Be Crocwise Near All Waterways

Saltwater crocodiles can be found in almost any waterway!

While they can spend time on land, crocodiles are semi‑aquatic and rely heavily on water for survival:

Built for saltwater, but still need fresh water Saltwater crocodiles have specialised salivary glands in their tongues that remove excess salt, allowing them to live in marine environments for long periods. However, they still need access to fresh water to stay properly hydrated.
Cold-blooded temperature control As ectotherms, crocodiles depend on their environment to regulate body temperature. They bask in the sun to warm up, then retreat to the water to cool down once the day heats up.
Perfect aquatic hunters Their bodies are designed for stealth. Crocodiles can lie just beneath the surface, almost invisible. Tiny sensory organs in their skin (seen as small dots) detect vibrations in the water—alerting them to any potential prey.
Surviving the dry season When waterholes shrink or vanish, crocodiles can burrow into the mud to stay moist and conserve energy, waiting for the rains to return. It’s hard to tell at first glance, but there are two crocodiles in this photo, both over 3 metres long. They were battling for space in the last remaining waterhole on a Croker Island floodplain—tucked beneath the roots of a large fallen tree.

Stay alert when you are camping, fishing and hunting, Be Crocwise.