Crocodile Sighting Confirmed At Rollingstone Creek

An eerie shadow spotted in video footage taken by a mother of her children swimming in Rollingstone Creek, north of Townsville, has been confirmed to be the outline of a saltwater crocodile.

Wildlife officers have used photos and videos, captured on Saturday, March 2, to confirm the presence of an estimated three-metre crocodile in the Rollingstone Creek swimming hole, while the presence of three crocodiles was later confirmed in the creek system well downstream from the swimming hole.

Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby said the mother had submitted a QWildlife crocodile sighting report, including a photo, to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI).

“The person told us that she had been swimming on a floatation device and taking underwater photographs of the clear water below,” he said.

“When she returned home and reviewed the photos, she saw what she thought was a crocodile and did the right thing by submitting a report.

“This person, and anyone else who was swimming in that section of the river at the weekend can consider themselves quite lucky.”

Days later, on Tuesday, March 5, three crocodiles were observed during a land-based survey of the creek, well downstream from the swimming hole.

Mr Frisby said the swimming hole was searched along with and areas of the creek upstream and downstream of the Bruce Highway.

“Two of the crocodiles were larger than three metres, while the other was approximately three metres in length,” he said.

“We found no evidence of crocodiles upstream of the swimming hole and saw no crocodiles in the swimming hole.

“The three-metre crocodile we saw well downstream from the swimming hole may be the same one photographed and videoed on 2 March 2024.

“None of the crocodiles we observed exhibited any concerning or dangerous behaviour, and they will not be targeted for removal.”

Mr Frisby said this is a timely reminder for people in the greater Townsville area that Rollingstone Creek is crocodile habitat, and they are in Croc Country.

“People are responsible for the own safety in Croc Country, and we’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water,” he said.

“Crocodiles are highly mobile and can be found in streams and waterways throughout north Queensland, even if there are no warning signs.

“Crocodiles are especially active now, given the recent heavy rains and elevated stream levels and are mobile.

“We’d like to remind people to report all crocodile sightings to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation as soon as possible”.

DESI encourages anyone who spots a crocodile to report the sighting as soon as possible. This can be done by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DESI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

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People in the greater Townsville area are urged to be CrocWise, which includes:

   • Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign

   • 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 crocodile traps – that includes when 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 the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps

   • Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs

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

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Caption: Rollingstone Creek swimming hole is approximately five kilometres inland from where the creek meets the ocean at Balgal Beach

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