Are there crocodiles in Townsville?

There are crocodiles in Townsville, Queensland, but any crocodiles seen on Townsville’s beaches are targeted for immediate removal.

Townsville is the largest city in North Queensland, and it is by the coast. But there are a couple of good reasons why it is not known as a beach destination.

The first is that if you want beaches in Townsville, you hop on the ferry to Magnetic Island. There are beautiful beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay, plus fabulous snorkelling spots such as Florence Bay and Arthur Bay.

Are Townsville’s beaches safe?

The second is that if you go for a swim off the coast of Townsville, you can never quite be sure what’s in the water with you.

Between November and April, the major problem in this part of Queensland is marine stingers, which are much more prevalent at this time. A sting from a box jellyfish or Irukandji can be fatal.

They are still around for the cooler months, but are encountered far less frequently.

6 Townsville experiences to book in advance

Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.

Crocodiles in Townsville, Queensland

The other potential danger in the water near Townsville’s beaches is saltwater crocodiles.

Saltwater – or estuarine – crocodiles kill an average of one to two people a year in Australia. They can grow to over five metres long and they can swim at speeds of up to 29km/h.

But are there crocodiles in Townsville?

Well, unfortunately, Townsville is very much in crocodile territory. And while crocodile sightings at Townsville’s beaches are occasional rather than frequent, they happen a little to often to be confident about getting in the water.

Townsville accommodation recommendations

The best bets for Townsville accommodation are…

For beachside location: Water’s Edge The Strand.
For a good value, well located motel: Yongala Lodge By The Strand.
For a sassy, chic resort: Rambutan Resort.
For families: Discovery Parks Townsville.
For business-friendly apartments: Quest Townsville on Eyre.

Crocodiles on the Strand, Townsville

Big four metre crocs have been caught off the Strand, Townsville’s main beach, in the past.

If there’s any crumb of comfort, it is that Townsville’s beaches are monitored for crocodile activity. If one is sighted, it is immediately targeted for removal.

Also, while crocodiles do swim in the ocean, they tend to stick to murky waterways – especially creek and river mouths. But swimming at a Townsville beach at night is a stupid idea – you can’t see what’s in the water, and neither can the people monitoring it.