New footage of ‘vagrant’ crocodile at Qld tourist hotspot revealed

Fresh footage has emerged of a two-metre crocodile that has sparked a search near Rainbow Beach, north of Brisbane.

A ranger had reported the predator on the sand in front of Sarawak camping area at Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach, on Monday.

Four more sightings have since been reported to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Video captured by camper Chris Kelly on Monday appeared to show the animal swimming off the beach near the barge landing.

Photos taken by a ranger showing what looked like an imprint of a crocodile’s body and claw marks in the sand were also published this week.

“We can reassure the public that this crocodile is considered to be a vagrant animal that has moved into the area from up north,” senior wildlife officer Joshua Morris previously said.

“This sighting does not mean the crocodile population is extending south.

“This crocodile has fled into the water at the sight of people and has so far avoided crowded beaches, but we still need people to be vigilant around the water.”

Rainbow Beach is about 150 kilometres north of Brisbane, or about three hours by car – significantly further south than crocodiles are usually found.

Claw marks snapped by a ranger near the water this week. Credit: Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science

Ground patrols, boats and drones were continuing to search for the animal, which will be relocated if it can be captured.

A crocodile was reported on North Stradbroke Island further south in 2023, but after an extensive search authorities concluded witnesses might have been confused by a log.

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