Whitsunday crocodile sightings
Issued: 17 Sep 2024
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is investigating reports of an estimated 2.5-3.0 metre crocodile seen in waters around Hook Island and Hayman Island in the Whitsundays.
Since 30 August, DESI has received four crocodile sighting reports from members of the public about a crocodile in waters around Hook Island and one reporting a crocodile in the marina at Hayman Island.
On Friday 13 September wildlife officers and marine park rangers conducted an inspection of Nara Inlet and other bays around Hook Island but poor weather conditions made it difficult to locate the crocodile.
In response to the most recent sighting report on 17 September, wildlife officers and marine park rangers will conduct a site visit at Hayman Island Thursday or Friday when weather conditions improve and are conducive to locating and subsequently managing the crocodile.
Local stakeholders have been informed of the current situation and will continue to be updated as required.
If the crocodile is confirmed to be present in the area, it will be targeted for removal from the wild.
It is important for members of the public to report all crocodile sightings to the department. Of the recent sightings below, some were not officially reported:
- 30 August – Butterfly Bay Hook Island
- 5 September – in water of Nara Inlet Hook Island
- 5 September – middle of Nara Inlet Hook Island
- 7 September – southern side of Nara Inlet Hook Island
- 9 September – northern side of Nara Inlet Hook Island
- 16 September - Cockatoo Point and Steens Beach
- 17 September – Hayman Island marina
It is not unusual for crocodiles to be seen on or around islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They are highly mobile and can use islands to rest during rough weather, and they use the ocean to move between river systems.
The Whitsunday region is crocodile habitat, and this sighting is a timely reminder for people in the area that they are in Croc Country.
People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and we’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water.
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DESI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
People in Croc Country are urged to be CrocWise, which includes:
- Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign
- Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
- Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
- Stay well away from crocodile traps – that includes when fishing and boating
- The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
- Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
- Camp as far back from the edge of the water as possible
- Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
- Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs
- Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.