwater crocs with educational activities and tours. You can also take a boat ride on Hartley’s Lagoon and cruise past these prehistoric creatures in a near-natural habitat.

The park is also home to native wildlife like cassowaries, koalas, and snakes!

🤩 Have breakfast with koalas before spending the day with crocs and other wildlife at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures (Breakfast with Koalas)

Crocodile species of the Top End

There are two main crocodile species in Australia’s Top End – saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.

Saltwater crocodiles (salties) live in both saltwater and freshwater environments, so don’t be fooled by their name! You’ll find them in rivers, estuaries, and even coastal waters.

They’re very large, reaching 5-6 metres in length. They’re also famously aggressive and will defend their territory fiercely.

Freshwater crocs (freshies) are smaller, growing up to about 3 metres. They tend to be shy and are not considered dangerous unless provoked or cornered. But if you see a freshwater crocodile, it’s best to keep your distance. Better be safe than on a “death roll”!

Safety tips (be crocwise!)

If you’re in croc territory, always assume salties are around. Pay attention to the warning signs and avoid swimming in known croc zones.

Also, keep in mind that just because a warning sign is not there, it doesn’t mean the area is crocodile-free.

When camping, do so at least 50 metres away from the water. Store your food in a secure place to avoid attracting them, too.

Check out this guide from the NT government and/or this video for more tips to stay safe in croc country:

Top Tips

Phone and internet coverage can be spotty in the Top End. More the reason to be careful as it can be difficult to get help! Always download your maps so they’re available offline.

If you visit the Top End, remember that the wet season (November to April) is famous for its heavy rains and potential flooding. Roads can become impassable, so always check conditions.

Did you know?

The World’s Biggest Crocodile replica is in Normanton, Queensland. It’s actually a life-size replica of the biggest crocodile ever hunted, by croc hunter turned croc supporter Krystina Pawloski in 1957.

Now known as “Krys”, the 8,63-metre long croc is bigger than JAWS, and it’s the biggest known specimen in the world.

Thankfully, hunting crocodiles for sport was banned in Australia in the early 1970’s, as they became protected animals. But crocodile hunting still takes place down under – as long as your weapon of choice is a camera!

FAQs 

The bottom line

The best places to see wild crocodiles in Australia are mostly in the Northern Territory and its surroundings.

Head to the croc-rich rivers and wetlands of the Top End, venture over to Kununurra in Western Australia or explore North Queensland’s lush waterways.

Just remember, while crocs are fascinating, they’re also incredibly dangerous. Be crocwise whenever you’re in croc country! Keep your distance, follow all the signs, and stay safe.