Australia – See wild crocodiles in the Northern Territory

If you’ve ever wanted to see a crocodile in the wild, the Northern Territory is the best place in the world to do it. The impressive Nitmiluk National Park and World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park provided backdrops for filming Rogue and Crocodile Dundee. You can experience these beautiful locations without concern aboard a guided tour, or in Nitmiluk hire a canoe and go at your own pace. The NT is home to the world’s largest wild crocodile population, with more than 100,000 of the predators in the wild. There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about these amazing creatures during your visit.

From crocodile parks and river cruises to adrenalin-fuelled swimming experiences, the Northern Territory can get you face-to-face as safely possible, with our oldest and most fierce inhabitants. Given their reputation for being grumpy and dangerous, we recommend you don’t attempt to find a crocodile in the wild yourself. Take a guided cruise and capture some happy snaps instead.

Saltwater vs. freshwater crocodiles

There are two distinct species of croc native to the Northern Territory. The smaller of the two, the freshwater crocodile or ‘freshie’ is generally less aggressive, rarely grows larger than 3 metres (10 feet), and mostly eats fish and birds. They’re not usually known for attacking humans but can give a bite if they’re provoked.

The more common and more dangerous species is the saltwater crocodile. These ‘salties’ reside along the coastline and waterways of the Territory. They have a taste for fish, but will eat just about anything including cows and buffaloes, wild boar, turtles, birds and crabs. They can grow up to 6 metres long (20 feet) and weigh up to 1 tonne.

While you don’t want to get close enough to see, freshwater crocs have smaller, thinner heads and jaws, with teeth that are almost the same size. Their saltwater cousins have large, broad heads, uneven jaws and very prominent teeth.