Are you travelling through Far North Queensland and wondering where to see wild crocodiles in Cairns?
You’re not going to be disappointed! This part of Australia is home to huge populations of these ancient creatures and you’re not going to be short of places to see them.
Whether you’re looking for an up close and personal experience, or would like to observe them at a distance in the wild, in this post we’re going to highlight the best places to see crocodiles near Cairns so you can have a snapping good time while you’re there!
Can You See Crocodiles In Cairns?
We spent several months living just outside of the city, and one of the most frequently asked questions we had from friends & family was whether we’d seen any crocs while we were there.
They ask it in jest, and were always surprised to find out that in fact, yes we had. A lot of them, and quite frequently… and without paying for a guided wildlife tour!
Saltwater crocodiles are no stranger to the waterways in this region, and while you might see people saying salties stick to the ocean… we’re here to tell you that they’re wrong. Very wrong.
Most of our saltwater crocodile viewings were done inland in swamps and rivers that have an ocean outlet. We’re not talking about small crocs either.
So yes, you can see crocodiles in Cairns, and we’re going to show you exactly where to look and how to stay safe around the Northern waters.
Where Are The Best Places To See Crocodiles In The Wild Near Cairns?
Let’s kick off this guide with some of the best free places to see crocodiles in the wild near Cairns.
Most people head to Cairns with the plan of paying for a tour to see, and maybe even feed, a wild croc. If you’re on a budget, or would rather head somewhere quieter for your experience, here are a couple of free places not too far from the city:
Eubenangee Swamp
This was our absolute favourite place for wildlife spotting near Cairns, and came from a local we met while working in a rural bar nearby.
It’s a very quiet and often overlooked spot so we share it with you with confidence that you’ll look after the area, leave nothing behind and act safe while you’re there!
Ok, so Eubenangee Swamp is actually located an hour South of Cairns, but if you’re travelling in a campervan like we did it’s worth the drive. You can even camp at the carpark if you want to.
The Eubenangee Swamp National Park is an impressive wetlands that’s home to over 190 species of birds and a few impressively big saltwater crocodiles.
Once you’re parked up, follow the walking track through the woodlands until it reaches a clearing. Then head up the hill for an incredible view over the swamplands. It’s down there you’ll be able to see the crocs, if you’re lucky.
When we first visited, it didn’t take long for us to see a huge croc wading into the water shortly followed by a couple of smaller females. We also saw some really exotic birds who seem to coexist with their prehistoric neighbours without much stress.
Do not attempt this walk if the area is flooded and keep your eyes open for crocs near the track as the river runs alongside it. We recommend staying away from the long grass or being tempted to walk down the hill for a better look, crocs nest in the long grass on the banks.
The Mowbray River
Heading north from Cairns, you’ll cross The Mowbray River.
This is another great spot for seeing wild crocodiles near Cairns, so much so that the council have now put a footbridge and viewing area in place to make it easier for people.
The best time to see them here is during low tide, when you’re almost guaranteed to see crocodiles basking on the mud slopes or taking shelter in the shade caused by the bridges.
It can get busy at this spot but the area is big enough.
Once again, don’t be tempted to get closer to the water, even if you can’t see any straight away.
Daintree Ferry Crossing
I know I know, not necessarily free but it’s not a group tour, and that counts.
If you’re planning to visit the Daintree Rainforest or Cape Tribulation, pray that you get a good spot on the ferry and keep your eyes peeled for them. You won’t be able to get out of your car, and the crossing is only short but it’s still worth looking out because you never know!
There are quite often sightings on the beaches themselves this far north, but since they’re less predictable and probably quite scary we haven’t added them as an official spot on this list.
The Best Crocodile Tours Near Cairns
If you want a more guaranteed chance of seeing crocodiles near Cairns, then joining a guided tour is the best way to go.
These tours take place in a variety of settings from rivers in the wild, to operating crocodile farms and zoo-style settings.
It’s important to understand that while it’s illegal to capture and kill a wild crocodile, crocodile farms are common in Australia and act as an ethical way to source their meat (which is on many menus around Far North Queensland) and of course, the souvenirs that are sold all around the country.
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is an eco-certified wildlife sanctuary that offers up close and personal experiences with iconic Australian wildlife.
Including swimming with crocodiles.
This isn’t the only place in Australia to offer this, but it is the only place in the East Coast. So if you’re not planning to visit Darwin while you’re in Australia, this is the place to go for the ultimate salty selfie.
Entrance tickets start at $46, with experiences costing extra. You can jump the line with prebooked tickets here, or use the form below to book your croc experience!
Daintree River Cruise
We already hinted at the Daintree Rainforest being a good place to spot wild crocodiles, so it should be no surprise to see that they have crocodile river cruises on offer!
For just $40, you can get unlimited access to two cruise routes for 30 days. This means if you somehow didn’t see any on your first go, you can hop on again for up to a month!
Choose to cruise the Upper Daintree River, through the village spotting wildlife and crocks. Or take the Lower Daintree River route that will navigate you through the largest collection of mangrove species in the southern hemisphere.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a unique mix of crocodile farm and sustainable eco-attraction offering live performances and close encounters for its visitors.
Some of the attractions include crocodile feeding displays, tours of the farm and boat tours where you get the chance to see crocs jumping out of the water.
Entrance tickets start at $45, which includes a boat tour.
Aside from the crocodiles, you can also see cassowary, venomous snakes and Australian legends: Koala.
Dickson Inlet Paddle Boat Tour
If a slow cruise is more up your street, then hop on a paddle boat to explore Dickson Inlet.
This one and a half hour cruise includes drinks and a snack while cruising around the river mouth in hopes of seeing the local salties. With an expert guide, you’ll be able to learn more about the area and the wildlife that calls it home.
They also have a sunset river cruise option which I imagine is a beautiful way to end the day!
Are There Crocodiles At The Great Barrier Reef?
Crocodiles usually stick to murky waters which makes hunting easier for them. The clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and the huge swimming distance to get there, means it’s unlikely to see a crocodile while visiting the Great Barrier Reef.
However, it isn’t impossible and tour operators still keep a lookout for them and will end swimming sessions if they suspect one is nearby.
The last reported sighting of a crocodile on the Great Barrier Reef was in 2020 when a diver found a 1.5 metre salty relaxing on the reef!
Crocodile Safety In Cairns & Far North Queensland
Crocodiles are no joke, but we all know that.
So how do you stay safe from crocs in Cairns and the Tropical North Queensland when there are seemingly so many dangerous residents lurking in their waters?
No Wild Swimming
For us, croc safety in Cairns meant staying away from almost all wild water sources.
We didn’t go paddling in the sea, we didn’t swim in a seemingly safe river or creek even if there were no warning signs present.
The locals in the pub where we worked hammered this into us from the day we arrived, and if there’s one thing that we’ve learnt from travelling it’s to trust local knowledge.
The one exception to this is Babinda Boulders which locals assured us has never had a crocodile sighting. It still felt wrong to be swimming so close to croc territory though haha.
Official advice also says to avoid swimming during dusk and dawn but honestly? Why risk it.
Cairns city has a croc-safe lagoon that offers a safe swimming option for those looking for a dip to escape the summer heat.
Safe Camping Locations
When choosing a safe place to camp in Cairns, you need to be at least 50 metres away from the waters edge, and 2m from the high tide mark.
While crocs do spend most of their time in the water, you don’t want to be stepping out of your van for a night time wee and stumbling across one relaxing on the cold ground!
Keep Distance
If you’re lucky enough to see a wild crocodile in Cairns, keep your distance. If you think you’re far enough away, you’re probably not going to move even further away.
Given the general rule is to camp at least 50 metres away from the waters edge, you want to be at least this far from a live croc if you come across one.
Boat Safety
If you decide to head out onto the river in a boat, try and stay onboard! Don’t dangle your arms and legs over the side, and definitely don’t splash your hands in the water.
If you do fall in, try to stay calm and get back on board as quickly as possible. If you drop belongings into the water, use a net to retrieve it or leave it behind.
Where Else Can You See Crocodiles Outside Of Cairns?
If you didn’t get your fill of crocodiles in Cairns, you can see them in the Northern Territory where there are a lot of river cruise options as well as the ability to swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove.
Wild encounters are just as easy to come across there too, with many being sighted within Litchfield National Park although these are often freshwater crocs who are much less aggressive.
I’ll have a post about this soon so check back or join our newsletter.
Did this post inspire you to go looking for wild crocodiles in Cairns? If you find some, we’d love for you to share your experience in our Facebook Group!
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