Crocodile safety in the Kimberley: how to be crocwise

Crocodiles are part of life in the East Kimberley. Rivers, wetlands, estuaries and coastal waters across the region are home to saltwater crocodiles, and many inland lakes and rivers hold freshwater crocodiles. With sensible precautions, the risk to visitors is low, but complacency is dangerous. Saltwater crocodiles are large, powerful, well camouflaged predators that can attack from the water's edge without warning.

This guide explains where each species lives, how to tell them apart and how to stay safe while camping, fishing, boating and exploring. It summarises the official crocwise advice from Parks and Wildlife Service WA. Always follow local signs and the latest official guidance.

The two Kimberley crocodiles

Saltwater (estuarine) crocodile

• The largest living reptile. Adult males can grow to a very large size.
• Found in estuaries, tidal rivers, mangroves, billabongs, freshwater rivers and the open sea.
• Broad, powerful snout.
• Potentially dangerous to people.

Freshwater crocodile

• Smaller and lighter.
• Found in freshwater rivers, gorges, lakes and billabongs.
• Narrow, slender snout with fine teeth, used mainly for catching fish.
• Generally shy, but can bite if handled, cornered or stepped on.

If in doubt, treat any crocodile as a saltwater crocodile.

Where crocodiles live in the East Kimberley

• Cambridge Gulf and Wyndham: saltwater crocodiles are common in the gulf and the rivers that feed it. The Five Rivers Lookout is a safe place to view this country from above.
• The lower Ord River: saltwater crocodiles live in the tidal and lower reaches. Freshwater crocodiles are common further upstream.
• Lake Argyle and the upper Ord: large numbers of freshwater crocodiles.
• Parry Lagoons and other wetlands: saltwater crocodiles may be present, particularly in the wet season.
• Gorges and waterholes: many hold freshwater crocodiles. Some may be visited by saltwater crocodiles after the wet season, when waterways connect.

Crocodiles move between waterways, especially during floods. A waterhole that was safe last season may not be safe this season.

Swimming safely

• Only swim where authorities or operators have clearly identified it as safe.
• Do not swim in rivers, estuaries, mangrove creeks, billabongs, wetlands or the sea in crocodile country.
• Obey warning signs, but remember that the absence of a sign does not mean an area is safe.
• Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk and night, when crocodiles are most active.
• Be extra careful after the wet season, when crocodiles may have moved into new areas.

Camping safely

• Camp at least fifty metres from the water's edge and well above the high-water mark, as advised by authorities.
• Do not leave food scraps, fish remains or rubbish near the water or your campsite.
• Prepare and clean food away from the water.
• Do not return to the same spot at the water's edge at the same time each day. Crocodiles learn routines.
• Keep children and pets well back from the water.

Fishing and boating safely

• Stand well back from the water's edge when fishing, ideally a few metres back and not on logs or overhanging branches.
• Never clean fish at the water's edge, and dispose of scraps away from the water.
• Do not wade to free a snagged line or launch a boat.
• Use a sturdy boat, stay seated and do not dangle arms or legs over the side.
• Avoid small canoes and kayaks in saltwater crocodile habitat.
• Do not lean over the water to land a fish.

Viewing crocodiles

Seeing a crocodile in the wild can be a highlight of a Kimberley trip. Do it safely:

• Join a guided boat tour on the Ord River or Lake Argyle, where operators know the waters and follow safety practices.
• Keep well back from any crocodile on land or in the water.
• Never feed crocodiles. It is illegal and teaches them to associate people with food.
• Use binoculars or a zoom lens rather than approaching.

Myths to forget

• "Crocodiles only live in salt water." Saltwater crocodiles regularly live in freshwater rivers and billabongs far from the coast.
• "If I can't see one, there aren't any." Crocodiles can stay submerged and still for long periods.
• "Freshwater crocodiles are harmless." They are much less dangerous than saltwater crocodiles, but they can still bite.
• "Crocodiles are slow on land." They can move quickly over short distances.

Reporting crocodiles

If you see a crocodile behaving aggressively, or a saltwater crocodile in an area where people swim, report it to Parks and Wildlife Service WA. In an emergency, call 000.

Enjoy the Kimberley safely

Crocodile safety is just one part of travelling responsibly in the Kimberley. Read our guide to wet season travel, our page on East Kimberley wildlife and the East Kimberley travel guide for the full planning picture.