Cairns crocs: 10 of FNQ’s most famous and iconic reptiles
Whether you’re a fan or not, the Far North is croc country and some of the region’s most well-known reptiles have become part of the fabric of the communities they inhabit. We take a look at 10 of our most iconic salties.
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THE Far North is the land of the monster croc and home to some of the country’s most famous salties.
So it goes without saying that some of these potential man-eaters have grown to become part of fabric of the regional communities they inhabit.
Here are 10 of the most iconic crocs from Cardwell to the Cape.
CASSIUS
Green Island, Cairns
Cassius is the world’s biggest croc in captivity measuring in at a whopping 5.8 metres – or the size of a large motorhome.
The animal is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records and is permanently housed at the Marineland Crocodile Park on Green Island.
He actually lost his title for a brief period in 2012 to “Lolong” – a 6.17 metre beast captured in the Philippines that died in captivity a year later.
Cassius was known to attack boats on the Finniss River in Northern Territory and was said to be a maneater in waiting before his capture in 1984.
He was named after the birth name of Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) and is thought to be at least 112 years old.
CHARLIE
Hartley’s Creek, Wangetti
Legend has it back in 1934 Herb “Pop” Evans saw an advertisement in the Cairns Post selling a crocodile for three pounds.
He had just built a rest stop for motorists between Cairns and Port Douglas on the banks of Hartley’s Creek and thought it would be an ideal attraction for guests waiting for tea and scones.
It was known as “The Old Croc” at first but was soon named “Charlie” after Pop’s mate Charlie Davies – a bus driver who delivered daily visitors on his route from Cairns.
The croc’s fame grew so much that his namesick, Prince Charles, organised a visit in 1966 and the Cairns Regional Council presented the animal with a community service award in 1991.
He died of cancer in 2000 and was known to be in captivity longer than any other saltie on the planet.
MO
Mowbray River, Port Douglas
On the outskirts of Port Douglas in the Mowbray River lives a giant 5m crocodile known as “Mo”.
This gigantic reptile is regularly snapped by wide-eyed visitors lazing on the muddy banks under the Mowbray Bridge, much to the frustration of Port Douglas police and the local council.
Pedestrians are regularly warned about the unsafe nature of traversing the skinny two-lane bridge – which sits in 100km/h zone south of the tourist town – but they’re prayers will soon be answered with the construction of a viewing platform along the river.
The star attraction will undoubtedly be big ol’ Mo – who has been wrongly accused of eating the odd human over the years.
SCARFACE
Daintree River, Daintree
Scarface, also known as the King of the Daintree River, has become somewhat of an online celebrity.
The fiercely territorial 4.5m croc can be found patrolling the banks of the World Heritage-listed rainforest and is a big hit with international tourists.
Daintree tour guide David White posts regular videos on social media of the of the monster male that generate thousands upon thousands of likes.
Travellers heading north are always eager to catch a glimpse of the star saltie, who has been known to bite at the ferry cables at the Daintree River crossing.
Scarface is someone you definitely want to admire from a safe distance and is said to be between 50 and 70 years old.
TRINITY
Trinity Inlet, Cairns
In the 1990s the Cairns inlet was swarming with water skiers. As people waited in the murky waters for their boats to swing back around little did they know one daring croc had his eyes fixed on them.
A 5m saltie dubbed “Trinity” was regularly seen stalking enthusiasts and boats in and around Chinamin Creek, resulting in its eventual capture.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures owner Angela Freeman recalls baiting the trap for the massive beast.
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“He was well known for chasing water skiers up and down the inlet,” she said.
“Back then it was a lot different to what you see now and Trinity was one big croc.”
The animal, estimated to be between 80-100 years old, has been living at the Wangetti crocodile park for the last 35 years.
His legend lives on through the tour guides and visitors, while he has been regularly used in TV shows and magazine shoots – most recently in the ABC drama The Straits.
BRUCE
Mission River, Weipa
Keen fishermen of this Western Cape York mining town and big “Bruce’ have somewhat of a love/hate relationship.
While anglers speak glowingly of the 3m crocodile he keeps them on their toes by pinching barramundi and bait straight off the hook.
He patrolls an estuary with gusto near Weipa.
Legend has it the famous croc got his name after a fisherman accidentally dropped a Bruce brand anchor on his abnormally large head.
TOOTHLESS
Babinda
A toothless and battle scarred five-metre croc trapped near a Babinda swimming hole last month was as resilient as they come.
The animal was found to have a condition affecting its digestive system which meant it could have gone without food for more than 12 months, saddening many locals who had watched it laze on the banks of the Babinda Creek prior to its removal in September.
“Babinda isn’t the same without the king,” said resident Luke Parker.
Originally planned to be rehomed, the large reptile was humanely euthanised when its chances of recovery were deemed minimal.
He was said to at least 75 years old.
BISMARCK/GARY/FLUFFY
Cardwell
If you ever saw a large saltie between 4.5-5m in length swimming around the Cardwell Jetty then chances are it was the famous Bismarck - a crocodile also known as Gary or Fluffy, depending on where you live.
The croc held a special place in the hearts of residents of the small seaside town before it was tragically found dead floating in Meunga Creek in March of 2019.
The town was so moved by his death they held a memorial service to publicly farewell the much-loved croc.
A local fisherman, who found the carcass, said the croc had been shot in the back of the head.
It’s believed he was between 80-100 years old.
HOWARD
Miallo Creek, Miallo
This croc made headlines across the country and overseas when a 10 year-old schoolboy penned a song in his honour and wrote a heartfelt letter to the Queensland Government pleading for “Howard” to be left alone.
The 4m saltie was targeted for removal after it took up residence in a creek frequently visited by locals of the small township, north of Mossman.
Miallo State School’s little Steve Irwin Elroy Woods and his friend Ella Oberholzer, 12, teamed up to record a song they hoped would spare the big reptile.
“We plead to the Government, please leave Howard alone. This is his home,” the boy proclaimed at the start of the song.
A petition, signed by more than 500 people, also demanded the croc be allowed to stay but it was eventually removed and relocated.
BABINDA
Babinda
This massive croc was removed from the town of Babinda in 2010 because it was stalking humans at the boat ramp.
It has gone on to be the star attraction at the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas where it’s massive girth leaves wide-eyed visitors in awe.
Babinda is between 4.2-4.5m in length and is known for his romantic antics at the popular tourist park.
Three female crocs keep it company inside its large enclosure.
Male crocs are known to kill females who take up residence in their territory so Babinda, also known as Bindi, has bucked the trend.
Rabecca Lynch from the Wildlife Habitat said the croc had a unique personality and was like “a big dog”.
Have we missed any of the Far North’s famous crocs? Let us know in the comments below!
Originally published as Cairns crocs: 10 of FNQ’s most famous and iconic reptiles
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