Are there crocodiles in Darwin Harbour?

Saltwater crocodiles naturally inhabit Darwin Harbour, but the Northern Territory capital is covered by the Darwin Active Removal Zone. This means crocodiles found here are captured and removed.

The Northern Territory capital of Darwin is based around Darwin Harbour, which is a popular spot for water-based activities. Adventure boat tours, sunset cruises and jet ski tours head out on the water. Some people choose to go swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in Darwin Harbour, too.

Is it safe to swim in Darwin Harbour?

It is not safe to swim in Darwin Harbour. There is always the risk of being stung by a jellyfish or being bitten by a bull shark. But the main fear for anyone contemplating going in the water is encountering a saltwater crocodile.

Thankfully, the chances of being attacked by a saltwater crocodile in Darwin Harbour are a lot smaller than you might anticipate.

7 great Darwin experiences to book before arriving

Swim face to face with an enormous crocodile in the Cage of Death.
Enjoy the romance of Darwin Harbour on a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional fishing ketch.
Explore Darwin’s food and art scenes on a 3.5 hour walking tour – with lunch or dinner included.
Flit between Darwin’s top attractions with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Combine a wildlife tour with the famous jumping crocodiles cruise.
Get a history fix on a Bombing of Darwin WWII tour and harbour cruise.
Get the adrenalin pumping on a high speed airboat or jetski tour.

Crocodiles in Darwin Harbour

Darwin Harbour is indisputably crocodile territory, and crocodiles do move into the harbour. However, Darwin Harbour is in one of the Northern Territory Government’s Active Removal Zones.

This means that the waterways are regularly patrolled with the specific intention of spotting crocodiles, and permanent traps are set.

Six amazing day trips from Darwin that will improve your visit

Litchfield National Park day tour – including jumping crocodile cruise. (💲 Great value 💲)
Tiwi Islands Indigenous cultural experience including ferry.
One day or four day Kakadu National Park tour.
Kakadu scenic flight – with gorges, waterfalls and epic floodplains. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full day Katherine day tour – including Katherine Gorge cruise.
Arnhem Land full day tour – with ancient rock art.

BOOK NOW, PAY LATER

If crocodiles are seen within the Darwin Active Removal Zone, they are immediately targeted for capture and removal.

Crocodile monitoring is more difficult in the wet season, when crocs tend to move around more and weather conditions make patrols and removal more difficult.

Fatal crocodile attacks in Darwin

Since 1971, there has only been one fatal crocodile attack in the Darwin Active Removal Zone. This was in March 2009 at the Black Jungle Conservation Reserve.

However, there have been five injuries as a result of saltwater crocodile attacks in the Darwin Active Removal Zone since 1971. The last of these was in May 2015, with a kite surfer attacked off Lee Point Beach.

Safe swimming in Darwin

For somewhere safer to swim in Darwin, head to Wave Lagoon. Aqua Park in the Darwin Recreation Lagoon blocks the crocs, too.

If you do want to see crocodiles in Darwin, visit Crocosaurus Cove in the city centre. Several big beasts live here, and there are regular crocodile-feeding demonstrations. This is also where you can get in a see-through box and go swimming in a crocodile enclosure – known as the Cage of Death.

For more information on crocodile management in the Northern Territory, head to the Government website.

The best places to stay in Darwin

You can check out deals on a wide range of Darwin accommodation options. But these are some of the best choices.

For luxury on a special occasion: The superior suites with direct lagoon pool access at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
For the buzziest location at the Waterfront: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront.
The one with the best guest ratings: Hudson Parap.
For affordable city centre apartments with a pool: City Gardens Apartments.
For the magic combo of quality, price and location: Travelodge Resort Darwin.