Northern Queensland to Darwin

[Wotname]

Now that this thread has morphed into "back in the day" remembrances allow me to add another FWIW.

The numbers and habits of crocs have changed remarkably in the past 40 years.

I lived at the top of Cape York for a couple of years in the 70/80s and travelled extensively by a 14" tinny, 4WD and light aircraft on both the east and west coasts - beaches, inlets, salt arms, islands etc. It was very rare to see a croc and if you did, it was small (<10') and didn't hang around for more than a few seconds. Yes, there were slides of big fellas and very very occasionally someone would spot a big one.

Presumably many big ones saw us but they never showed themselves. We were croc aware but the prevailing wisdom was never sleep between the waterline and the first dunes and never establish a routine near the water. It was said, they would watch you for 3 days before feeling safe enough to attack.

Clearly this is no longer true and they seem to lost the fear of people.

[44'cruisingcat]

They really have no reason to fear people.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

They really have no reason to fear people.

This is true - now.
Wasn't always true
And presumably it was true prior to say early 1900's.

If so, it tells us that the croc is very quick to react to changes in their environment.

[sea-bee]

Cook's journal from 1770 talks a lot about his time repairing the Endeavour in the river that now bears his name. He wrote about the locals coming to visit from the north and walking along the shore and wading across the river to check the ship. Things have changed much since then.

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by IslandHopper

Crocodile bites teenager 'dared' to jump into Queensland river - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

I thought this fella looked familiar, obviously not the brightest....

Crocodile attack survivor Lee de Paauw charged with assaulting police - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

[knockabout]

must be the water

[nevpen]

Pleased to say we just completed the trip in 6 weeks. Some unseasonally cool weather but great sailing. Our highlight was Lizard Island where we were blessed with blue skies and a fantastic few days. The gulf crossing was benign and tbe Wessels off NT another highlight..
Thanks everyone for all the input.