Where are saltwater crocodiles found in the Northern Territory?

In the NT, saltwater crocodiles thrive in tidal rivers, mangrove-lined estuaries, floodplains, and billabongs. They’re most common in the Top End, including the Adelaide, Mary, and Daly River systems. Large males defend prime territories, while females protect nesting sites. They can also be found far upstream in freshwater habitats.

How do saltwater crocodiles reproduce?

Females reach maturity at around 10–12 years and build mound-shaped nests in vegetation between November and May. They lay about 50 eggs, and the nest temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings—around 31.6 °C produces all males. Incubation lasts about 75 days, but only about 1% of hatchlings survive to adulthood in the wild due to predation and environmental challenges.

What do saltwater crocodiles eat?

Their diet varies with age and size. Juveniles feed on insects, small fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Adults eat fish, turtles, birds, snakes, cattle, buffalo, wild pigs, and even other crocodiles. They are opportunistic predators, capable of taking prey almost as large as themselves, and are well-adapted for ambush hunting.

What are the biggest threats to saltwater crocodiles?

Historically, overhunting for their valuable skins severely reduced populations until legal protections were introduced in 1971. Today, threats include illegal poaching, habitat loss from development, nest destruction by feral animals like water buffalo, predation on young by goannas and large fish, and climate impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Saltwater Crocodiles of Darwin

Q: What is the difference between saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in Australia?

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are much larger and more aggressive than Australia’s freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni). “Salties” can grow over 6 metres and inhabit coastal rivers, estuaries, and even the open sea, whereas freshwater crocodiles are smaller (typically under 3 metres) and live in inland rivers and billabongs. The two species rarely overlap, as freshwater crocs avoid saline waters where salties dominate.

The tropical climate of the Northern Territory makes Darwin the perfect backdrop for the marine crocodiles that live here. This part of Australia is home to more crocodiles than anywhere else, so it’s worth visiting if you want to learn more about these fascinating prehistoric creatures.

Get up close and personal with these incredible creatures on our Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Don’t miss out on this exciting and educational experience!

The Saltwater Crocodile

Sea crocodiles, as the locals call them, are the largest reptile species in the world and have been at the top of the food chain for over 100 million years. They can grow up to an impressive seven metres in length and easily weigh over 1000 kg, although the average size of an adult male in the Northern Territory is around five metres.

Australia has around 200,000 sea crocodiles, with the vast majority living in the Top End and Darwin.

Where to see the Saltwater Crocodiles of Darwin?

There are many places to see crocodiles in and around Darwin. Here are some of the best.

Crocosaurus Cove

Located in Darwin, Crocodile Bay is dedicated to the magnificent marine crocodiles and is home to the world’s largest exhibition of Australian reptiles.

Swimming with Crocs

No, you didn’t get the name wrong! You can swim with crocodiles. You can slowly dive into the crocodile enclosure from a safe glass tube. You will see crocodiles swimming in front of you, with only one wall of clear glass separating you. This sight will surely scare even the bravest visitors.

Fishing for crocodiles

Grab a fishing rod and head to the fishing platform. You will be surrounded by a herd of hungry teenage crocodiles, separated only by the platform fence. All you have to do is cast your line and wait for one of them to appear! The crocodiles will go after any tidbit for their lunch.

See the Baby Crocs

If giant crocodiles make you nervous, visit the baby rabbits! This is your chance to hold them in your hands because soon they will become one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet.

Reptile House

Discover other inhabitants of the tropics in the House of Reptiles! More than 70 species are represented here, including snakes, lizards and turtles. Demonstrations occur three times daily, so be sure to catch one of the professional demonstrations.

READ Freshwater Crocodile

Crocodile Park

Located near Darwin city centre, Crocodile Park is home to over 10,000 crocodiles. In addition to seeing these creatures up close, you can also visit the museum, which features numerous exhibitions where you can learn all about the behaviour, habitat and lifestyle of these creatures.

Come and see the giant reptiles on the planet! You can climb aboard the Crocodile boat and see other creatures on display in the animal exhibitions scattered throughout the zoo.

Territory Wildlife Park

This attraction is about an hour’s drive from Darwin. You can wander through displays on the wildlife and ecology of the Top End, including creatures living in various habitats, from the escarpments to the lush mangroves lining the coast.

Aquarium

This experience allows you to see marine animals in and out of the water! You are separated from the dark water only by clear glass. You can see platypuses, fish and crocodiles wandering around at the bottom of the aquarium.

Billabong

Billabong is where all the animals meet. A collection of local animals and lush plants. Watch birds, reptiles and mammals frolic in the water and on the shore.

Monsoon forest walk

This high-altitude walk takes you through the Top End habitat, past lush vegetation and babbling streams. You will see animals such as turtles, snakes, reptiles and birds frolicking in their natural habitat.

Night House

Discover the secrets of natural nightlife! This wildlife park is home to some of Australia’s best-loved nocturnal animals. It opens its doors after sunset to watch these creatures as they slowly wake up. The animals displayed here are geckos, sugar snakes and rare rock wallabies. You will be able to observe these animals.

Crocodile Tours

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Adelaide River, the crocodile jumping tour gives you a unique and unforgettable introduction to these creatures. You will travel by boat along the river, watching the local kings of the river. The guides will tell you the names and characteristics of each crocodile. As you go down the river, you will be able to observe the crocodiles and the local animals and plants that have taken over the area. Having found where the crocodiles are warming up, the guide takes out delicious treats and hangs them on a long stick high above the river. This is where the jumping begins: the crocodiles leap out of the water to grab the treats, with most of their bodies emerging from the muddy water. You won’t soon forget this exciting experience.

READ Saltwater crocodile Australia

Exploring the Northern Territory’s sea crocodiles is a must in the region. You can see these creatures in their natural environment in several locations, learn more about their fascinating lifestyle and get up close and personal with them like no other.

FAQ

Why is Darwin such a great place to learn about saltwater crocodiles?

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are much larger and more aggressive than Australia’s freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni). “Salties” can grow over 6 metres and inhabit coastal rivers, estuaries, and even the open sea, whereas freshwater crocodiles are smaller (typically under 3 metres) and live in inland rivers and billabongs. The two species rarely overlap, as freshwater crocs avoid saline waters where salties dominate.

How large can saltwater crocodiles in Darwin grow?

They are the world’s largest reptile species. On average, adult males in the Northern Territory measure around 5 metres. In some cases, individuals have reached up to 7 metres and exceeded 1,000 kg.

What kind of experience does the Jumping Crocodile Cruise offer?

The Jumping Croc Cruise takes visitors about 60 km southeast of Darwin to the Marrakai wetlands along the Adelaide River. Cruisers see crocodiles in their natural habitat—sometimes leaping out of the water to catch prey. The boats are undercover, suitable for all ages, and staffed with at least two experienced crew to ensure both animal and passenger safety.

READ Crocodile Cove

What other wildlife is found on these crocodile cruises?

In addition to saltwater crocodiles, you may encounter a rich variety of wildlife—including freshwater crocodiles, white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites, bull sharks, flying-foxes, endangered speartooth sharks, and critically endangered large-tooth sawfish.

Is the Jumping Crocodile Cruise educational and safe?

Absolutely. The cruise features live commentary offering educational insights into the crocodiles and broader Darwin wetland ecosystem. Moreover, the tours emphasize safety: boats are designed to protect passengers while enabling close encounters, and each boat has dedicated crew to oversee safety and animal welfare.