Jumping Crocodiles – Adelaide River, Northern Australia
Updated Apr 2022
As part of our Australian tour, we took a boat ride on the Adelaide River in the far north of central Australia to see the fantastic jumping crocodiles. Several different tour boat companies operate on the river, each with a separate area of operation and various types of boats. We went on a small boat, which gives you a close-up eye-level view of a giant crocodile jumping out of the water, just a few centimetres from the boat. To get the crocs to jump, chunks of meat are dangled above the water on a length of piano wire. There are no hooks.
It is impressive to see these seven-metre dinosaurs leap straight up as fired from a rocket. Their speed and agility are contrary to their lumbering appearance. Usually, they move slowly, but they can also run quite fast on land for short distances. So do not underestimate this creature’s speed and do not walk along the edge of any water in northern Australia.
Types of Crocodiles in Australia
The Freshwater Crocodile has a long, narrow snout with a large bulb on the end.
Australia has two species of crocodiles – the Freshwater Crocodile and the Saltwater Crocodile. The Freshwater Croc is much smaller and less aggressive, but you would still not want to go swimming with them. The Saltwater Crocodile can grow to seven metres (23 feet), weigh 1,200 kilos (2,600 lbs), and be quite aggressive. If you were foolish enough to enter the water with them, they would have you for lunch. The Saltwater Crocodile is the largest and most aggressive of the 14 species of crocodiles in the world. The “freshie” Is identified by its long narrow snout, compared to the shorter but much broader snout of the “saltie.”
The snout of the Saltwater Crocodile is shorter but much broader.
Where are the Crocs?
Crocodiles are found all across the north coast of Australia. Just because you are on a river inland from the coast, do not assume there are no Saltwater Crocodiles. The “salties” can enter freshwater rivers such as the Adelaide River.
Where to see the Jumping Crocs
Several different tour boats operate on the Adelaide River. They are based along highway 36 near Corroboree, which is between the town of Humpty Doo and Kakadu National Park.
Other Tours
Besides the jumping croc tours, there is a lovely tour of the Corroboree billabong (a long, narrow lake formed when a river changes course). You might see crocs on this tour, but they do not jump, and the operator does not feed them. Instead, this is a more natural tour to see a typical billabong’s wildlife and plant life. The operator/guide is very knowledgeable of the area and will point out many different species of birds and also explain the plants and insects found in the billabong. They will pick you up at the Corroboree Park Tavern and Campground.