A day at the beach is more than just a chance to relax—it’s a cherished tradition that connects us to the natural beauty of our vast and diverse country.
For those who love adventure, the lure of the outback and northern Australia’s wild, untamed beauty holds a special appeal, promising unforgettable experiences and a chance to reconnect with nature.
But as some seasoned travellers recently discovered, the adventure can come with a chilling reminder: in Croc Country, you’re never truly alone.
Scott and Trish, a couple from New South Wales with more than 40 years of outback travel under their belts, thought they’d seen it all.
Their travels have taken them across some of Australia’s most remote and beautiful parts, and they’ve learned to respect the land and its inhabitants. But nothing quite prepared them for their latest encounter while fishing on a remote beach south of Weipa, Cape York.
It started innocently enough. The couple, who run the AusVenture Bound travel blog, were enjoying a day of fishing when they noticed something odd: pig tracks crisscrossing the sand.
For experienced bush travellers, this was a telltale sign that something else might be lurking nearby.
‘Where there are pigs, there are often crocs,’ Scott explained.
At first, what looked like a log or a bit of reef poking out of the water caught their eye. But as they watched, it became clear: this was no log. It was a massive, metres-long crocodile, silently watching from the shallows.
Scott and Trish’s story is a timely reminder for anyone venturing into Australia’s wild north.
‘You’re always being monitored from underwater—often murky, dark water—and you’ll never know it,’ Scott said. ‘We’re not always astute to what’s going on around us. But these animals, they’re just tuned in.’
The couple’s instincts kicked in. Feeling uneasy, they decided to head back to their boat, which was moored nearby. But as they made their way back, they glanced over their shoulders—and there it was.
The crocodile had moved to exactly where they’d been fishing moments before.
‘It was spooky,’ Scott admitted. ‘This guy had obviously been there a while and had learnt how to survive. Not many people would have picked him up, I reckon.’
Scott recalled the tragic story of Kevin ‘Stumpy’ Darmody, a well-known Cape York publican and croc safety advocate, who was taken by a crocodile while fishing in 2023. Despite years of warning others about the dangers, a moment’s lapse proved fatal.
‘All it takes is getting complacent for 10 seconds. That’s the end of your life,’ Scott said.
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are apex predators found in waterways, estuaries, and even beaches across northern Australia—from Broome in Western Australia to Rockhampton in Queensland.
They are masters of camouflage, often lurking just below the surface, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Crocodiles are known to ‘stalk’ their prey and can sense vibrations from footsteps or splashing in the water from surprising distances.
This makes them especially dangerous for anyone fishing, camping, or walking near the water’s edge.
Crocodile numbers have rebounded since hunting was banned in the 1970s, and sightings are now more common than ever. While this is a conservation success story, it also means more people are coming into contact with these ancient reptiles.
Scott and Trish’s experience powerfully reminds us that respect for nature is non-negotiable in the wilds of Australia.
‘Read up on your surroundings before you go,’ Scott urged. ‘Never enter the water unless you’re certain it’s safe. And remember, the crocs are always watching—even if you can’t see them.’
Have you had a close encounter with a crocodile or another wild animal while travelling in Australia? What are your tips for staying safe in the bush? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
Also read: An Australian beachgoer got attacked—here’s how they got away!
