Port Douglas crocodiles: A large saltwater crocodile filmed swimming at Four Mile Beach

A beachgoer’s decision not to go for a leisurely swim was justified when this impressive saltie popped up just metres from the shoreline of a Far North beach. WATCH THE VIDEO

A LARGE saltwater crocodile has left eagle-eyed Port Douglas visitors with jaws on the floor after it was captured swimming just metres from the shoreline at Four Mile Beach.

The impressive saltie, estimated to be over three metres, was filmed swimming in the shallows at the Four Mile end of the stunning tourist beach.

A person in the video can be heard saying “well I almost went for a swim, how funny is that” as the big croc swims close to the water’s edge, moving south towards the Mowbray River.

A large saltwater crocodile has been captured swimming close to the shoreline at Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas. CREDIT: Manual Casagni.

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A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said the behaviour was not unusual with Four Mile Beach sitting in between Dicksons Inlet and the Mowbray River.

Both estuaries are known crocodile habitats.

“That is just normal crocodile behaviour, they are just swimming between river systems,’ he said.

“This is no different to any other time and they are just moving around as crocodiles do.”

It comes as a baited trap was set for a crocodile at the lake on St Crispins Ave on Monday.

A baited crocodile trap, like the one that caught this 2.6m saltwater crocodile from Four Mile Beach last year, has been set up at a lake near St Crispins Ave. Photo: EHP

A 2.3m saltie has been reported by several residents at the suburban lake which is frequently used for fishing.

“The crocodile has been observed swimming and basking on the banks of the lake next to St Crispins avenue in Port Douglas,” the spokesman said.

“The area is highly populated and the adjacent banks of the lake are frequently used for recreational fishing and other activities.

“Based on the crocs location a trap has been set.”

Anyone seeing a crocodile is encouraged to report it to the department by using the Q wildlife app or calling 1300 130 373.

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Originally published as Port Douglas crocodiles: A large saltwater crocodile filmed swimming at Four Mile Beach