Prehistoric Reptile
When visiting Australia an animal that most people want to see is the crocodile. This prehistoric reptile both intrigues and terrifies visitors to the Island continent. There are 2 species of crocodiles in Australia: The fresh water and saltwater crocodile. The fresh water crocodile is more docile and smaller than the salt water crocodile. Saltwater crocodiles can grow up to 16 ft (4.9m) and have a reputation of being aggressive.
Crocodiles only inhabit Northern WA, NT and Northeastern Queensland. They frequent in rivers and occasionally can be spotted in the ocean. I have spent a good amount of time in croc country looking for them in their natural habitat with not much luck. I have walked rivers and sat for hours waiting for them to appear to get a photograph, but nothing.
Kakadu River Cruise
The best way I have found to view crocodiles in the wild is to take a river boat cruise. You have a better opportunity of viewing the animals by being able to cover more ground than walking. The tour boats travel the rivers frequently so the animals are used to the boats PRESENCE and won’t be scared off easily.
While in Kakadu I took a sunrise and sunset cruise on the Yellow Water. The 2 hour boat ride was a bit expensive for $99aud (hotel breakfast included) but the company I booked through had a deal for a 2 hour sunset cruise and a 2 hour sunrise cruise for $124aud so I decided to give it a go. It did not disappoint.
The boat ride starts by the Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu national park and went up the South Alligator River. The cruise was spectacular and not over touristic. The guide provided interesting information and was very knowledgeable about the land and wildlife.
I arrived at the docks, had a good breakfast at the hotel then I boarded the boat before the sun broke the horizon. Within minutes of setting out we saw our first crocodile. I ended up seeing a total of about 15 crocs on both the sunset and sunrise cruises. the banks of the river was filled with wildlife. I saw many water buffalo and countless numbers of birds. For someone trying to take pictures of australian wildlife it doesn’t get much better than this.
I went at the end of October which is right before the wet season in the top end. This was a good time to see crocodiles due to the fact that the land isn’t flooded so the crocodiles are limited to how far they can move around.
The best way in my opinion to see crocodiles is to take a boat cruise in Far North Queensland Or the Top End of the Northern Territory. Many companies do such boat rides so be sure to do your research and read reviews before booking. But I guarantee it will be money well spent.
Read More: Kakadu: A Wildlife Photographers Paradise