Part of why a Darwin outback adventure should be in your bucket list is the opportunity to meet many of the Northern Territory’s most fascinating animals. From wallabies to barramundi to Gouldian finches, there are so many different animals to discover and marvel at. But if you’re a thrill-seeker who likes to live dangerously, a saltwater crocodile encounter in Darwin might just be the experience for you!
Read below to learn the basics about these fierce predators as well as what to expect during these encounters at Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp!
Saltwater crocodiles, also known as salties or crocs, are known as the largest living reptile species in the world. With its capacity to grow up to 6 metres, these crocs are some of the most intimidating and formidable predators in the wild.
Aside from their size, what makes crocs quite scary are their excellent hunting abilities. This is because of their capacity to stay submerged in the water for an hour and their heightened sense of smell and hearing. This means that they can hide away with only their sensory organs exposed and await their prey, striking when the time is right. Their powerful jaws also make it quite easy for them to kill and devour.
While saltwater crocodiles can be found in several parts of Australia, the Northern Territory has the most abundant population at around 100,000. They usually reside in the wetlands and the rivers. More than this, saltwater crocodiles are also integral to maintaining the ecosystem, in addition to being important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For these reasons, they are highly valued and protected in the NT and in the country.
No outback adventure in Darwin is complete without an encounter with these predators, which is why we bring these ferocious beasts up close and personal for our guests at Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp!
Through our day tour and overnight tour, you can meet our crocs and marvel at them face-to-face. You can also feed them and see their powerful jaws in action for yourself. We’ll also have our guide help you to ensure you’re watching these magnificent creatures in a safe environment. Whether you’re an animal lover or not, this experience is both educational and fun, and definitely something to remember the outback by.
Saltwater crocodiles may seem so scary and ferocious, but like all other animals, they deserve appreciation as well as protection. We hope that these encounters help you discover not just the glory of these crocs, but the desire to protect and preserve them as well.
To learn more about our crocodile encounter and feeding experiences, check out our day tour and overnight tour at Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp! And for more Northern Territory tours and experiences, book now at Matt Wright Wild Territory!
We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present, and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation; we are proud to work closely with the traditional owners of the Northern Territory and to honour their land and culture in everything we do.