Hervey Bay croc warning after Eli Creek sighting
Rangers have installed warning signs at a Hervey Bay creek after a crocodile sighting last month.
A warning sign has been installed at Eli Creek in Hervey Bay after a crocodile sighting last month.
A spokeswoman from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation said the sighting had been reported on November 21, 2025, via the QWildlife app.
“Rangers promptly conducted a site inspection, including drone surveys, and found no evidence of a crocodile.
“We have installed temporary signs as a precaution,” she said.
“People are encouraged to continue reporting crocodile sightings via the QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372.
“We investigate every sighting report received.”
It comes after confirmed crocodile sightings in the Wide Bay region earlier this year.
That included a crocodile that was euthanised at Dundathu in July and sightings at Coonarr Beach and Inskip Point.
There was an extensive search for the reptile reported at Inskip, but it was unsuccessful and it was believed the animal had returned further north.
It was believed to be the same crocodile spotted at Coonarr Beach.
The decision was made after wet weather hampered rangers as they tried to catch and relocate the 3m crocodile spotted in the Mary River, with the department confirming the croc had been euthanised for public safety after it was first spotted in late June.
Attempts to catch the croc were unsuccessful due to the weather and stream-flow conditions, a department spokeswoman said.
“Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the Wide Bay area including the Mary River is designated as an Atypical Habitat Zone,” she said at the time.
“In Zone F, and in the interest of public safety, any crocodile confirmed to be present is targeted for removal.”
In 2013 and 2014, two large crocodiles were removed from the Mary River in Maryborough.
