Tourists are being warned they risk being attacked if they stand too close to crocodile-infested waters at a northern Australia nature reserve, after footage emerged of crowds gathered just metres away from the predators.
Up to 200 people including children reportedly flocked to the notorious Cahills Crossing at Kakadu National Park where saltwater crocodiles congregate for a soak and to feast.
Some people were even dipping their toes in the water, said ABC Radio Tasmania presenter Leon Compton.
“Someone will get munched there,” he said on Friday.
“A tourist is going to die at Cahills Crossing given the behaviour I saw yesterday at the crossing — it is only a matter of time.”
Mr Compton, who is holidaying in the area with his family, said several crocodiles, including one as large as 4.5 metres, were very close to people “standing right on the edge… with bubbles emerging from the water below”.
He said there is normally a viewing platform which provides a safe distance for tourists to be able to watch the crocodiles but that it was being repaired.
“It was so ridiculous,” he said. “It would have become a stampede if a croc had rocketed out of there.
“And literally crocs visible only metres away.”
Tourists seemingly ignored official signs warning of the risks to life and limb and advising pedestrians that the crossing is closed, ABC News reported.
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Kakadu National Park manager Shaun Barclay warned saltwater crocodiles are dangerous and have attacked and even killed people at the crossing.
“Parks Australia is disappointed with the behaviour of some visitors at Cahills Crossing who have ignored safety signage and walked dangerously close to the water, risking the chance of being attacked by a crocodile,” he said.
“It is not safe to stand at the water’s edge. Visitors should never be complacent around crocodiles.”
A 47-year-old man was killed by a crocodile at the crossing in 2017 after he attempted to wade across the river.
Police at the time described the man’s actions as “foolish”.
On the Kakadu National Park website, tourists are advised to travel by 4×4 on the crossing to get a good view of the crocodiles during the dry season.
But it warned: “You absolutely must remember to stay away from the water’s edge and never attempt to cross the causeway on foot – doing so could be nothing short of *at least* an attempted suicide.”
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