Are there crocodiles in Innisfail, Queensland?

Innisfail, Queensland, is indisputably inside crocodile country. However, in some areas, crocodiles over two metres in length are targeted for capture and removal.

Innisfail is a town at the northern end of the Cassowary Coast in Queensland, Australia. Most travellers use Innisfail as a refuelling and food stop on the way north from Tully to Cairns. However, there are a few attractions nearby worth considering. These include Paronella Park and the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, as well as Etty Bay Beach.

Is Innisfail in crocodile country?

Innisfail is in Croc Country, which the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science defines as north of the Boyne River in Gladstone. This means it is within the boundaries of the region where saltwater crocodiles live.

There have been several crocodile sightings around Innisfail in the past, and there have also been attacks. In 2017, a man was attacked after jumping into the Johnstone River from Innisfail’s Fitzgerald Esplanade.

Will I see crocodiles in Innisfail?

If you go on a nature cruise along the Johnstone River with Snapping Tours, you’ll probably see a crocodile in Innisfail. These cruises make the crocs the star attraction.

Otherwise, a lot will depend on crocodile movements, and recent reports.

Top experiences near Innisfail to book in advance

Get superlative rainforest views – on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
Enjoy the strange Spanish castle surrounded by jungle – at Paronella Park.
Save money with a Mamu Tropical Skywalk and Paronella Park combo ticket.

Are crocodiles removed from Innisfail?

The Queensland Crocodile Management Plan divides areas up into six zones. Parts of Innisfail – including the Warrina Lakes Botanic Garden and the Johnstone River between the town centre and the coast, are in the targeted management zone.

This means that any crocodiles more than two metres in length, or seen behaving dangerously, are immediately targeted for removal.

Etty Bay Beach, meanwhile, is in the transitory zone. This means crocodiles don’t tend to stay here – they much prefer murky creeks, rivers and lakes to beaches – but might pass through. Again, any crocodiles more than two metres in length or seen behaving dangerously are targeted for removal.