Weipa is known for its pristine beaches, striking blue water and fantastic outdoor activities, but while all is calm on the surface there are a few creatures to be mindful of when stepping into the great outdoors to enjoy the sunshine.
Weipa’s North Queensland location and warm temperatures mean crocodiles inhabit the area and often you will hear others refer to the region as croc country. Though they are magnificent reptiles to look at, getting close to one is the last thing you’ll want to do. Whether you’re wandering along the beaches or heading out on your boat for a day of fishing, you need to keep your whits about you.
The Queensland Government have compiled a list of handy pointers to keep in mind for those living and travelling to Weipa.
These include:
- Report all crocodile sightings to 1300 130 372 even if you’ve reported the animal before.
- Stay at least 5m from the water’s edge—crocodiles often hunt their prey at the water’s edge.
- Dispose of your food and fish scraps in a bin—don’t leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, around your camp site or at a boat ramp. Crocodiles will be attracted by an easy meal, and this puts subsequent visitors to the area at risk.
- Do not feed crocodiles—it is illegal, dangerous, and teaches crocodiles to associate humans with food.
- Be extra cautious at night, dusk and dawn when crocodiles are most active.
- Stay well away from crocodile traps. Crocodile traps are designed to attract hungry crocodiles so avoid fishing and boating near them and never interfere with them. People who deliberately interfere with the operation of crocodile traps face penalties that may exceed $15,000.
- Dogs are attractive prey to crocodiles. Keep your pets on a lead and away from the water’s edge.
- Watch out for crocodiles in unusual places after very high tides and heavy rains. Crocodiles can move further upstream during very high tides and periods of flooding and may move into new areas where they have not been seen before.
- Breeding female crocodiles will defend their nests aggressively. September to April is breeding season for crocodiles.
- Crocodiles are more active during the warmer months of the wet season
For more information about staying safe in croc country, visit environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/crocodiles/croc-wise
