Australia’s wild beauty is a magnet for adventure-seekers, but sometimes, the line between thrill and danger is razor-thin. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Kakadu’s infamous Cahills Crossing, a spot as breathtaking as deadly.
This week, a photo of an adult and child fishing just metres from the river’s edge—where saltwater crocodiles lurk—reignited a fierce debate about safety, common sense, and the risks we take in the great outdoors.
The image, shared on a popular four-wheel drive enthusiast social media page, shows the pair standing alarmingly close to the water, seemingly unfazed by the prominent warning signs nearby.
These aren’t just any signs—they mark the site of a recent fatality, a grim reminder of the river’s deadly residents.
While some online commenters shrugged off the scene, saying the duo appeared to be at a ‘reasonable distance’, others were left feeling ‘sick to the stomach’ with worry.
‘What is wrong with people?’ one exasperated observer asked, echoing the thoughts of many who know how quickly a day of fishing can turn tragic in croc country.
According to three of Australia’s top crocodile experts, complacency is the real killer.
Professional crocodile wrangler Tommy Hayes pointed out that, while it’s hard to judge exact distances from a photo, the fact that people are discussing the risks is a positive sign.
‘I’m glad people are paying attention, and not shrugging it off,’ he said.
Matt Cornish, co-founder of Community Representation of Crocodiles, was even more direct: ‘Cahills Crossing is considered to be a high-risk crocodile location where people need to be extremely vigilant. We have had crocodile fatalities there over the last couple of decades.’
The area’s popularity with anglers only increases the risk, as more people and fish mean more opportunities for crocodile encounters.
Experts urged everyone to keep their catch—and themselves—well away from the water’s edge.
How close is too close?
Mick Bender, a licensed reptile handler and educator at Wildlife Unleashed, explained the science behind the safety guidelines.
‘The recommendation is that people keep five metres back from the water’s edge,’ he said. That’s not an arbitrary number—it’s based on the strike range of the largest recorded saltwater crocodile, which measured a whopping seven metres.
‘Their strike range is half their body length, and they can do that in the blink of an eye.’
In other words, if you’re within three and a half metres of the water, you’re in the danger zone. And since you never know how big the local crocs are, it’s best to give yourself even more space.
If you think you’ll see a crocodile coming, think again. ‘People don’t realise that there’s no warning from a crocodile. It’s not like you’re going to see it coming. They’re an ambush attack predator. They rely on being completely hidden and unseen,’ Mick explained.
Crocodiles can launch themselves out of the water with astonishing speed and power, sometimes even leaping up to snatch birds or bats from the air. The risk is even greater for children, as smaller crocs are more likely to target them.
Tommy Hayes also highlighted the role of social media influencers in shaping public attitudes.
‘It’s hard when you’re battling d****heads who say don’t go near the water and then film themselves jumping in. You’ve got to lead by example,’ he said.
The ‘Aussie larrikin’ attitude might make for entertaining videos, but it can have deadly consequences when followers try to imitate risky behaviour.
Tommy, who has a three-year-old son, is determined to instil respect for crocodile country from a young age.
‘He’s more croc-wise than I am. When we go fishing, we’re a minimum five metres back,’ he said.
Staying safe in croc country
If you’re planning a trip to the Top End—or any part of Australia where crocodiles are present—here are some essential safety tips:
- Always obey warning signs. They’re there for a reason.
- Stay at least five metres from the water’s edge. More is better.
- Never clean fish or leave bait near the water. This attracts crocs.
- Keep children and pets well away from the water. They’re at higher risk.
- Be aware that crocodiles can strike with no warning. Don’t assume you’ll see them first.
- Don’t be tempted by social media stunts. What looks daring online can be deadly in real life.
Australia’s landscapes are some of the world’s most beautiful—and dangerous. From the outback to the tropics, our wildlife is a source of wonder and pride.
But as this latest incident at Cahills Crossing shows, a moment’s inattention can have lifelong consequences.
Have you had a close call with wildlife while travelling in Australia? Do you think enough is being done to educate tourists about the risks? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—your experience could help keep someone else safe.
Also read: Are Australians being targeted? Warning issued for tourist hotspot
