kakadu crocodile cruise

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Jumping Crocodile Cruise

There are more than 80,000 Saltwater Crocodiles roaming the Northern Australia waterways. The crocodile is a cold blooded animal, in the cooler months of June, July and August you can see them basking in the sun.

Adelaide River NT

Situated on the Arnhem Highway on the way to Kakadu National Park

There are more than 80,000 Saltwater Crocodiles roaming the Northern Australia waterways, but they are rarely ever seen. The crocodile is a cold blooded animal, in the cooler months of June, July and August you can see them basking in the sun. In the warmer months crocodiles bury themselves in the mud or hide under the shade of a tree. The crocodiles know the boats, they leave their place of hiding, knowing they may be fed. This happens all year round!!

© Tourism NT photo by Shaana McNaught

Located about 65 kilometers east of Darwin on the Adelaide River, the Jumping Crocodile Tour has been in operation since 1985. An ex-crocodile hunter who wanted to find a way to continue to make a living from his beloved crocodiles began the tour. The international success of Paul Hogan and the Crocodile Dundee movies at about the same time ensured the success of the venture, and today the Jumping Crocodile Cruise is one of the most popular tour destinations in the Northern Territory. Crocodiles along the tour route have learned to jump out of the water to snag small pieces of meat dangled from lines, offering a up-close view of these aggressive reptiles in the wild.

The experienced crew will make sure you are equipped with the knowledge you need to ensure you remain safe at all times.

1 hour Cruises operate daily at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm

Turn Left at Windows on the Wetlands Visitor Centre and give yourself some time to visit this great information center. Situated on the Arnhem Highway on the way to Kakadu National Park.

All rates are in Australian Dollars

Adults $50 Child $35  (4-14 years) Family Pass 2 adults & 2 children (4-14 years) $145 Family Pass 2 adults & 3 children (4-14 years) $170 Aussie seniors card $45 Infants accompanied and supervised by an adult free

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Contact Details

Phone: 08 8979 2548 [email protected] Shop 6/13 Tasman Crescent Jabiru NT 0886

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The Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: A Family-Owned and Operated Territory Business

Five purpose-built custom vessels offer guests two unique experiences of the Salt Water Crocodiles of the Northern Territory. Operating to the highest Australian safety levels with expertly trained guides and crew. An intimate and comfortable cruising experience, offering high standards of care without formality or stuffiness. Our crew are trained to be attentive and is always open to a friendly chat. Cruising with us ensures the Best. Authentic. Entertaining and Educational Experience offered on the Adelaide River.

Darwins Original Jumping Crocodile Cruises Since 1985

• User All ages
• Hour Glass 1 hour

Pathfinder Jumping Crocodile Cruises

Experience the Thrill in the Open Air on the Adelaide River as Our Knowledgeable Skipper Takes You Up Close for an Unforgettable Journey to Witness Crocodiles in the WILD!

• Family Favourite

Adelaide River Queen II Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Well, the real Northern Territory hasn’t been seen till you take a trip on the river on the Adelaide River Queen! Come see crocodiles up close!

• Transport from Darwin

Jumping Crocodile Cruise Tours from Darwin

Get up close safe and comfortably, tour available include Litchfield and/or Lunch.

Please call for more information as this is not bookable on our website.

• Small to Large groups welcome
• Hour Glass From 1 hour
• Private Charters
• School Groups
• Conferences
• Celebrations

Private group bookings are available with optional catering, the best onshore facilities in a tropical atmosphere right on the river’s edge.

Unmatched Safety, Quality, And Comfort

Nothing comes close to this 1-hour unforgettable experience viewing Australia’s deadliest reptile, the famed Australian Salt Water Crocodile Crocodiles are often viewed in cages or enclosures, however, the chance to view the majestic jumping crocodiles 100% in the wild and their habitats is one not to be missed.

Adelaide River Queen Cruises interacts with hundreds of different crocodiles offering both educational and exciting whilst being brief enough to ensure there is minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

5 custom-designed vessels (Adelaide River Queen II, Kakadu Pathfinder, Pathfinder II, Pathfinder III and Pathfinder IV) provide differing cruise experiences, all offering superior quality comfort and safety.

We also have a coffee shop, open daily, serving barista coffee, food and cold drinks. Fantastic views of the majestic Adelaide River.

Gift store, air-conditioned with gifts for every age. Toys, leather products, cards stubbie coolers and much much more.

#1 Boat Tours In Darwin ★★★★★

Previously used this company a couple of times now so it was a no brainer to have my eldest daughter and her boyfriend go on the same tour and they loved it. The guides are friendly, welcoming, full of information. Only company to use A++++

Everything was great. The boat was comfortable and safe. The tour guide was highly knowledgeable and made sure that everyone git an excellent viewing opportunity, regardless of where you sat. Could nit recommend highly enough.

Connie our guide was pretty up front and honest that the heat and the time of year meant that it may be difficult to spot crocodiles. However, we got really lucky with coming across four on the hour tour. Some history on each of the crocs was given, as with the local area. Very enjoyable! Thanks team 🙂

Highlight of our holiday! The tour guides were informative (and very funny + friendly), the animal came out to play and star employees who held up the fort, made our day. Absolutely recommend!

The staff were so helpful with having a one month old on the cruise. Connie the tour guide was funny and very informative about the local wildlife. Even though there weren't many croc's out on the day due to mating season, Connie was still able to get a few croc's out and did a fantastic job of making them jump out of the water. Highly recommend and would do it again.

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Our Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Unleash your spirit of adventure in Darwin , Northern Territory with an adrenaline-pumping encounter with the planet’s largest reptile – the jumping crocodile . With our renowned Jumping Crocodile Cruise Tour , you’re in for the experience of a lifetime.

7:30 - 11:30

Experience thrills with darwin's jumping crocodile cruise.

Dive into one of Darwin’s most iconic activities – a half-day Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River . As we leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, we journey about 60km South East to the heart of the Marrakai wetlands . This natural habitat is home to the apex predator, the crocodile, as well as an impressive array of 117 reptile species and a population of 280 bird species .

The Adelaide River is well known for its high concentration of saltwater crocodiles , along with other wildlife, including white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites, freshwater crocodiles, bull sharks and Black Flying-fox. Waters of this river are also home to endangered speartooth shark and critically endangered large tooth sawfish. You never know what you might see, so keep a keen eye!

Every tour is safe, comfortable and undercover, so you can enjoy the cruise no matter what level of fitness or mobility. After all, everyone should be to witness to power of the mighty Australian Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodile. All of our cruises have a minimum of 2 crew members on board so that while the action is happening in front of you, you can rest assured that our experienced Skippers are concentrating on keeping both their passengers and the animals as safe as possible.

• Tour code: SJCC
• Frequency: Daily (May to Oct) / Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun (Nov to Apr)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure: 7:30am
• Return: 11:30am
• 1-hour Adelaide River boat cruise
• Convenient transfers from Darwin
• Wildlife sightings, in their natural habitat!
• Skilled wildlife driver guide Comprehensive tour commentary

Refreshments

Refresh yourself before or after your river cruise with our free tea & coffee, or cold drink range available to purchase. We also have a range of locally homemade ice creams and ice pops available.

Disability Access

While we have done our best to accommodate those with disabled or limited mobility, not all areas of our facilities are wheelchair friendly, however, we will make every effort to make your visit memorable. Please let us know if you require assistance, either before, or on arrival.

Highlights of Your Jumping Crocs Darwin Tour

• Effortless transfers from Darwin with entry to the Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• Traverse the diverse wetlands and waterways of the Adelaide River, a floodplain region acknowledged as an important bird area
• The Northern Territory is celebrated for its diverse Australian wildlife, including 280 different species of birds and 117 species of reptiles
• Venture on a 1-hour small-group crocodile cruise, for an up-close and interactive wildlife experience in their natural habitat
• Benefit from live commentary from our wildlife expert, educating you about these magnificent creatures, their biology, behaviors, and the local ecosystem

Animal Exhibits

To understand the ecology of our local area a little bit better, we have a small number of animal exhibits for your viewing. Our staff are happy to introduce you to our resident animals, as well as tell you all about the various wildlife that can be easily seen from our premises.

Free Parking

We provide free parking for all sizes of vehicles.

Full Itinerary

Join us for an unforgettable Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour departing from Darwin, for a thrilling encounter with some of nature’s most fierce and deadly wildlife situated in the natural waterways of the Northern Territory. Australia’s Top End is said to host over 100,000 estuarine crocodiles, largely located in and around Darwin, Adelaide River, and Mary River areas.

Witness the largest and most ancient creature to have walked the earth since the dinosaurs. These primordial beasts grow up to 6 meters in length (the size of a small bus) and can weigh up to 1000kg. The infamous crocodile named “Sweetheart” was captured not far from the Adelaide River after repeatedly chewing motors off the backs of fisherman’s boats and stealing farmers’ cows. Sweetheart, unfortunately, passed away and can now be seen preserved in the Darwin Museum.

Our Jumping Crocodile cruise partners are adeptly trained to ensure the safety of both the crocodiles and passengers at all times. Crocodiles are fed buffalo meat, allowing guests to witness firsthand the powerful and dramatic hunting techniques of an estuarine crocodile. All staff are issued Wildlife Permits by National Parks and Wildlife for our interactions and no animals are harmed in any way during our wildlife interactions.

Meals: n/a. Driving Distance: 120 km.

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to adjust the route, boat cruise partner, and operating days due to weather, special events, boat maintenance, and/or third-party availability.

When in the Northern Territory, beholding the grandeur of a crocodile in person is a must-do experience. The best way to ensure a safe encounter with the world’s largest reptile is by going on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour on the Adelaide River. A cruise lets you witness these creatures up-close without compromising safety. Here’s what to anticipate from a Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour from Darwin guided by Autopia Darwin Tours on the Adelaide River.

While crocodiles were once in danger of extinction, you’ll see that these beasts are thriving in northern Australia. Today there are about 150,000 estuarine crocodiles and 100,000 freshwater crocodiles in the region. The 238-kilometre-long Adelaide River is known for its high concentration of these reptiles.

Crocodiles are famed for being the world’s largest reptiles but this is far from the only intriguing thing about these creatures. On a Jumping Crocodile Cruise, you’ll learn countless fascinating facts about crocodiles from their biology to their behavior. Our guides know how to make every cruise both thrilling and enlightening!

You’ll receive live commentary that’s relevant to the crocs you encounter on your cruise, as well as the local ecosystem. It’s the most exciting biology class you’ll ever experience! The wealth of information you’ll learn is well worth the cost of the tour.

Of course, these jumping crocodile cruises aren’t just an educational experience. It wouldn’t be a jumping crocodile cruise without seeing some of these beasts leap into the air. Witness crocs jump for joy to get to the chunks of meat our guides will dangle for them from a stick over the edge of the boat. It’s a guaranteed adrenaline rush!

Although the Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River is mostly about the crocs, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the other wildlife surrounding you. There are over 100 species of other reptiles besides crocodiles. There are also nearly 300 different species of birds, making it a paradise for bird lovers!

There’s no substitute for the close-up view of witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. On the Adelaide River, you can spot marine life like bull sharks, birds like white-bellied sea eagles, and flying foxes which are some of the largest bats in the world. Rest assured, none of the animals or nature are being disturbed in the process. The experience is completely authentic, resulting in the best photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Aside from the wildlife, the Adelaide River is a stunning sight in itself.

As you venture out on the water amid the warmth of the Northern Territory, it’s essential to ensure your cruise is designed for comfort to maximize your enjoyment. That’s precisely what we offer with our Jumping Crocodile Cruise from Autopia Tours. We’re committed to providing all our guests with a fantastic, relaxing experience on our cruises, guaranteeing plenty of crocodile sightings. Additionally, we’ve taken care of the region’s heat by making sure our cruises are air-conditioned.

Our Jumping Crocodile Cruise is proudly Aboriginal-owned, with proceeds contributing towards the traditional owners of the area. It allows you to not only enjoy an exhilarating adventure but also to make a positive impact with your investment. You can either join this standalone tour or experience the Jumping Crocodile Tour as part of our 1-day Kakadu tour or a Litchfield National Park tour. To book your extraordinary encounter with crocodiles, get in touch with Autopia Tours today!

Trip Advisor Reviews

Online booking.

The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Darwin City for a jumping crocodile cruise.

• +61 8 6244 2065
• [email protected]
• 440 Stuart Highway, Winnellie, NT 0820

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Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River

Guluyambi cruise costs.

$84 per adult (and solo traveller) $54 per child (4-14yo) Tour code: K86 Operates daily between 1st May & the 30th November Times: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Departs from the Upstream Boat Ramp on the East Alligator River

• Experienced Aboriginal cultural guides
• Breathtaking escarpment scenery
• Traditional survival skills
• Small groups - personal experience
• 100% Aboriginal owned & operated
• Count the crocodiles!

The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a unique boat tour on Kakadu’s scenically spectacular East Alligator River.

Take in the wonderful pristine wilderness of this World Heritage landscape as you leisurely cruise up stream.

An Aboriginal guide provides guests with an insight into their culture, local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants & animals as well as bush survival skills.

Disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river for a display of traditional hunting & gathering implements. Limited to just 25 guests, the Cruise ensures an intimate & personalised cultural experience.

Guluyambi Departure Point

Getting there: .

Allow 45 minutes from Jabiru. From the Arnhem Highway 5km west of Jabiru, turn north onto the Oenpelli Road. After approximately 36 km turn off to the right following a sign to the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise and Upstream Boat Ramp (East Alligator River). This turnoff is about 400 metres before the Border Store.  The road is sealed all the way.

Allow approximately 4 hours traveling time and 300kms distance from Darwin to Upstream Boat Ramp.

Please Note:

We encourage clients with special needs to contact our reservation staff in advance of booking. All efforts will be made to accommodate special need requirements within the safety conscious environment in which we operate.

<p><strong>Parking:</strong> A large public carpark is available at the Upstream Boat Ramp. Parking is at own risk.</p> <p><strong>Check in:</strong> Give your name, number of people in your party and confirmation number to the Guluyambi check-in staff at the shelter at least 10 minutes in advance and await boarding instructions.</p> <p><strong>Special Needs:</strong> If any member of your group has special needs or requirements as part of the cruise, please call the Jabiru office at least a day in advance on 1800 525 2381800 525 238.</p> <p><strong>Cancellations:</strong> If you find that you will be delayed and unable to make the cruise that you have booked, please ring the Jabiru office on 1800 525 2381800 525 238 FREE and every effort will be made to reschedule your departure subject to availability.</p> <p><strong>Locality Map:</strong> - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise Locality Map - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise (387 KB)</p> <h4><em>Please Note </em></h4> <p><em>Note 1: We reserve the right to modify itinerary and cruise operations to an alternative water system if environmental and cultural issues prevent access to advertised waterway. Wet season operations are usually possible on Magela Creek. </em></p> <p><em>Note 2: We reserve the right to use non-indigenous guides on this cruise on occasions where, for cultural reasons, replacement staff are required.</em></p>

Contact Details

(emails preferred), kakadu cultural tours, e: [email protected], freecall: 1800 525 238, anbinik kakadu resort:, e: [email protected], p: 61 8 89793144.

08 8978 9077

Getting here

Map | Transport | FAQ

LOOK FOR THE BIG YELLOW SIGNS ON THE HIGHWAY!

Just under one hour’s drive from Darwin, down the Arnhem Highway toward Kakadu, or just under 2 hours from Jabiru in the heart of Kakadu National Park.

Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles Cruises, located on Beatrice Hill Farm, via Windows on the Wetlands Visitor Centre. Our shared entrance will introduce you to the surrounding Adelaide river floodplains. Frequently water buffalo, cattle, and magnificent wader birds can be viewed from the comfort of your car, along our entrance drive.

Our large yellow signs with the Jumping croc logo make finding us very easy. Continue along the Arnhem Highway, across the floodplains causeway, then turn left into the Window on the Wetlands visitor centre. If you get to the Adelaide River bridge, you’ve gone too far! Turn back towards Darwin, we are the next driveway on the right.

How do I get there?

Spectacular Crocodile Cruises is the first cruise you will encounter from Darwin. There are so many signs on the highway it can get confusing. Stay on the Arnhem Highway, cross the floodplain causeway, then look for the exit for Windows on the Wetlands at Beatrice hill, the highest point for miles in any direction, and turn left into the drive. Continue around the base of Beatrice hill, until you see our entrance near the working cattle yards, and enjoy your drive along the graded road through the wetlands until you reach our facilities. Make sure you keep your eyes open and look for the amazing wildlife along our drive.

Please note – Access to Spectacular Crocodile Cruises is via an approx. 2km well-maintained, unsealed road. Please check with your rental car operator. Most are quite happy to have you use our access road without affecting your rental policy.

What If I Dont Have A Car?

Click here to see transfer options to our facilities. Please be aware that taxis/Ubers do not operate in our area unless organised in advance.

AAT Kings offer transfers from Darwin city to our location in their modern air-conditioned coaches. From half-day, full-day tours, to overnight trips to Katherine and Kakadu, as well as a jumping crocodile tour package, AAT Kings are the perfect way to see the Top End for all age groups.

Nautilus Aviation and Airborne Solutions are the perfect transport option for those looking for a more adventurous route. Skip the traffic and experience the sights of the floodplains from the air as an experienced helicopter pilot delivers you straight to our door, ready to board your cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring.

Hat, sunscreen and camera.

Are the crocs harmed?

Absolutely not. Their welfare, along with your safety, is our highest priority. We have developed the first Animal Welfare Policy for our interactions to ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained. These guidelines have been reviewed by NT Parks and Wildlife, as well as several crocodile behaviour experts and meet the standards of international groups. All of our interactions are monitored and recorded to ensure that over-feeding or over-interaction never occurs. We pride ourselves in promoting natural behaviours not theatrics and staged fights Please feel free to ask our crew for more information if you have any concerns.

What days are you open?

How safe are the jumping crocodile cruises.

We pride ourselves on offering the best and safest tours on the river. Not only do our boats meet or exceed Australian Marine Safety Authority standards, but we ensure that by having multiple crew on our boats, there is always someone watching out for your safety, even if you’re busy taking in the action. Our boats are the safest way to get close to the action. Despite claims by other operators that you need small boats for the experience, even our largest boat, is a similar size to the “small” tour boats on other parts of the river.

Are you mobility accessible?

We have modern Australian standard compliant ambulant and disabled bathroom facilities available onshore, as well as disability parking spaces. Due to being in a flood-prone area, our facilities are elevated, meaning that our upstairs kiosk is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible at this time.

Our friendly staff are more than happy to assist patrons as needed from our downstairs seating area. To board our boats, passengers need to be able to navigate an approx. 10-meter walkway, and three stairs onto the vessel, staff are happy to assist if needed. Alternatively, we can accommodate one wheelchair on Wildcat only, subject to availability, please contact our office directly for more information.

Do you still operate if it is raining?

Crocodiles frequently show a tactile response to rain, and on hot Wet Season days, a cool shower is often a welcome relief for the crocs and crew. We carefully monitor the weather conditions and will operate as long as it is safe to do so. Due to the Territory’s unique tropical weather conditions, rain in Darwin City, or even nearby Humpty Doo, does not mean rain on the river. Please feel to call to check the conditions if you are unsure. Any cruises cancelled or postponed due to weather will be rescheduled or refunded as appropriate.

Is there an age limit?

We offer a family-friendly experience for all ages. Children under 3 years of age ride free, and those who hold an Australian Seniors Concession card are applicable for seniors discount. Please note that while prams or walking frames are not able to be brought aboard for safety reasons, they can be left at our jetty for when you return. Our staff are happy to assist those with mobility limitations where possible. Please contact our office if you have any further queries.

How long does the tour last?

Our regular scheduled cruises at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm , are scheduled to last an hour. We do offer speciality cruises from time to time, as well as private charter options.

How long before the tour should I arrive?

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the departure of your cruise. This ensures plenty of time to complete check-in, and safety briefing, as well as time to use our bathroom facilities before boarding.

We are located approximately 1 hour (66km) from Darwin CBD off the Arnhem Highway, behind Windows on the Wetlands visitor centre. *Please be aware that taxis/Ubers do not operate in our area unless organised in advance.

Cruise and transfer packages are available to book here.

Do you have parking?

We offer ample parking, large enough for caravans and coaches. Please note that we have a well maintained unsealed access road from the Arnhem Highway to our carpark. A hire car will not restrict your access.

Are there toilets at your location?

We have toilet facilities available. Our waste water management exceeds current health department requirements, so you can be assured that no matter what you leave behind, it won’t have a lasting effect on the environment.

Are there toilets on the boat?

Unfortunately not. We suggest you take advantage of our modern shore facilities before heading out on our cruises. Our wastewater management exceeds current health department requirements, so you can be assured that no matter what you leave behind, it won’t have a lasting effect on the environment.

COVID-19 Information

SJCC endeavours to comply with and exceed all safety precautions for both our passengers and our crew.

All common areas are cleaned and sanitised regularly between cruises to minimise cross-contact with guest groups.

We understand that during this time making an advanced booking can seem risky, given how often restrictions can change. All guests can be reassured that we will reschedule or refund all bookings that need to be altered due to Covid-19 where possible. We strive to ensure that everyone can experience our cruises and crocodiles in the safest way possible, and can book their holiday with peace of mind.

What can I expect to see on the tour?

This is the fun bit. We don’t know what you’ll see. Our guests have witnessed life and death battles, meal stealing bull sharks even the occasional sawfish feeding in the shallows, and rare birds. The wildlife you’ll observe is just that, wild. You can generally expect to see not only some of the largest saltwater crocodiles up close but some of north Australia’s most interesting birdlife.

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Experience Kakadu with us

Embark on the ultimate outback adventure from the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and Cooinda Lodge, with iconic attractions, tucker, tours and cultural experiences on your doorstep. Kakadu Tourism is Indigenous owned, and is the largest collection of facilities catering to tourism in Kakadu.

At the heart of the Kakadu experience is the fully-Indigenous owned operations. These modern caretakers inherited the land from their forefathers and are now sharing their ancestral knowledge to provide an authentic base to those who want to explore in this ancient land.

Stay with us

Mercure crocodile hotel.

View about Mercure Crocodile Hotel

Cooinda Lodge

View about Cooinda Lodge

Yellow Water Campground

View about Yellow Water Campground

Mother's Day Special

Stay at Cooinda Lodge for a FREE Yellow Water Cruise for Mum or Stay at the Crocodile Hotel and receive a complimentary bottle of wine and special gift. Valid for stays over 11th and 12th May 2024 - Book now!

NEW Bush Tucker Tour

MAY-OCT | This new walking tour delves into the flavours of Kakadu, exploring Indigeous bush tucker and uncovering traditional uses of various local plants and their cultural significance to the Bininj (Indigenous) people.

Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp

JUN-SEP | NEW Overnight Cultural Tour! Experience Kakadu through the Indigenous lens, visit traditional Aboriginal land and engage directly with the local community, while observing traditional cooking practices.

Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu (Taste of Kakadu)

24-26 May | Enjoy a range of activities from a Yellow Water canape cruise, a guided tour through World Heritage Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art sites, and lessons on how to weave pandanus grass or make traditional spears.

NEW Warradjan Online Art Store

Where traditional artistry has been practiced on Country for over 65,000 years. Warradjan is a legacy for the culture and history in Kakadu, with an interactive museum, art exhibit and meeting place to sit on country with our Traditional Owners.

Experience with us

Attractions.

Attractions you MUST see during your visit to Kakadu National Park. See places to swim, popular walks and sights to see in Kakadu

See Attractions

Yellow Water Cruise

The wetland wildlife is awake and ready to showcase the very reason to visit Yellow Water Billabong.

Find out more about Yellow Water Cruise

Kakadu Air Scenic Flight

Soar over the stunning landscape all year round and discover the breathtaking beauty of Kakadu National Park from the sky. Kakadu Air flights offer a unique perspective on the park's stunning landscapes.

Find out more about Kakadu Air Scenic Flight

Warradjan Cultural Centre

Where traditional artistry has been practiced on Country for over 65,000 years. Warradjan holds an interactive museum, art exhibit and meeting place to sit on country with our Traditional Owners.

Find out more about Warradjan Cultural Centre

Yellow Water Fishing

Try your luck at catching one of the territory's famous barramundi with a three hour fishing experience on Yellow Water Billabong or Home Billabong.

Find out more about Yellow Water Fishing

Kakadu Adventure Tours

Visit the stunning vistas of Kakadu's landscape with an experienced and knowledgable tour guide. Itineraries can include Kubara Rock Pools, Motor Car Falls, Boulder Creek, Ikoymarrawa Rock Hole or Maguk.

Find out more about Kakadu Adventure Tours

Acknowledgement Of Country

Kakadu Tourism is proudly Indigenous owned. We are the largest collection of facilities catering to tourism in Kakadu with a core focus on positive Indigenous outcomes.

Cooinda Lodge is Murumburr Country and Mercure Crocodile Hotel is Mirarr Country. It's a privilege to celebrate the Indigenous roots of this land.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders, both past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.

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Crocodile at Cahills Crossing

There are around 10,000 crocodiles in Kakadu – that’s 10% of all the crocs in the Northern Territory!

We have two types: freshwater crocs and the ‘salties’ (saltwater crocodiles). Freshwater crocs have a narrow snout and a single row of four large scutes (bony plates) right behind their head. Salties have a broader snout and no scutes.

Freshwater crocs measure up to three metres long, while male saltwater crocs can grow to a whopping six metres and weigh in at more than 1000 kg!

Both species can live for more than 50 years.

Where to see it

See crocodiles safely on a commercial cruise on the East Alligator River or Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) Billabong. Another option is to watch them from a high platform like the Cahills Crossing viewing platform or Yellow Water boardwalk .

The dry season is the best time to see crocs as shrinking water bodies force them to concentrate in smaller areas.

Remember that wherever there is water, there might be crocodiles. Be careful near rivers and billabongs and pay attention to croc warning signs.

Download a PDF guide to Kakadu’s crocs

Saltwater crocodiles mostly feed on fish but may also take turtles, birds and large land animals such as wallabies, dogs, pigs, horses, cows and buffalo.

Freshwater crocs eat fish and small animals such as frogs, lizards, snakes, rats, bats, birds and insects.

Like all reptiles, crocodiles rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature. While basking in the sun, they open their jaws wide to prevent their brains from overheating (although an open mouth can also be a threat).

Mature crocodiles compete fiercely for territory, sometimes fighting to the death. After a dispute, the defeated crocodile may travel hundreds of kilometres in search of new territory.

Other names

• Scientific names: Crocodylus porosus (saltwater crocodile) and Crocodylus johnston (freshwater crocodile)

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NT government unveils new saltwater crocodile management plan, stops short of mass culls

On the murky waters of the Adelaide River, saltwater crocodile cruise operator Tony Blums has watched the rise of the iconic but deadly species over the past four decades.

WARNING: This story contains the name of an Aboriginal man who has died, used as per the wishes of his family.

"At the present time, we now have a situation where every 50 to 100 metres, we've got a crocodile pretty much over two metres in length," Mr Blums said.

His observation isn't outlandish.

Since saltwater crocs were protected from mass culls and hunting in the Northern Territory in 1971, the species has boomed from 3,000 to an estimated population of 100,000.

Now, in a bid to rein in the threat of saltwater crocodiles to human safety, the ABC can reveal hundreds more are set to be removed from Top End waterways every year.

The Northern Territory government will allow 1,200 crocs to be removed annually, a figure being unveiled in its newly finalised 10-year crocodile management plan.

The new quota is a substantial increase from the previous figure of 300, but stops short of a widespread cull of the species, a possibility put out to public debate earlier this year.

The decision comes less than a year after a 67-year-old tourist was bitten by a two metre saltwater crocodile at Wangi Falls – a popular tourist destination south of Darwin.

NT Environment Minister Kate Worden said the latest move "was about public safety".

"We want to be able to go to our national parks and know that there's waterholes that we can safely swim in," Ms Worden said.

"So that's what we will be doing, increasing that live harvest, taking out the juveniles, taking out some older crocodiles as well, to make sure that those public spaces are really safe."

The government is also making changes so more crocodile eggs can be taken from the wild.

"We've talked to scientists, we've talked to people in the industry," Ms Worden said.

"We've got scientific evidence to back up those decisions."

Plan to fuel remote crocodile economy

The new 10-year management plan also seeks an "increased focus" on working with traditional owners to help fuel the crocodile economy on Aboriginal land and sea country.

One of those who has long been calling for more involvement of Aboriginal landowners in crocodile management is Jida Gulpilil, son of the trailblazing Yolŋu actor David Gulpilil, who starred in landmark Australian films including Crocodile Dundee.

"People do want to live and prosper on their own homelands," Mr Gulpilil said.

"And what better way to be able to do that than as part of their land management and conservation efforts?"

Mr Gulpilil wants his business in north-east Arnhem Land, Gupulul Marayuwu Aboriginal Corporation, to be at the forefront of the new developments, including by allowing a quota of "high-end clients" into Arnhem Land to hunt for saltwater crocodiles.

"We are seeking the support and approval towards the sustainable use of saltwater crocodile live harvest commercially," he said.

"You have the potential to bring in high-paying clients to live harvest saltwater crocodiles around our community areas ... the opportunities there will be very rewarding."

Mr Gulpilil said it would be a vastly different model to so-called "safari hunting" but would allow permitted clients to take a trophy such as a skull or a skin of a crocodile pegged for removal.

"This is not Africa, this is Australia, we don't do safari," he said.

"We are reframing it to be more of a sustainable management system, [as] part of our land management and conservation efforts."

Ms Worden said the NT government is "open to those ideas."

"Whether it's trophy hunting or it's starting a small enterprise in a remote community, what we do want is to get Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory working," she said.

The crocodile industry is worth an estimated $25 million in the NT annually.

Experts 'shocked' over culling debate

Crocodile attack specialist Brandon Sideleau said while he doesn't "have any big problems" with the NT government's new live crocodile harvest quota, he had some reservations.

"I do have a problem if they're going to be removing exceptionally large animals, unless they're in an area that poses a serious danger to people," Mr Sideleau said.

"A lot of these crocodiles are iconic, they're very important to tourists … and they're also very ecologically important, they keep the other crocodiles in check."

Mr Sideleau was critical of the NT government's decision last year to reignite a public debate about culling the species, which he called "disappointing and irresponsible".

"We haven't had a fatal attack since 2018 – that's the longest we've gone without a fatal attack since the 1990s," Mr Sideleau said.

"That's significant, it means the [former] management plan really works, and I was very shocked."

NT crocodile management pioneer Grahame Webb said he also believed the culling debate was triggered for overtly political reasons.

"In this case we had one tourist bitten by a crocodile, and suddenly it became a political issue, with some of the politicians saying 'oh, there's too many crocodiles, we've gotta cull all the crocodiles'," Mr Webb said.

Ms Worden denied the recent culling debate was fuelled by politics.

"We have seen a big increase of crocodiles, saltwater crocodiles who are an apex predator and a risk to human safety," she said.

"You speak to anybody here … it's becoming an issue for people.

"So it's timely that as a government, we look at that, and see what's possible to make sure that we can decrease that risk."

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