Crocodiles have been known to be as far south as the Mary River in Gympie. This is only about 167km from Brisbane and only 52km from the Great Sandy National Park. More astonishingly, this is a whopping 449km away from the northern points of Queensland where they are typically found.
Croc country (considered to be typical crocodile habitat) begins at the Boyne River south of Gladstone, and extends northward, up the east coast and across Far North Queensland. Crocodiles can sometimes also be found outside of croc country.
Saltwater crocodiles live in rivers and freshwater swamps across the north of Australia — northern Western Australia and Queensland and all of the Northern Territory. They like to travel and can be found up to 100km inland and sometimes visit beaches in these areas.
The saltwater crocodile population in Australia is estimated at 100,000 to 200,000 adults. Its range extends from Broome, Western Australia through the entire Northern Territory coast all the way south to Rockhampton, Queensland.
How far can saltwater crocodiles swim? They are known to be fantastic swimmers and can travel long distances by sea, sometimes as much as 900km. Saltwater crocodiles aren't particularly strong swimmers, yet there have been many reports of sightings in the open ocean, far from land.
So when answering this particular question of how far do they swim out into the ocean, consider how far out they are being carried by the currents. It is estimated that they can be carried out approximately (on average) about 48km (or 30 miles).
Scour the Shore
Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Some of these markings might include large indentations or gouges in the ground and sliding marks where they reentered the water.
You'll be pleased to know that there are no alligators or crocs in the Noosa Everglades. It's very safe and makes for amazing kayaking and awesome wild swimming!
Saltwater crocodiles are typically found in the murky waterways, rivers, lakes, and swamps in the Northern region of Australia. However, on occasion, they can be found in the ocean region, with the beaches and islands in the Great Barrier Reef known to have an occasional croc sighting.
Most of the reported sightings are around populated areas. Surprisingly there have been several reported sightings in the south east – even as far south as the Gold Coast. Presumably those sightings in central Queensland are freshwater crocodiles.
Crocodiles do not travel up waterfalls. FALSE ... They have been seen climbing the rock faces of waterfalls. They will often go around a vertical obstacle like a waterfall to make it to the next pool upstream.
False – crocodiles are often seen in fast flowing water and are able to move through rapids and even surf. Saltwater crocodiles don't like beaches and you're safe to swim there.
There are thought to be around 200,000 Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia, with the most found in the areas surrounding Darwin and the Mary River. Over the years, they have been hunted for their skins and have almost been brought to extinction on a number of occasions.
"The Proserpine River has the highest density of crocodiles anywhere in Queensland; it's got five-and-a-half crocodiles per kilometre,” Dr Brien said. “We're doing that to get a better handle on the crocodiles in that system, particularly the big crocodiles.”
More crocodiles in the NT
There is estimated to be around 100,000 saltwater crocodiles in the wild in the NT. There are more saltwater crocodiles in the NT than Queensland and Western Australia (WA).
“As Yeppoon is within known 'Croc Country', it is important people practise 'Crocwise' behaviour if a crocodile is seen in their locality.” Crocwise behaviour includes: . Stay at least 5m from the water's edge—crocodiles often hunt their prey at the water's edge.
They can be found in estuaries and beaches around Tropical North Queensland as well as in rivers, lagoons and swamps hundreds of kilometres from the sea. They are most active at night and in the breeding season from September to April.
Alligators are only generally found in freshwater environments, while crocodiles can be found in both freshwater and saltwater—although they can't live in the ocean, preferring to stick to river estuaries.
Does Mossman Gorge have crocodiles? While the fresh, fast-flowing waters of Mossman Gorge are less likely to have crocodiles, the reptiles can be found in Daintree Rainforest. Please be wildlife aware and do not approach any animals you might see.
Crocodiles within Fraser Island
Saltwater Crocodiles are found in Australia's northern region, found in the tropics of Australia in both their shallow seashores and murky rivers and lakes. However, crocodiles do not have a permanent population on Fraser Island, but they can pop up on occasion.
Noosa (and its surrounding areas) are known for having a wide variety of different wildlife and water systems like the Everglades, but crocodiles aren't normal in this region of Queensland.
Only Swim At Patrolled Beaches
These lifeguards can react quickly to a dangerous event. Most of Noosa beach areas are patrolled and have designated areas for swimming and other water activities. This makes the beach safer than other sections that aren't closely guarded. Noosa is a stunning place to visit.
Splashing in water will only draw attention. If a crocodile heads your way, run away in a straight line. The myth about moving in a zig-zag motion is just that—a myth. Crocodiles can move at 10 miles per hour, so remove those flip-flops so you can run faster.
Keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. Be aware that crocodiles often will bask with an open mouth to regulate their body temperature, and there's no cause for concern if you see this behavior. Swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.
“We recommend trying to poke them in the eye, hitting them in the top part of the skull or the side of the jaw. Those points are sensitive on alligators just like they are on us,” she said. In a water attack, the danger is more from drowning than the bite, Andrews said. So get to land if possible.