Fun Facts About Saltwater Crocodiles in Airlie Beach
Updated Thu 19 Sep 2024
Crocodiles are a mysterious, intriguing and often intimidating aspect of your Far North QLD adventures. However, do not fret; the saltwater crocodile's habitat is usually not found either in Airlie Beach or the Whitsundays.
They are instead found in Proserpine, a neighbouring regional town. Home to the Proserpine River, which has the perfect environment for crocs, you can spy one of these prehistoric reptiles on a safe, organised croc-spotting tour. Here are some fun facts about saltwater crocodiles so you can better understand these magnificent reptiles.
Fun Facts about Saltwater Crocodiles
Crocs are the largest living reptile in the world
- The saltwater crocodile is known for being the largest reptile in the world. Males can grow up to 7 metres long while females are smaller and only grow up to 3 metres. Their size and hunting abilities are incredible!
Crocodiles are prehistoric
- Crocodiles are as old as dinosaurs as they first appeared over 240 million years ago. Crocodiles also haven't evolved much over that time, unlike most creatures. It's a mystery how crocodiles have survived longer than dinosaurs did.
Don't sweat it crocs
- Crocodiles don't sweat. They're cold-blooded and can't produce their own heat. This is why they are found in the hotter parts of Australia. However, they do still overheat and have to cool down by resting on the riverbanks.
Crocodiles never fully sleep
- Crocs do mysteriously sleep with one eye open. They sleep with part of their eye open as if they are 'half sleeping.' In fact, half of a crocodile's brain shuts down when it sleeps while the other remains alert in case of any nearby threats.
Facts about Crocodiles in Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
Crocodiles don't like the beach
- Crocodiles don't live in the sparkling blue waters of the Whitsundays or Airlie Beach. They prefer murky, brackish waters which allow them to hunt and prowl stealthily. If they are spotted near the islands or reefs, it's usually by accident, due to being misplaced by extreme weather.
A baby crocodile was spotted island hopping
- Renowned as an incredibly rare event, a baby saltwater croc was spotted in Hayman Island waters in 2016. This crocodile was spotted immediately and identified as lost due to heavy rains washing him from the Proserpine River mouth.
There have been crocodiles spotted in Airlie Beach
- Over the years, there have been a handful of very rare crocodile sightings in Airlie Beach. These events are usually after periods of large rainfall or natural disasters, displacing these reptiles from their home. The most recorded sighting of crocs in Airlie has been at marinas due the murky, stagnant waters.
It's easy to stay safe from crocodiles in the Whitsundays
- You really don't have to fear crocodiles in the Whitsundays! As long as you explore the islands and reefs with an organised boat tour, crewed by local experts, you don't have to worry. Crocs are only a threat to humans if you wander into their territory and disturb them, and most tourists aren't walking through murky river mouths at dusk.
You can see a crocodile in Airlie Beach, safely
- Dreaming of spotting a crocodile in the wild? A Crocodile Safari is an authentic cruise through the Proserpine River on which you are bound to see these majestic predators. This is a safe and controlled way to see crocodiles in Australia.
Hold a baby crocodile at Bredl's Wild Farm
- Another way to see crocodiles safely in Airlie Beach is a visit to Bredl's Wild Farm. This family-run business is great for people of all ages, and you get to interact with various creatures including a baby croc if they have one when you're there.
