65-year-old man bitten by crocodile at Newell beach

A caravan park manager has spoken about the moment people rushed to help a man who was bitten by a crocodile while sleeping at a Far North beach.

A man has been bitten by a crocodile while sleeping at a Far North beach, authorities have confirmed.

The Department of Environment and Science said the man was bitten on Newell Beach on Tuesday night.

It is understood the man was bitten on his foot while sleeping in a sleeping bag or under a blanket.

He has since been discharged from hospital.

Newell Beach Caravan Park manager Warren Farraway said the man was helped by others on the beach.

“The chap was laying on the beach under a blanket or something when the lizard came and grabbed his legs,” he said.

“He was very lucky, there were other people on the beach who came to his aid and took him to the hospital.”

Mr Farraway said he understood the man was “walking with a limp with some lacerations to both his legs”.

A spokesman from Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service confirmed a 65-year-old man was treated at Mossman Hospital for a crocodile bite.

The spokesman said the patient was discharged from hospital overnight on Tuesday.

A crocodile basking in the mud. FILE PHOTO

Newell Beach Takeaway and Cafe owner Peter Capp said he knew of a large crocodile that lived at Saltwater Head, where it is understood the man was attacked.

“It’s an area that even when you are fishing you have to be very vigilant as there is a large croc that does live there and travel up and down the area,” he said.

The Department of Environment and Science confirmed they were aware of the incident.

“The information provided to DES suggests the man was reportedly bitten on the feet while sleeping on the beach and sought treatment for a minor injury,” said a spokesman.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will investigate, with wildlife officers attending the Newell Beach region to confirm if a crocodile is in the area.”

The spokesman said any camping should be done at least 50m from the waters edge.

It comes after a 37-year-old was attacked, and his dog died, during a crocodile attack near Bloomfield in February.

Footage showed the moment a man and his dog were attacked at a boat ramp.

Alister MacPhee could be seen wading into the water wearing budgie smugglers with his dog Molly.

Mr MacPhee was bitten on the leg but his pet was sadly taken by the crocodile.

He was flown to Cairns Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Originally published as 65-year-old man bitten by crocodile at Newell beach