Locals fume over 'crazy' act by tourists at Queensland hotspot: 'Foolish behaviour'

The community are condemning the continued behaviour of tourists in the area.

Sophie Coghill
·News Reporter
Updated ·3-min read

A community in Far North Queensland have issued a dire warning to "stupid" tourists standing within close proximity to a well-known crocodile, believing the behaviour will end with "someone being eaten".

In an image posted online, a group of three girls can be seen standing on an embankment several metres away from a crocodile nicknamed 'Clyde', with the sighting not being the first of concern for locals in Babinda, near Cairns.

"I'm starting to think the area needs to be fenced off," a local wrote on Facebook, branding the behaviour as "crazy".

The crocodile can be seen on a sand near the waters edge with three girls standing on the embankment above the animal.
The tourists can be seen standing on an embankment near the crocodile in Babinda. Source: Facebook

Another local shared they had spotted other people standing in the same spot a "few weeks ago" and expressed their concern the behaviour would end in catastrophe.

"It's only a matter of time till someone is taken right there ... Insane behaviour."

Tourists' 'foolish' behaviour in croc country

Babinda is situated in croc country, an area in Far North Queensland where "no waterway is considered crocodile free". The animals hunt by stealthily stalking and are known to ambush their prey, using the element of surprise to their advantage.

"Approaching or standing near crocodiles of any size is risky, foolish behaviour," a Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. "People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country."

'Clyde' the crocodile is well-known to locals, often frequenting the area in Babinda. Source: Facebook
'Clyde' the crocodile is well-known to locals, often frequenting the area in Babinda. Source: Facebook

It is not the fist time tourists have been similarly condemned by locals for other irresponsible behaviour in the area, with many ignoring warnings about a waterfall and nearby swimming holes that have claimed lives.

There have been 44 crocodile attacks in Queensland since 1985, with latest data showing up to March 2023. Twelve of the attacks were fatal, according to DES.

Locals have shared their concerns that a crocodile attack will be inevitable if the behaviour continues and fears the animal will pay the ultimate price for the tourists lack of consideration.

"If people keep going down there something will happen and then he will be taken out, leave him be."

How to practice 'crocwise' behaviour, according to DES

  • 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 croc traps – that includes fishing and boating

  • The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks

  • Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure

  • Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water

  • Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, camp site or boat ramp

  • Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs

  • Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.

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