When was the last crocodile sighting in Port Douglas?

The last crocodile sighting at the beach was in July, which led to the beach being closed for an entire day. A three metre croc was captured on the beach in September 2021. The last fatal croc attack in the Port Douglas area was in 2017. The Department of Environment and Science is investigating the latest sighting.



Crocodile sightings are a regular occurrence in Port Douglas, given its location in the "Croc Country" of Far North Queensland. As of early 2026, the most notable recent "high-profile" sighting occurred in October 2025, when a saltwater crocodile was discovered and removed from the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort pool. Guests filmed the reptile casually lounging in the luxury pool, leading to a swift response from Queensland wildlife rangers. Earlier in 2025, another large crocodile was spotted on the 10th hole fairway of the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course, just a few kilometers away. While the Department of Environment and Science (DES) monitors these animals constantly through the "QWildlife" app, sightings at popular beaches like Four Mile Beach occur several times a year, often leading to temporary beach closures. Travelers should always look for the yellow warning signs and assume that any body of water in the region—including estuaries and calm beach waters—could potentially house a crocodile, particularly during the warmer "wet season" months.

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Let's be real. Tropical Far North Queensland is chock-full of crocs, including Cairns. Both species native to Australia inhabit the freshwater streams and brackish creeks of Cairns: the saltwater crocodile and its freshwater cousin, the—you guessed it—freshwater crocodile.

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Keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. Be aware that crocodiles often will bask with an open mouth to regulate their body temperature, and there's no cause for concern if you see this behavior. Swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.

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Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.

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Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.

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the 'sand' is very silty all along that part of the coast ie. soil washed down by the rivers. therefore shore wave action causes the 'mud' to disperse thru the water column. that's the brown stain.

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The best beaches to swim at are mainly in the Northern suburbs. The beaches in the city aren't suitable for swimming due to crocodiles and it being too buddy. However, there is a lagoon to swim in if you're staying in Cairns City.

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