Crocodiles

I'm going camping / hiking in the Northern Territory and am getting very mixed, occasionally hysterical, reactions about the threat of crocodiles. Anyone got any advice? Are they lurking around every corner with reasonable access to water or are they few and far between and unlikely to be encountered?

If camp in any national parks sites your safe . Staying away from the waters edge or swamps

Generally, crocs will be living in water or close to it, sunbaking out on banks if their body temp has dropped and though they will usually feast on whatever they find in the water including humans or on whatever may be close to the river edge, it isnot unknown for them to spend a short time a bit away from the water for just like anything in the wild, hunger can drive them to satisfy that hunger.
As for hiking and camping, make sure you plan ahead with the proper advice from the National Parks people and consult with local rangers on what the current situation is for it can vary dramatically with the seasons and weather.
But no, hey are not going to be lurking around every corner.

It depends where you go. Saltwater crocodiles are far bigger, much more aggressive and much more powerful than freshwater crocodiles.

In estuaries -- that is, river systems that connect with the sea -- the saltwater crocodiles can be plentiful and invisible. In those areas you place yourself at risk if you walk near the water's edge, even without entering the river system itself.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltwater_crocodile

Further inland, in and around water holes and fresh water systems, the freshwater crocodiles are smaller and more reticent. They are likely to be a problem only if provoked, but there is a chance of meeting one crocodile that is not typical of the rest.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshwater_crocodile

However, during flood seasons and king tides the saltwater crocodiles can travel well beyond their usual habitats. The only thing you can do is to seek local advice in each and every area you visit.

There are 2 types of crocodiles, salt water crocodiles and fresh water crocodiles (sometimes called Johnson crocodiles). Saltwater crocodiles are very dangerous while freshwater crocodiles are less so (but don't take your chances!).Over the wet season the saltwater crocodiles will move upstream into the freshwater areas.

If you go to organised camping areas and swimming holes access will be appropriately controlled and sign posted. For example at Litchfield and Kakadu national parks the rangers will make sure there are no crocodiles left in the popular swimming holes after the wet season before they are opened to the public for swimming.

If you are going to "do your own thing" with camping and or hiking you do need to be very very careful in going near rivers, waterholes and swamps. In the lower reaches of rivers and often beaches there will be crocodiles so as mentioned above, take reputable local advice BEFORE you go anywhere off the normal track.

Crocodiles are an issues across the whole of northern Australia (Qld & WA), not just the NT.

Personally I wouldn't go within 20m of any water without a couple of RPGs with me. However, learn the difference between Salties and Freshies. If its being agro, big and has a squarish front end, its a saltie. If its less agro, not as big and has a pointy front end, its a freshie. Salties are a danger to anything and everything, freshies less so, more of a problem for small dogs and small people.

If its being agro, big and has a squarish front end, its a saltie.

The drawback of this approach is the first time you see the croc (and associated agro) may well be as you are being dragged into the water!! Surprise is a key part of their approach, they can be a bit sneaky like that.

I wouldn't swim at night nor on my own.

And look, when trying to assess whether they have a square or a pointy snout, they are giving you a rather toothy grin it is not an indication they want you to get your tooth brush out to give them a brush.

I wouldn't swim at night nor on my own.

Yes swimming with another person increase your chances its not you they go for :-)

Never smile at a crocodile
No, you can't get friendly with a crocodile
Don't be taken in with his welcome grin
He's imaging how well you'd fit within his skin
Never smile at a crocodile
Never tip your hat and stop to talk awhile,
etc., etc., with regards to Walt Disney

Caballero beat me to it.

Never run, walk away, say good-night, not good-day
Clear the aisle but never smile at Mister Crocodile
You may very well be well bred
Lots ot etiquette in your head
But there's always some special case, time or place
To forget etiquette

Freshwater crocodiles aren't known as being man eaters, but give them a wide berth just the same, they will bite in self-defence. I saw some at Katherine Gorge, they were quite small compared to saltwater crocs. Best advice is heed the warning signs and stay out of the crocodiles' way.

Here is a summary of the “croc-wise” guidelines issued by the Queensland state government - Precautions to take in crocodile country.

Meanwhile, in Australia

ME: I'd like to return a defective boomerang

SHOPKEEPER: Ok. Where is it?

ME: I have no idea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FApgjiscghY

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