Crocs and water crossings

Beatit, that guy is braver than me to go across that crossing in that current. Another job for the SES!!

Mate i have seen crocs swimming out at sea at least 5km out from the nearest land against the current and on the reef. In my opinion never trust any water in croc country. Like honestly its a predator that lives in the water and will chase you on land, the guy crossing that river has some serious confidence in himsef and the 4wd good on him. I noticed that it is about 600mm of water according to the depth gage but flowing fast. I wonder who whould get out of the 4wd first if he stopped?

I saw a show a few years ago and it had a bunch of Aboriginal kids spear fishing for barra up on Cape York.
They were walking up a tidal creek and when they came to a waterhole out would come the spear and they would stab at random into the muddy water and try their luck.
There was this one waterhole that looked about 6m by 3m and wasn't even 1m deep (one of the kids was wading in it) and they started stabbing the spear about. Next thing they know the water boils and a 4m croc comes snapping out of the water and kids start heading in all directions.
They all had big grins and thought it was hilarious; I would have pooed myself to death right there.

Heard a great theory on how to check a northern river for crocs, whilst 4WDing:

Drive up to river, stop, reverse, back vehicle into river JUST enough to wet the tyres, drive back out the way you came. Brew up close to river, with wet tyre tracks showing your 'exit' from river. Wait for next vehicle to approach.

Option 1: Vehicle approaches from other side of river and proceeds through without checking depth. He's solved your question for you, either successfully or otherwise!

Option 2: Vehicle approaches from either side, occupant walks crossing then follows in vehicle. Same result, he's solved the question for you.

Option 3 (this one's nasty!): Vehicle approaches from either side and sees you on side of river enjoying a coffee. Driver asks you if the crossing is OK. You point to your (hopefully) still wet tyre marks showing 'exit' from river and advise everything is OK. Driver then negotiates river! Solves question for you.

So there you have it, you haven't got wet, sunk your 4WD, been eaten, and enjoyed a nice relaxing coffee whilst chatting to passersby!

Please don't try these at home.

An old hand once told me that there was only one thing to remember about a salty.
"His one aim in life is to eat you !"
I've always remembered that and behaved accordingly.

My experience from many years ago at yellow waters in Kakadu , one of the crossings on the way back to pine creek we came across an "alternate" couple in a HK Holden wagon in the middle of the creek with the water almost up to the windows . After pulling it out (what a site, water pouring from all the rust holes" looked back at the creek and MRs atternate was breast feeding a child on a log in the middle of the creek only metres from the sign warning of satlies in the area. Takes all types I guess , bold or ignorant , who knows.

Dave L

Yes mate, that was me espousing that bit of wisdom. I would err on the side of caution to say that it is a myth.

I am no croc expert but crocs are lazy and will take the easy way out. It is possible that the croc did not intend to be in that strong current or it may also be possible that it was there intentionally. And yes, they are fast in the water and can do about 40kmh on land for a very short distance.

Having spent 20 years in the top of the NT one sees many things. Cahills Crossing is especially dangerous and it is always best to time your crossing with the tidal change when the crossing is dry. The South and East Alligator Rivers flow at about 12 knots. Occasionally you will see a shark fin near the crossing as well. The bloke pushing through that water in the pic is taking a risk.

Friends of mine had a horror crossing after being offered a tow across the river after ignition problems. The tow rope came loose and they drifted off downstream, the Pajero capsized and sank and only the quick thinking of a boatie nearby saved them from becoming croc dinner.

The years of human activity at the crossing have brought the crocs closer, always looking for a chance feed. Even a short while after that bloke was taken by a croc at the Crossing, people would stand close to the water trying to catch the elusive barra. Talk to them and they reply that they know what they are doing.

Never smile at a crocodile!!!