Medium-sized croc spotted at Nightcliff Foreshore

A crocodile has been spotted at a popular Darwin beach, with locals urged to avoid the area.

THE pristine waters at Nightcliff Foreshore has tempted more than beachgoers after a 2m croc tried to take a dog off the beach.

According to a Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security spokeswoman rangers were called to the popular swimming spot about midday on Sunday after reports of a saltwater crocodile lurking between the jetty and beach.

“Rangers worked to clear the beach and let people know,” she said.

One brave swimmer told the NT News when she arrived the beach was mostly deserted but decided to take a dip anyway.

New South Wales central coast couple Georgia Chandler and Cade White were at the beach when the ranger arrived.

“Apparently there was a 2m croc that went at a dog but the ranger didn’t really tell everyone,” Ms Chandler said.

“We reckon there needs to be a better system because he left and people just swarmed, they didn’t have any idea and it’s not really our responsibility to walk up and down telling everyone.”

Ms Chandler said she told a number of people including a woman with a young child who were fishing in the shallows.

Beachgoers brave the water after a 2m croc spotted at Nightcliff Beach. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

In the early afternoon up to a 100 people were laying on the shore or swimming again.

The department spokeswoman said the government were not able to close Darwin beaches when crocs are sighted, as they fall under local council jurisdiction.

“Aside from telling people they are there, which we always do, there isn’t much more we can do. People make their own choices after that.”

The sighting follows reports of a large crocodile at Manton Dam that forced the popular area to close on Friday.