Are there crocodiles in Brisbane, Australia?

Crocodiles are gradually moving further south in Queensland, but as yet, there are no crocodiles in Brisbane.

Many visitors to Australia are worried about the notorious collection of scary animals. But it’s not worth being overly worried about spider bites, shark attacks and dangerous snakes – they are rare.

Visitors to the northern parts of Australia also have crocodiles to contend with. But how far down the Queensland coast do saltwater crocodiles? And are there any crocodiles in Brisbane?

Crocodile territory in Australia

One or two people per year are killed by crocodiles in Australia. They are genuinely big – the biggest crocodiles weigh around 800kg – and scary.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

Crocodiles in Australia inhabit the coastal, tropical parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. They do come a little south of the Tropic of Capricorn, however. The generally accepted dividing line of crocodile territory in Queensland is the Boyne River, south of Gladstone and north of Tannum Sands.

However, crocodiles have in the past been pulled out of the Mary River, near Maryborough. There’s good evidence that crocodiles are moving south. Whether this is due to climate change or a reversion to what crocodile territory was before Europeans arrived and started shooting thousands of crocs is open to debate.

Crocodiles in Brisbane

However, there are no crocodiles in Brisbane. The general southward movement of Australia’s crocodile movement has not yet reached the Queensland capital.

Crocs are cold-blooded creatures, and the Brisbane winter, while mild by almost any human standard, is too cold for them. It’s the same reason why there are no crocodiles in Sydney, no crocodiles in New South Wales, no crocodiles in Melbourne and no crocodiles in the Murray River.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.