Crocodiles
There are 2 types of crocodile native to Australia: the fresh water crocodiles (called freshies) who only exist here, and salt water crocodiles (salties).Freshies become approx. 2 - 3 m long and are recognisable amongst others because of the narrow mouth and the brownish color. They are harmless for people - as long as they are not put on the edge - due to the fact that their food consists of smaller fish, frogs and insects.
Salt water crocodiles on the other side are extremely dangerous for careless people. The animals often grow up to 6 meters long and live in northern and northeast Australia. They favour brackish coastal waters, but sometimes you can come across them hundreds of kilometers inland in fresh water regions.
An replica of the reportedly largest crocodile ever caught in Australia
In crocodile areas you should rather ask locals before you approach a river, creek or tarn. We heard that they can even reach 30 km/h short-range. And one thing is for sure. A piece of meat as large as a human snack is a temptation much to big to let escape it. After such a banquet a crocodile doesn't need food for a longer time. So be careful with camping in the surrounding of water areas and keep a sufficient safety distance to the water.
No river to go for a swim ...
... because if they can get hold of something delicious, crocodiles are quite fast! Yummy!
If you want to see the animals close-by, you should take part in one of the boat tours, where the crocodiles are lured with meat by experts. Another possibility are crocodile farms.