Top croc camping tips

If you’ve ever travelled and camped in Australia’s Top End, the thought of man-eating saltwater crocodiles is never far from mind.

Whether it’s the yellow road signs warning of potential croc habitats, or alarmist stories in the NT News, the oldest living reptiles appear to be an ever-present danger.

Or are they? Much like sharks, crocodiles have received a bad reputation and most attacks (around two a year) are due to humans stepping into their territory.

While crocs are perceived as scary and dangerous creatures, they actually don’t pose that much of a threat to humans - studies reveal you’re more likely to be attacked by dogs and horses in the Outback.

Jase Andrews from the All 4 Adventure TV show has spent plenty of time in croc country, and he's put together some tips for those who enjoy camping in the wetter regions...

Look down

Flattened vegetation, drag marks, and footprints are signs that a crocodile might not be far off. If there are fishermen nearby, be wary of fish scraps as there’s a good chance of attracting a few crocs.

Don’t be deceived by calm waters

Crocs love an afternoon basking in the sun, so keep an eye out on the river banks. But keep in mind, they like to submerge themselves in the water and wait for prey.

If that isn't terrifying enough, crocs can hold their breath for up to an hour - all while slowing down their heart rate to a few beats per minute. You might not see movement in the water, but that doesn’t mean there’s no danger floating nearby.

Stay in designated areas

Pay attention to the warning signs that state whether certain areas are ‘croc-infested waters’. If you don’t see any signs, stay safe and always assume any body of water - particularly mangrove swamps and rivers - has a crocodile; this means avoid swimming, fishing, or canoeing, especially in lesser known bodies of water located in croc country.

Cold weather won’t protect you

Being cold-blooded, crocs are generally more active during the warmer seasons, but that doesn’t mean they’ll disappear for the rest of the year.

Crocs do travel

Even though freshwater crocs aren’t known as man-eaters, that doesn’t mean you won’t find their more aggressive counterpart, the salties, in their habitat.

Don’t bother with zig-zagging

It’s a common misconception that you should run away from crocs in a zig-zag because they supposedly can’t make quick turns. However, bear in mind that these guys can run up to 18km/h so they could probably catch up to you, so aim for the nearest tree and climb as fast as you can.

That said, they rarely attack on land and only chase after you if they feel threatened.

If worst comes to worst

If for whatever reason you find yourself near or within a crocodile’s jaws, don’t bother trying to pry open its mouth; human strength is nothing against the strongest bite in the world, and they’ll only clamp on harder.

A jab to the eyes and punch in the nose should disorientate them and give you some chance of escape.