Camper Trailer Australia – August 2019

Beforehepassedawayin2010,crocwrangler-turned-

conservationistMalcolmDouglasgavemesome sage

advice:“It’snotthecrocyou can see that you need to worry

about.It’stheoneyoucan’t see that will get you.”

Hiswordshavestuckwith me ever since. While spotting

thenorth’smostprehistoric hunter can be a thrilling

experience,it canalsobedangerous; so use these tips to

stayatthetopofthefood chain:

• Neverdangleyourarms or legs over the side of the boat
  andbeextremelycareful when reeling in fish.


• Campwellbackfromthe water’s edge and at least
  twometresverticallyabove the waterline, and avoid
  repetitivebehavioursuch as preparing food, gutting fish
  orwashingdishesatthe water’s edge.


• Takecareatnightwhen estuarine crocodiles are more
  activeandrememberthat with excellent night vision and
  theabilitytoremainunderwater for up to an hour, crocs
  maybelurkingevenwhen you can’t see them.


• Obeysignageandif indoubt, stay out of the water.

Thegoodnews(forgirlsanyway) is that men are much more

likelytobeattacked,especially those aged 16-35 years.

If crocsfascinateyou,head for the Daintree River to

launchyourtinny,joina wildlife cruise or hang out at the

ferrycrossingwherecrocs regularly haul out to warm up on

themudbanks.

Whenyougo:Daintree River is located 116km

northofCairns.Campsites at nearby Wonga Beach

CaravanParkcost$37/$32 (powered/unpowered), no pets

(destinationdaintree.com).

ADVENTURES

EENSLAND

FAR NORT H

SPPOTTAACCROC ANDS )

Always obey warning signs to

stay safe from croc attacks

roc-free

The dense forest of Daintree National Park

protects crocodile and cassowary habitat

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NĄĥCROCYąCANS½Ĥ¢Yą

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YąCANsTS½Ĥ¢IJëGETYąu

If you explore Mossman Gorge

early, you can have it all to yourself