Conversations with Aussies about Crocs

Since entering the country, we have spent the majority of time traveling north along the coast of Australia. Between Cairns and Darwin, most of the stops on the mainland have been in remote or rural areas of the country, so the locals we meet are a little more rugged than typical city folk.

When arriving at an anchorage, we are usually approached by an aluminum motorboat. The first question is "G'day mate! Do you happen to know the weather for the next few days?" We answer if we know the weather and then ask about the best place to anchor. The answer is usually "where ever." Our next question is always "are there crocodiles here?" and the answer is always "yes," followed by a story of the most recent attack. We then ask "is there anything we should do to avoid the crocs?" The only advice we receive is "be careful."

Upon asking enough people, here are a few tips we have learned:

1) Don't swim in the water where there are crocs.

2) Avoid going to shore at night unless there is a dock.

3) If you have to go to a beach at night, never go to the same location more than three times. As one local in Cooktown put it: "The first time they will be scared of you. The second time they will watch you. And the third time they will eat you."