Crocodile spotted near Cedar Creek Falls

A crocodile has been spotted near a waterfall and swimming spot in the Whitsundays which attracts tourists and locals alike, and it’s not the first time.

Crocodile spotted near Cedar Creek Falls. Photo: Airlie Adventure Tours

A small crocodile has become a regular visitor near Cedar Creek Falls with multiple sightings over the weekend.

A photo of the crocodile laying on a fallen tree at the water crossing about 1km from Cedar Creek Falls was posted to Facebook on Saturday afternoon leading to a number of people sharing their sightings of the crocodile over the last two years.

Airlie Adventure Tours offers regular tours to the area and spokesman said they saw the crocodile in that spot all the time but added it never made its way over to the falls.

They said they have affectionately named the approximately one-metre crocodile Fluffy and have been seeing it for about two years on their tours.

The beautiful location attracts many locals and visitors as one of the most popular swimming spots in the area, despite its proximity to the Proserpine River which has the highest density of crocodiles in Queensland.

Another Whitsunday local said they had seen at least six crocodiles in Saltwater Creek in recent months including one that was more than four metres in length.

Large crocodile spotted in Saltwater Creek late last year. Photo: Contributed

The Department of Environment and Science said they had not received reports of the crocodile but offered some advice to people in the area.

They encouraged all residents and visitors in “Croc Country” to report all crocodile sightings in a timely manner to the department using the QWildlife app the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.

They also urged everyone to be “CrocWise” which includes:

• Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign
• Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
• Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
• Stay well away from crocodile traps – that includes when fishing and boating
• Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
• Camp as far back from the edge of the water as possible
• Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
• Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs
• Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.

Originally published as Crocodile spotted near Cedar Creek Falls