Crocodiles can Jump.....

 The Adelaide River can be both amazingly beautiful and dangerous at the same time. Why I hear you ask?  The beauty is in the scenery, surrounding nature and the green leafed foliage that grows along the riverbank.  Striving to reach up to the sky some with vines growing over them and other standing tall for the Firestick Hawks/Kites and other native birds to roost or make their homes on their branches. While under the water lives a different type of animal, as well as fish.  Are they beautiful, well maybe, then maybe not depending on how you see these ancient creatures of the deep... here can lie the danger of the river.

Jumping Crocodile

Crocodile statue
 If you are lucky and observant you can see Eagles, Jabiru, Brolgas and many other birds nesting on the   branches out of the searing heat. Watching as they   soar, flying on the wind without a care, searching for food.  

 We booked our tour on "The Original Adelaide   River Queen". The tour you book will depend on   which one is best for you.  This was our tour of   choice though there is another company doing tours.  There are two boats, one with open sides and another one with 2 decks and air-conditioning on the lower deck.  Our tour was on the open boat.  Exciting and scary as these ancient creatures of the river can jump if they so wish and you will see this on your tour.   

Propelling themselves with their tails up towards the meat hanging from the pole. How high can they jump?  I hear you ask, well as high as they can depending on their strength. 

The Adelaide River 
 The tour guide knows each one on the river and where their   territory lays and the names of each one.  Sitting in the boat   watching how high the crocodiles can launch themselves out   of   the water is amazing and scary at the same time.  Listening   to   the loud snap as their jaws close shut over the meat is a sound   all on its own.  The guide does warn you to keep all arms, limbs   and children inside the boat as the crocodiles may just launch   themselves at whatever is showing over the edge of the boat.

 As the boat moves down the river you can notice the Fire hawk/kites flying around the boat.  While moving along the water slowly the guide will throw some food out and the hawks will come down low to catch the food.  This is an awesome photo opportunity for any keen photographer or budding novice, that will also make a great memory for later.

And there is my lunch
Why would you go in an open sided boat to see crocodiles that can jump high enough to launch themselves up and even at the boat?  Well, why not, it can give you amazing memories, lovely photos and fun just watching them, there is an educational side to the tour as well.  We learnt about the habits of crocodiles, the wildlife in the area and what you can expect, to some degree, when entering the habitat of crocodiles.  Mainly always be aware of your surroundings.

Some important things to remember before going on your tour:

  • take a hat, wear sunscreen and insect repellent
  • most importantly of all no matter what the season take water.
  • please wear sensible shoes, no high heels (keep them for other adventures)
Whether you admire or loathe these ancient creatures, you have to admire their strength and agility in the water.  Though, heed the warning, they are hiding in plain sight, and you cannot always see them there.  The power they use to launch themselves out of the water to get their meal is extraordinary and fast.
Sign in the Toilets just for a giggle
how high can you jump.


🐸When you go for a swim or fish near the water are you aware of what is around you or just a "she'll be right" attitude?



🐸 Can you swim faster than a crocodile?


Location: 3220A Arnhem Rd, Wak Wak NT 0822, Australia

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